Hector Aleem Update 11/02/'10

The persecution of Hector Aleem drags on. In this latest update, his family expresses hope that the trial is dragging to a close.  Once again we are reminded that Pakistan's jails are not secure for inmates.  Bear in mind that this can happen to you after Islam takes over. 

Mehwish Aleem November 2 at 3:29pm  

Dear Group Members

The trail is at the end and hope that tomorrow will be the last arguments, I really don’t know other formalities but surely final arguments are near. If it won’t happen tomorrow than it could be done in few days. The court is SESSION COURT IN RAWALPINDI and the name of the judge is Mr. ALI IMRAN additional session judge.
Dear friends the case is at the end and we need lots of prayers, Please remember us in your prayers and also pray for our and daddy’s security. I have read a news today that 11 prisoners from Adiyala Jail (same jail in which daddy is kept) were kidnapped by the intelligence. And they are still missing even after the arrest of the superintendent of jail (because the superintendent handed them over to the intelligence) and the order of Supreme Court. So I am very scared of these circumstances, this is Pakistan and anything could happen anytime, the prisoners are not safe even in jail. Need more and more prayers. Please do donate because I don’t want the lawyer to stop right at the end of the case, we really need this donation. Please do donate generously.

This is the link to the news: http://www.thenews.com.pk/02-11-2010/Top-Story/1744.htm

And this is the link to Pay Pal: http://tinyurl.com/hectoraleem

If you can’t use the Pay Pal you can send through Western Union on my name.

Regards

Mehwish Aleem

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Hector Aleem Update 7-20

These are the two most recent updates to the case of Hector Aleem. This tragic story illustrates the absolute evil of blasphemy laws which the OIC is trying to impose upon the entire world.

July 20 at 1:32pm

Dear Group members

I am very sorry that I didn't update you on time. so here is the update of Hector's case.

1- Our lawyer who was working for us has ran away and after that we found another lawyer who is a Supreme Court lawyer and he has taken our case. When he took our case he told me that first of all he will make Hector out than we will give him his fee but as soon as he took our case he started demanding high fee as he is a SUPREME COURT LAWYER. That is why the amount is bigger than before. I know those who has donated for the previous lawyer do not like this but believe me we are more upset and our case which is very dangerous that even lawyers feels uncomfortable and no organization has helped us that is why we have to do all this alon.

2- Fee receipt of the lawyer is attached but this time I am being more careful. But still we have to collect donations. Do donate any amount you can and if you have already donated than please tell your friends to donate.

3- 22 July is the date of petition filed by our lawyer in High Court. We hope that our FIR ( first information report) will be quashed (cancelled) by the high court judge because it was filed illegal because an individual cannot lodge the blasphemy FIR. A senior officer is supposed to be the plantiff in the blasphemy case and before lodging it he has to investigate the case properly.

4 - As you know that two brothers from Faisalabad having same case i.e. Blasphemy case were shot dead yesterday in Faisalabad - Pakistan and no Police Officer did anything in fact they supported the killer in shooting the victims. Because the killer was only one guy and Police men were many in number but still those two brothers were killed. The reason to tell you this is Hector Aleem is arrested in that false blasphemy case and this case is the most dangerous case in Pakistan. A person can be killed by anyone anytime. So please pray for Hector Aleem's safety and also do write to Pakistani Government for his safety.

5 - Finally please donate any amount you can, because hopefully this maybe the last time we are collecting donation for Hector Aleem. Please pray for the quashment (Cancellation) of the FIR. You can donate through any way, you can either donate through pay pal or through western union. If you wanna donate through pay pal then follow the link given below and if you can donate through western union then contact Mehwish Aleem (in the group admin).

Here is the link for the pay pal: http://tinyurl.com/hectoraleem

Sincerely,
Kausar Aleem
Wife of Hector Aleem

Misbah Aleem July 22 at 5:47pm Reply

Ty brothers and sisters........Today we went to the court but the lawyer of opponent party was not ready and he asked for some time. On the other hand our lawyer did an awesome job, he raised many legal points and judge was very impressed by our lawyer and Judge was on our side. But there were many Mullahs and they began to shout slogan against Christianity.......they were shouting "DEATH TO CHRISTIANITY" After the hearing we ran away from the court and hid ourselves in an office of our lawyer's friend. When the coast was clear we came back to home. We ran away from the court because we heard one of them saying that we must do something to Hector's family to teach that bloody infidel some lesson. We need more prayers..........Thank you once again for praying.

Now next hearing is on 26 July 2010, we got some time till Monday so please pray more and more for Daddy (Hector Aleem) and please all those who are bloggers please submit this story in your blog and tell your other blogger friends. And those who can donate, please donate for the fee of this lawyer. I know the fee is very high but he works really good, I have seen him today he is very brave and bright.

You can donate through Western Union, If you wanna donate through Western Union then please contact Mehwish Aleem (In Admin list). And if you wanna donate through Pay Pal then please follow the link given below.

Here is the link to Pay Pal: Please donate here:
http://tinyurl.com/hectoraleem

Another Request: Those who are Pastors please tell your Church about Hector Aleem. Please just pray for 5 minutes and I hope that God will listen your prayers. Thank you everyone for your support, You have supported us this far we all love you. We have already told Hector Aleem about you people and he is very happy to know that there are many people who are praying for him and are supporting him.

God Bless You All
Misbah Aleem
Daughter of Hector Aleem

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Pakistani Injustice Update

The case of Hector Aleem, falsely accused of blasphemy by Pakistani authorities, continues to drag on. Today I received an update, which I am sharing with you below. This story gives concrete substantiation to the case against blasphemy/defamation of religion laws. Islamic arrogance, supremacism & triumphalism shine through this story with extreme clarity. Lovers of justice and liberty will read this and curse Islam.

*** MAY 19 HEARING ***

Folks,

Yesterday, another one of Hector Aleem’s hearings took place. Because Facebook is temporarily banned in Pakistan, Mehwish Aleem, Hector’s daughter, e-mailed me and asked that I distribute this message to all members:

=======================

“The [prosecuting] Lawyer of Sunni Tehreek has still not arrived from Umrah, that’s why his junior lawyer came for the hearing. Daddy was also there, we saw him but we were not able to talk to him because we were in burqas (for security purpose). The junior lawyer started with the sentence: "I can't tolerate to see this blasphemer standing in front of me; I really want to kill him with my own hands" Judge was there but he didn't say anything to stop him from using that kind of language.

“Our lawyer and Sunni Tehreek's junior lawyer debated (I don’t know the legal word of debate in court language) for one hour and their lawyer was continuously saying that Hector Aleem should be punished or else we will do our own justice. Daddy and lawyer were saying that the real culprit has been caught and legally I should be free from this case but the lawyer of Sunni Tehreek was not trying to listen anything. He gathered many other lawyers from the lawyers bar and they were all in favor of Sunni Tehreek and they chanted slogans against daddy and Christianity. As the lawyer of Sunni Tehreek isn't here so judge gave another date of hearing i.e 27 May 2010.

“After that we went to the lawyer's chamber, there lots of media or maybe people from some news agencies were waiting for the lawyer. So he hid us in his chamber after 3 hours we left his chamber when everybody was gone. In fact YESTERDAY WAS A HORRIBLE DAY.

“Tell people to pray for us and write to our government and other officials to have mercy on us and free my father.

“This was the situation of yesterday. but one important thing Facebook is banned in Pakistan for unknown days due to the 20th May… as we can’t visit Facebook for some days so you have to post this mail there and tell everybody that we can’t visit for few days. And i will inform you about [the May 27 hearing] too.”

=======================

*** DONATION STATUS ***

To date our generous donors have raised approximately 115,000 Rupees (approx $1,350 USD). Below is a scan of the lawyer’s receipt for 90,000 Rupees.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=42391694&l=dd42d8dc64&id=81009551

Last week, I sent the Aleems the remaining amount (sent by members through PayPal donations), and a receipt will be posted soon.

We are still $1,150 short, so any donation would be wonderful. We have had donations as small as $5. Anything helps!

=======================

*** WHAT YOU CAN DO ***

- Please donate for Hector's legal fund (and to purchase clothes, hygienic supplies, etc for him and his family):
http://tinyurl.com/hectoraleem

E-mail admin Mohammed Shouman if you want to mail a check instead.

- Sign the petition to release Hector Aleem from imprisonment and ensure his safety:
http://www.petitiononline.com/HAleem/

- Contact Pakistani officials:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=298776303670&topic=13844

- Contact human rights groups:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=298776303670&topic=14048

- Write to Hector and let him know he is not alone:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=298776303670&topic=14049

- Visit his family’s blog, which was set up to raise awareness on his case:
http://www.hectoraleem.blogspot.com/

- Invite all your friends to join this group and to sign the petition.

- Keep checking back on this group for updates.

- Keep everyone you know informed about Aleem’s imprisonment.


On behalf of the Aleems, thanks to everyone for your prayers, your thoughts, and your continued support and attention. The amount of encouraging messages and donations has been overwhelming.

- MS

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Paki Persecution

I received this message in a Facebook note from a friend. I am reproducing it here in its entirety at the request of my friend. What follows is a copy & paste of the original message, unedited as I received it.

The American electorate needs to become aware of the reality of Islam. I believe that it is better for us to learn from the suffering of others than to experience it directly The message below includes the translated text of several threatening letters. Notice how the Muslim refers to Christians as dogs. They consider us to be less than human. See how they assert that Allah will reward them for killing Christians. Take due notice and vote against any candidate who does not curse and condemn Islam.`

Most of my posts are highly abstract, they deal with the doctrines of Islam, documenting them but not delving into the human level realities on the ground. The message reproduced below gives us a rare glimpse into the real impact of Islamic supremacism & arrogance on one Christian family in Pakistan. It shows us how Shari'ah is used to violate the human rights of Christians in a Muslim majority nation. It shows how justice is denied to them. Read it and curse Islam. Share it with your family, friends and congregation. Lets make the world painfully aware of the real personal impact of the AssWholliness which is Islam.

---

The following is a letter that I am forwarding to you in hope that you will forward it to your pastors and congegrations and friends, or post on your blog sites. Thank you for any help you can give.

Compared to other parts of the world being a Christian in this country is a very easy thing. It requires relatively little sacrifice or courage. I have a friend in Pakistan who is requesting help. She is living in hiding with her mother, brothers and sister and her father is in prison facing death. This all because her father refused to stop working for their church, even after it was burned down by a mob of locals.

In a country where local governments and police answer to Muslim clerics, where women are imprisoned for the “crime” of being raped and young Christian girls are routinely kidnapped and forced into Muslim marriages, or mutilated with acid for refusing marriage Hector Aleem has had the courage to speak out against these things in the name of Christ. For this he has been imprisoned with the charge of blasphemy.

He has refused to renounce Christianity and convert to Islam. Converting to Islam would be the easy way out. It would solve his problems and ensure the safety of his wife and children, but he knows, like the missionaries recently beheaded in Somalia, that this is something a true soldier of Christ can never do. When he is called up before council he lets the Holy Spirit speak. Hector is a well respected Christian and human rights activist. Prior to his arrest he was awarded a national peace award by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Hector Aleem, Christian leader and human rights activist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRlUJUwjVKw

There is only one lawyer who will defend Hector and the family is having trouble raising the $2,500.00 needed to pay his fee. She is also asking for help in making this persecution widely known. I will be distributing this information to some media outlets and other churches to try to gather support for Hector and his family. Please pass this information on to your congregation to request their support and whatever help they can give. Like our military soldiers our soldiers of Christ deserve whatever support we can provide.

Hector’s children can be contacted by going to the Facebook group dedicated to the freeing of Hector. They are listed as admins.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31790874758#!/group.php?gid=298776303670&ref=ts

Following are some emails from Hector’s daughter Mehwish giving more information about the case against her father and threats made against him and her family from their Muslim neighbors. She also provided me with photocopies of the original documents translated below.

Thank you,

Matthew Wells

Email 1, Summary of events:

I have translated this document
So here it is
Application to lodge FIR for 295BC
Respected sir,
To the senior superintendent of police Islamabad
It is requested that on August 2008 some officials of CDA destroyed a Church in Rawal Town in the guidance of Captain Faiz. and they insulted the crucifix and threw the Holy Bible into the garbage, and beat men and women and locked them up into the lockup of Shehzad town, and than set them free after the protest. We protested against all these officials but no action has been taken against them yet. Christians are still peace fully protesting against them that these officials should be terminated from their jobs because they insulted the Holy Bible and The Crucifix. Christian community is very angry for this incident and these officials are creating bad reputation of Pakistan. that is why it is requested to you to please take action against them and arrest them in a Blasphemy offence.

This is the start of the case. The CDA(capital Development Authority) has destroyed the Church and insulted the crucifix and than my father gave this application to file a case of blasphemy against them and on the contrary they filed the same case against my father.


Email 2, Threat letter:

Hi Matt

sending you a threat letter with translation. Actually my dad received this threat letter in 2004 when he was running his school with the name of Peace Worldwide in Islamabad.

Also sending you the pic of my father if you need it .

Cheers

Here's the Translation

Hello Mr. Hector Aleem,

I was willing to talk to you for many days, my one daughter is studying in your school but your school is not good at teaching. I think you don’t know me, I am an officer in a secret agency and now I came to know that you are an American spy and you are destroying the future of Pakistan. You are giving the secrets of Pakistan to America; your time of death is near. Tell your family to collect your dead body from the mountains of Muree. I am a Muslim and Muslims are not afraid of death, Infidels like you are afraid of death. After killing you I will convert your wife and daughters to Islam, I want to tell you everything before your death. You are feeding your Christians by destroying the future of Muslim kids and looting money from them. I will seize your home and will cut your corpse into pieces and will feed those pieces to your own dogs. Osama Bin Laden was not scared when he destroyed whole America even he was a single Muslim, then you are like an ant in front of me. I will destroy your NGO, black dog have you seen your face you black wind.

I will throw acid on your black face and I am not scared, your own security guards will kill you on my orders. Okay I will see you at Muree maybe that will be the last journey of your life.

You who play with the future of Children I will destroy you and the world will watch. I will finish off your sons and there will be no one to take your name again. Son of a pig you are a pig you pig eater. Once you and I met in America maybe you don’t remember. I will kidnap the Children and staff of your school, now just wait and see what I do to you. Should I tell you the time of your death or should I tell you later.

Good bye black dog, wait for your death

Life is Knife


Email 3, More threat letters:

Translation of threat letter
"Kausar Parveen, wife of Hector Aleem,
"We know where you and your children live. This blasphemer [Hector] has been arrested because of us, now take care of yourself. As I told your husband, no one will be left from his generation. We will destroy your whole generation. You are Christian and it is a good deed to kill you. My Allah will be very happy if I kill you.

"That bastard's bail had been rejected because of us. Now it's your son's turn. I will keep your daughters, and then you can call your Americans and Germans. Your husband is a traitor and his torment has just started, you just wait for your turn. We are very close to you. You can't hide from us. If you all want to save yourself then there is only one condition: Just embrace Islam. Allah will be happy for you; we only want this.".

And the translation of Threat Letter No. 2
"Kausar Parveen, wife of Hector Aleem,

"Toilet cleaners, Christians. You all deserve to be shot with a gun. First your husband blasphemed against our beloved Prophet Muhammad, and now you don't want to get punished? Remember! If there comes a bastard judge who releases your husband, then we won't leave your husband. Even If you try to leave this country, then we won't let you go easily. I am proudly announcing that Sunni Tehreek will be responsible for your death. Go and show this letter to anyone. We can sacrifice every life on our beloved Prophet."




Email 4, Details and history:

I know it is very lengthy and very detailed but you can take important point or reduce them. so here it is

My father Hector Aleem was arrested on the midnight of 21 January 2009, the police raided our house with large number (50 policemen) of policemen some of them were in uniform and rest of all were in plain clothes, they trespassed our house without any lady police. They beat my father and my mother and my siblings (my sister 25 and two brothers 13, 18); they started to destroy everything in our house and also broke and insulted the picture of Jesus Christ. We kept on asking them that what is the problem and who are they and what is happening but they didn’t tell us anything and continued beating us. They also looted our house and took jewelry and 50,000 rupees. Then they took my father to some unknown place, at that time he was wearing trousers and a shirt, they didn’t let him wear any warm clothe or shoes (that was the month of January and the temperature was approximately -1 degree Celsius). They took him bear footed,(my father wasn’t well and next day he had an appointment with a heart specialist and a surgeon). Than we called the emergency police and told them that we don’t know who took my father (because we didn’t know that if they really are policemen), than at 3 Am we received a call in our residence that my father is in Shalimar police office Islamabad. I and my mother went to the police station and took some warm clothes and his medicine and shoes but when we reached we weren’t allowed to give him any of these things neither these things were provided to him by the police. We again asked them about the case that why he is in police custody and what has he done but nobody told us about the case than after 24 hours we came to know that he has been arrested in a blasphemy case. Than my father was supposed to be brought in front of the judge and than any legal process was suppose to be done but nobody took him to the judge and they secretly took him to the Rawalpindi (the twin city of Islamabad). My father was kept hungry for 24 hours, he is a heart patient and had his angioplasty two years ago but he was beaten by the police severely and was tortured mentally and physically. The Investigation Officer Zafar Iqbal abused him and told him that he will beat him till death and will kill my both brothers and make us (me, my sister and my mother) Muslim. The judge gave him 15 days remand and the policemen beat him for 15 days with the order of the judge who was also a Maulvi having long beard.

The case is registered in R.A Bazaar police station Rawalpindi. According to the FIR (first information report) an unknown person sent a blasphemous sms to the leader of a Sunni Tehreek. The sim card was not registered so they searched for the culprit. When they saw the list of the persons the culprit contacted, they found many names, but in the list the only Christian name was my father’s, he made a call to my father. No other person whom the culprit called was arrested, not even called for investigation. The culprit contacted 90 people and none of them is included in the investigation. It seems that my father has just been trapped in a false case so that they could let him down. My father did not send the blasphemous message he was arrested only because he was the only Christian in the list. According to the law of Pakistan an individual cannot be the complainant of Blasphemy case. Law says that no Blasphemy case can be registered without permission of Magistrate and only higher police officer can be complainant of a blasphemy case, but the complainant in my father’s case is an individual Maulvi (Muslim religious leader). The police are favoring him and the case is registered unlawfully but still my father has spent 14 months in jail.

HISTORY
My father Hector Aleem is running a NGO with the name of Peace Worldwide, established in 1996. when he planned to establish Peace Worldwide at that time we were living in Karachi, but when he started to work for Peace Worldwide some robbers broke into our house and tried to kill my father, (they actually wanted to kill him because of his work) they kept him on gun point for 2 hours but some how they left the house, and took some electronics and money and jewelry. But as they didn’t kill him they continuously tried to kill him that is why we left Karachi and reached here in Islamabad.
Peace Worldwide is registered with the government of Pakistan and has special consultative status with Economic and the Social Council of United Nations. Peace worldwide was working on Human Rights without any discrimination for Christian and Muslim. Peace Worldwide was working on Blasphemy Law also and has highlighted and solved some of those cases. There were many schools running under Peace worldwide in some important cities of Pakistan but in 2004 these schools were closed by the pressure of Maulvies because they accused my father that he has been teaching Christian teachings to the Muslim children, the threat letter is attached. He was also attacked by the Islamists and his left foot was fractured because of that attack, report is attached. An Islamic Organization Shabab Mili was responsible for this attack. Than an employee of Peace Worldwide Irfan Khokhar was killed brutally by some Islamists.
Than in August 2008 my father started work on a Church (Chak Shehzad Church in Islamabad) destroyed by CDA (capital development authority) at that time my father started to receive verbal threats by some Islamic group, but he didn’t stop and continued working for the destroyed church than one day police arrested two men having 70 bullets and two guns and they told police that they were instructed to fire all 70 bullets into my father’s chest. Eight criminal cases were lodged against my father because he was still working for the destroyed Church. But he was declared innocent by the court. In simple words the Islamists tried very hard to finish my father because they wanted him to quit his work.

When they tried everything and nothing happened than they lodged the blasphemy case against him, he was arrested in January and the remaining of the Church in Chak Shehzad was demolished by the CDA in May 2009. Than two police officers came to my father in jail and they told him that they will file so many cases against him that he will not be able to bear them and he could not be free for many years. After that they started many other cases against him and they used to take him to the police station from prison and beat him and torture him in front of the Maulvies and Taliban from Peshawar.

The website of Peace Worldwide was hacked now it is blocked by the government but when you search for the website you will find a note that the account has been suspended due to the non payment of the bill. I am also attaching the e mail from the hosting company of the website. The website of Peace Worldwide was closed with a lame excuse that this website contains some material against Islam (told by an employee of the hosting company verbally they didn’t mention it in the e mail) which isn’t true.

I really don’t know the current situation of my father because we aren’t allowed to meet him in the jail; he is not being treated well in the prison. He is 51 years old, a heart patient who used to take his medicine regularly but now he is not even allowed to take his medicine. When he has his hearing a large number of mob gather outside the court and raise slogans against my father and Christianity and tells judge that they won’t let him out, if the judge will free him they will kill him outside the court. These are the words of the lawyer of Sunni Tehreek. We went to the minister of Law and Justice Mr. Farooq H Naik, he told us to visit his joint secretary but when the joint secretary heard about the blasphemy law he suddenly became furious and told us that my father would get sever punishment.

My father was very active in Human Rights that he was awarded a Peace Award by Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani the prime minister of Pakistan and he was also invited by Mr. Asif Ali Zardari the president of Pakistan and many other important politicians of Pakistan ( the reason to tell this is he has a positive and good reputation). All invitations and pictures are attached.

Right now my father is in jail and we are hiding ourselves in a house, we usually don’t go out neither any of us is doing a job or studying. We have left our house and our studies; we can’t go out because we also have received two threat letters. Letters are attached.

To contact the jail authority, you can write to him I don’t know his name but your letter will reach him, the address is

The superintendent of Jail
Adiala Jail
Rawalpindi
Pakistan

And his phone number is 0092 51 5574786

Just ask for the superintendent of jail. And don’t tell them anything against Islam or anything negative about the government of Pakistan but you can tell them the world is watching and they should take care of him and the family should be given the permission to meet him. And they should provide him a doctor and he should be given his medicines.
I am also giving you other important phone numbers and addresses.

PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN
To the president of Pakistan
Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
Aiwan e Sadar
Islamabad
Pakistan.

PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
To the prime minister of Pakistan
Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani
Prime Minister House, Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: + 92 51 9221596

FEDERAL MINISTER OF LAW
Justice and Human Rights
S Block, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 920 2628

MINISTER OF INTERIOR
Ministry of Interior
Room No. 404, 4th Floor, R Block,
Pak Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 920 2624
Tel: +92 51 921 2026

MINISTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Syed Mumtaz Alam Gillani.
Old US Aid Building (3rd Floor)
Attaturk Avenue
G-5/1 Islamabad
Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 9201631
Tel: +92 51 9210196
E mail: Sola@hrdiv.gov.pk

SUPREME COURT OF PAKISTAN
Chief Justice of Pakistan
Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed Chaudry
Constitution Avenue, Islamabad
Telephone: 051-9220581-9220600
Fax: 051-9213452

Mr. MIAN SHAHBAZ SHARIF
Chief Minister of Punjab
H-180 Model Town, Lahore
PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 42 5881383

MR. SYED HAMID SAEED KAZMI
Minister for Religious Affairs
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Tel: +92 51 9214856 / 9206982
Fax: +92 51 9213593

DR. FAQIR HUSSAIN
Registrar
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Constitution Avenue, Islamabad
PAKISTAN
Fax: + 92 51 9213452
(Yes you can publish this story with all documents and if there's any mistake in English please correct it coz i am not that good in English and also send me the copy or link of all story. and feel free to ask if you dont understand anything.)

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Obamination: Wasting More Blood and Treasure in Afghanistan

In remarks at West Point, President Barack Hussein Obama laid out his plan for the surge in Afghanistan. As is my usual practice, I will present excerpts in block quote format interspersed with my comments.

To address these important issues, it's important to recall why America and our allies were compelled to fight a war in Afghanistan in the first place. We did not ask for this fight. On September 11, 2001, 19 men hijacked four airplanes and used them to murder nearly 3,000 people. They struck at our military and economic nerve centers. They took the lives of innocent men, women, and children without regard to their faith or race or station. Were it not for the heroic actions of passengers onboard one of those flights, they could have also struck at one of the great symbols of our democracy in Washington, and killed many more.

In this paragraph, President Obama begins to set up his pretext, one shared by his predecessor. Any sentient American more than 17 years old must be very sheltered to be unaware of the fact that the abomination was planned by Muslims in Afghanistan. Sure, we needed to retaliate. But the next paragraph contains egregious deceptions which must be refuted in detail.

As we know, these men belonged to al Qaeda -- a group of extremists who have distorted and defiled Islam, one of the world’s great religions, to justify the slaughter of innocents. Al Qaeda’s base of operations was in Afghanistan, where they were harbored by the Taliban -- a ruthless, repressive and radical movement that seized control of that country after it was ravaged by years of Soviet occupation and civil war, and after the attention of America and our friends had turned elsewhere.

Al-Qaeda means "the base", it is equivalent to Ummah al Islamiyya: the set whose members are Muslims. Taliban means "students of the Qur'an". Those are Muslims. There is nothing special about them except the fact that they are believers who obey Allah and emulate Moe. They are normal, not exceptional. They have not "distorted and defiled Islam". Islam remains what it was when Moe died in 632, a damnable war cult, not a religion of peace. There is nothing great about Islam. It conquered half the known world. Is that greatness? In the process, it murdered 270*10⁶, what is great about that? Great slaughter, is desired by Allah, Islam's demon, who established it as a prerequisite for releasing hostages for ransom. That is genocide; if genocide defines greatness, then morality has been inverted.

Islam does not recognize "innocents" outside Ummah al;-Islamiyya. Only Muslims can be innocent, all others are rebels against Allah, who must be defeated and gathered together into Hell. Jihad against disbelievers is not an optional extra added by extremists; it is not bida, it is standard Islamic doctrine laid down in Surah Al-Anfal & Surah At-Taubah. 8:39 contains Allah's command to fight pagans until all resistance ceases and only Allah is worshiped on a global scale. 9:29 contains Allah's command to fight Jews, Christians & Zoroastrians until they are subjugated and extorted. Moe confirmed the command to Jihad, which continues until the last day. Islamic law requires a minimum of one military expedition against kufar in every year, failing only when there is insufficient strength. Doubters & dissenters should open Reliance of the Traveller to O9.0 and continue reading through O9.9. O9.1 is explicit about the communal obligation to attack disbelievers in their own countries in every year. O9.8 & 9.9 reveal what the caliph does as a regular practice, aggressively, not defensively: he makes war upon Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians until they become Muslims or pay extortion, he fights all other people until they become Muslim or dead. How is it possible that a religion has such a law in its canon?

America, our allies and the world were acting as one to destroy al Qaeda’s terrorist network and to protect our common security.

The terrorist network is Islam. It consists of every Mosque, Madrassa & Muslim wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth. Destroying al-Qaeda is not possible without destroying Islam! No effort is being made to accomplish that necessary objective. Both President G.W. Bush and President Obama deny the fact that Islam is at war against us. Our elected leaders will not acknowledge the fact that Islam is intrinsically inimical to life, liberty & representative government.

Under the banner of this domestic unity and international legitimacy -- and only after the Taliban refused to turn over Osama bin Laden -- we sent our troops into Afghanistan. Within a matter of months, al Qaeda was scattered and many of its operatives were killed. The Taliban was driven from power and pushed back on its heels. A place that had known decades of fear now had reason to hope. At a conference convened by the U.N., a provisional government was established under President Hamid Karzai. And an International Security Assistance Force was established to help bring a lasting peace to a war-torn country.

You can not scatter what is dispersed globally: Islam. President Bush lacked the courage to attack Tora Bora with sufficient force to eliminate bin Laden. Even eliminating him would not end the Jihad.

Neither were Taliban driven from power. Taliban are only Muslims who study the Qur'an. Afghanistan's new constitution makes the Qur'an the source of its law. Umdat as-Salik O9.8, which requires warfare against us, is part of Afghanistan's law. This nation and the world are being misled by morons and traitors. It is not possible to bring peace to a nation whose culture is war. The only peace Afghanistan can have is the peace of the grave, when the graveyard is full and the surface is empty.

Today, after extraordinary costs, we are bringing the Iraq war to a responsible end. We will remove our combat brigades from Iraq by the end of next summer, and all of our troops by the end of 2011. That we are doing so is a testament to the character of the men and women in uniform.

There is no responsible end to the war in Iraq while it remains populated by Muslims, our sworn enemies. When our troops leave, Iraq will revert to war between Shiia & Sunni, when that warfare ends, it will resume status quo ante as a sponsor of terrorism. No other outcome is possible while its population remains Islamic. The pull out on a set timetable is a testimony to the stupidity and treachery of our elected leaders.

But while we've achieved hard-earned milestones in Iraq, the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated. After escaping across the border into Pakistan in 2001 and 2002, al Qaeda’s leadership established a safe haven there. Although a legitimate government was elected by the Afghan people, it's been hampered by corruption, the drug trade, an under-developed economy, and insufficient security forces.

No legitimate government can be composed of Muslims! Islam requires theocracy, one man rule by the Qur'an, not man made legislation. While Afghanistan remains Islamic and tribal, it will be corrupt and violent, neither well governed, peaceful nor stable. The problems listed by President Obama are not members of the set of soluble problems. Even if they could be solved, Afghanistan would revert to status quo ante: a state sponsor of terrorism.

I set a goal that was narrowly defined as disrupting, dismantling, and defeating al Qaeda and its extremist allies, and pledged to better coordinate our military and civilian efforts.

The "extremist allies" are every Muslim on the face of the earth. Will you kill them all? Will you convert them to a peaceful religion? No, you will do neither, and the terrorism will continue because you are a cowardly fool.

And our forces lack the full support they need to effectively train and partner with Afghan security forces and better secure the population.

"Afghan security forces" is an oxymoron. Those forces are composed of Muslims. Muslims are warriors, not security forces. To Muslims, peace is the condition of the world after they have completed their conquest of it. No matter how much you train them, they will shoot you in the back when given the opportunity, and they will betray your plans to the mujihideen.

I owe you a mission that is clearly defined, and worthy of your service. And that's why, after the Afghan voting was completed, I insisted on a thorough review of our strategy.

Any strategy that leaves live Muslims in Afghanistan and Iraq is a total waste of blood and treasure, a fool's errand of the worst sort. No good outcome is possible.

After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home. These are the resources that we need to seize the initiative, while building the Afghan capacity that can allow for a responsible transition of our forces out of Afghanistan.

When will our forces leave Bosnia? When will our forces leave Germany? When will our forces leave Japan? You have presented our enemy with a time line telling them how long they must wait before they can seize power and restore the status quo ante. I call it treason.

I do not make this decision lightly. I opposed the war in Iraq precisely because I believe that we must exercise restraint in the use of military force, and always consider the long-term consequences of our actions.

How do you win a war with restraint? How do you win a war without identifying and killing the enemy? What are the long term consequences of allowing Islam to continue to exist on the face of the earth, accruing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons which it will not long hesitate to use? What were the consequences of ignoring Hitler's military buildup, substituting appeasement for preemption?

Most of all, I know that this decision asks even more of you -- a military that, along with your families, has already borne the heaviest of all burdens.

You are asking them to die for a lie. You are sending them to defeat, wasting their blood and the taxpayer's treasure.

If I did not think that the security of the United States and the safety of the American people were at stake in Afghanistan, I would gladly order every single one of our troops home tomorrow.

Our security is at stake wherever Islam exists; wherever Zakat is collected and sent to Hamas, Hizbollah & al-Qaeda; wherever Muslim satrapies are stockpiling missiles and rushing to construct nuclear warheads.

So, no, I do not make this decision lightly. I make this decision because I am convinced that our security is at stake in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is the epicenter of violent extremism practiced by al Qaeda. It is from here that we were attacked on 9/11, and it is from here that new attacks are being plotted as I speak. This is no idle danger; no hypothetical threat. In the last few months alone, we have apprehended extremists within our borders who were sent here from the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan to commit new acts of terror. And this danger will only grow if the region slides backwards, and al Qaeda can operate with impunity. We must keep the pressure on al Qaeda, and to do that, we must increase the stability and capacity of our partners in the region.

Strike al-Qaeda, insert Islam. The danger will grow no matter what, unless you eliminate Islam from the region. Then, the danger will come from another region where Allah's writ runs and his slaves reside.

No Muslim is our partner! Muslims who claim to be our partners are practicing al-taqeyya and kitman; they are deceiving you. Allah explicitly forbids Muslims to be friends or partners of kuffar. Muslims must be in a dominant, not equal or subordinate relationship with kuffar.

To meet that goal, we will pursue the following objectives within Afghanistan. We must deny al Qaeda a safe haven. We must reverse the Taliban's momentum and deny it the ability to overthrow the government. And we must strengthen the capacity of Afghanistan's security forces and government so that they can take lead responsibility for Afghanistan's future.

Islam has bases in Iran, Syria & Lebanon. There are Islamic bases and training camps right here in America. What will you do about them? You say "al-Qaeda" when the correct word is Islam. Why can't you name the enemy? How do you hope to defeat an enemy you can not identify? Weak or strong, Afghanistan's government, like that of Pakistan, is in the hands of Muslims, our enemies. In the end, they will attack us and our allies. There is no benefit in strengthening them.

We will meet these objectives in three ways. First, we will pursue a military strategy that will break the Taliban's momentum and increase Afghanistan's capacity over the next 18 months.

To win, you must seize and hold territory 24/7/365. You must kill enemy combatants. No more catch and release. You must deny sanctuary, both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. You must deny human shields. Your rules of engagement are costing our soldiers their lives. The word is treason. Like Lindon Johnson, you are murdering our service members for political gain. More troops is not a strategy, it is feeding the meat grinder, filling coffins.

They'll increase our ability to train competent Afghan security forces, and to partner with them so that more Afghans can get into the fight. And they will help create the conditions for the United States to transfer responsibility to the Afghans.

Afghans are the enemy, idiot. They are not our allies nor partners, they are Muslims. You are training them to fight against us, just like Arafat's "security forces".

We will support efforts by the Afghan government to open the door to those Taliban who abandon violence and respect the human rights of their fellow citizens.

.Stupid statements like that make my blood boil! Muslims do not abandon violence without abandoning Islam! Muslims do not respect human rights! They never did and never will!! Allah does not, Moe did not and they will not. Being a Muslim, President Obama knows that. There is only one possibility: treason.

We're in Afghanistan to prevent a cancer from once again spreading through that country. But this same cancer has also taken root in the border region of Pakistan. That's why we need a strategy that works on both sides of the border.

Strike cancer, insert Islam. Otherwise the statement must remain false. No strategy can work unless it causes Islam to be eliminated from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Any outcome that leaves them Islamic is a defeat.

And there is no doubt that the United States and Pakistan share a common enemy.

Islam is the enemy of all mankind. Pakistan is our enemy. Is Obama too stupid to comprehend objective factual reality or a traitor. I don't believe its stupidity.

Moving forward, we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built on a foundation of mutual interest, mutual respect, and mutual trust. We will strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to target those groups that threaten our countries, and have made it clear that we cannot tolerate a safe haven for terrorists whose location is known and whose intentions are clear.

Imbecility, maundery & treachery; what a combination! We have no mutual interest with Muslims. They do not respect us. We can not trust them. They support those groups, they do not combat them. Pakistan was, is now and will continue to be a safe haven for terrorists. Muslim and terrorist are synonymous terms.

To abandon this area now -- and to rely only on efforts against al Qaeda from a distance -- would significantly hamper our ability to keep the pressure on al Qaeda, and create an unacceptable risk of additional attacks on our homeland and our allies.

A single drop of truth in a river of lies. It stands out like a carp swimming upstream in a sewer.

Second, there are those who acknowledge that we can't leave Afghanistan in its current state, but suggest that we go forward with the troops that we already have. But this would simply maintain a status quo in which we muddle through, and permit a slow deterioration of conditions there. It would ultimately prove more costly and prolong our stay in Afghanistan, because we would never be able to generate the conditions needed to train Afghan security forces and give them the space to take over.

The same is true of Obama's strategy.

Now, let me be clear: None of this will be easy. The struggle against violent extremism will not be finished quickly, and it extends well beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will be an enduring test of our free society, and our leadership in the world. And unlike the great power conflicts and clear lines of division that defined the 20th century, our effort will involve disorderly regions, failed states, diffuse enemies.

Shrub failed the test. Obamination is failing the test. We need leaders who can measure up, men like Churchill, McArthur & Truman.

We will have to take away the tools of mass destruction. And that's why I've made it a central pillar of my foreign policy to secure loose nuclear materials from terrorists, to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and to pursue the goal of a world without them -- because every nation must understand that true security will never come from an endless race for ever more destructive weapons; true security will come for those who reject them.

Nukes are in the world. There is no possibility of ensuring that our enemies have eliminated their inventories and won't make more. The dream of a nuke free world is impossible. Continuing to harbor it is evidence of insanity, or is it treason?

Like Shrub, Obamination refuses to identify and accurately describe the enemy. He falsely ascribes to the enemy objectives that it does not have. He falsely characterizes our relationship with certain enemy powers as an alliance or partnership. He postulates a non-existent dichotomy between the enemy, which he calls a partner, and a subset of the enemy, which he mislabels as the enemy. Obamination's strategy is a house of cards founded on a lie. It can not stand in the storm of reality.

Sphere: Related Content

Benazir Bhutto Reported Dead: UPDATED with Reactions

~Wake Up America~

[Updates below] Reactions & Al-Qaeda tries to take credit for Bhutto's death.

NYT, SkyNews, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, and Washington Post are all reporting that Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated and a deadly suicide bombing attack that has killed at least 20 people.

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan - Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday in a suicide bombing that also killed at least 20 others at a campaign rally, a party aide and a military official said.


"At 6:16 p.m. she expired," said Wasif Ali Khan, a member of Bhutto's party who was at Rawalpindi General Hospital where she was taken after the attack.

Evidently she was shot in the neck and chest and as she was getting in a car to leave the rally, the initial reports are claiming. Her husband later told media she was in surgery.

Pakistan is already in a state of emergency declared by Musharaff earlier in the year and there had already been an assassination attempts on Bhutto at a rally in October and again yesterday, police stopped a would-be bomber with explosives around his neck.. There is also speculation that this assassination might postpone the parliamentary elections scheduled for January.

According to ABC, early reports were that Bhutto was safe, but reports have now come out that she is dead.

The Washington Post is reporting that at a different rally, a sniper opened fire on supporters of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, leaving four dead and five injured.

MSNBC reports that Musharaff had forced Bhutto to cancel a previous rally, citing security fears and that security at this rally was tight, "hundreds of riot police manning security checkpoints with metal detectors around what was Bhutto's first campaign rally since returning from exile two months ago."

Not tight enough obviously.

The New York Times give a bit of history regarding Benazir Bhutto:

Ms. Bhutto, 54, returned to Pakistan to present herself as the answer to the nation’s troubles: a tribune of democracy in a state that has been under military rule for eight years, and the leader of the country’s largest opposition political party, founded by her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, one of Pakistan’s most flamboyant and democratically inclined prime ministers.


But her record in power, and the dance of veils she has deftly performed since her return -- one moment standing up to General Musharraf, then next seeming to accommodate him, and never quite revealing her actual intentions -- has stirred as much distrust as hope among Pakistanis.


A graduate of Harvard and Oxford, she brought the backing of Washington and London, where she impresses with her political lineage, her considerable charm and her persona as a female Muslim leader.


But with these accomplishments, Ms. Bhutto also brought controversy, and a legacy among Pakistanis as a polarizing figure who during her two turbulent tenures as prime minister, first from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996, often acted imperiously and impulsively.


She faced deep questions about her personal probity in public office, which led to corruption cases against her in Switzerland, Spain and Britain, as well as in Pakistan.

Daily Mail has pictures of Bhutto right before the attack and many photos of the carnage afterwards.

This will do nothing to stabilize Pakistan and will, in fact, destabilize it further as accusations fly and fingers start pointing.

The Pakistan Spectator is reporting clashes between police and supporters:

In Rawalpindi, right in front of Rawalpindi General Hospital where Late Benazir Bhutto died and her dead body is present right now, workers of People's Party are sitting and weeping loudly. In other areas of Rawalpindi like Faizabad, Saddar and Murree Road, angry crowd is burning shops and vehicles and shouting slogans against the terorists.


On Dusht Road, Peshawar, angry crowd has blocked the main road.


All the roads leading to capital Islamabad have been barricaded and blocked and there are reports of collision of police with protesters.

More photos can be found at Getty Images.

Pakistan is a nuclear power which makes this type of instability a very dangerous situation for the international community as a whole. This also could spark a complete civil war in Pakistan.

Photos of the streets on television news shows protests, rioting and they are saying Bush has been informed and more than 40 other people are being reported as injured.

These are just initial numbers from multiple reports and I will update as more news comes out.

[Update]

Reactions from Presidential Candidates:

Guiliani:

"assassination of Benazir Bhutto underscores a need for the U.S. to increase its efforts to combat terrorism."


"Her murderers must be brought to justice, and Pakistan must continue the path back to democracy and the rule of law. "Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere _ whether in New York, London, Tel-Aviv or Rawalpindi _ is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the terrorists' war on us."

Huckabee from his website:

“I am deeply troubled by the news accounts this morning of Pakistani opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in a suicide attack. This is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation.


”The terrible violence surrounding Pakistan’s upcoming election stands in stark contrast to the peaceful transition of power that we embrace in our country through our Constitution. On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.”

McCain email release:

"I was deeply saddened today to learn about the death of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto."


"My deepest condolences go out to the family and supporters of this remarkable woman, an individual who paid the ultimate price for her embrace of moderation and rejection of extremism.


"The death of Benazir Bhutto underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today and particularly in countries like Pakistan, where the forces of moderation are arrayed in a fierce battle against those who embrace violent Islamic extremism.


"Given Pakistan's strategic location, the international terrorist groups that operate from its soil, and its nuclear arsenal, the future of that country has deep implications for the security of the United States and its allies. America must stand on the right side of this ongoing struggle.


"In my numerous visits to Pakistan -- to Islamabad, to Peshawar, even to the tribal areas of Waziristan -- I have seen first hand the many challenges that face the political leadership there, challenges so graphically portrayed by today's tragedy. There are, in Pakistan, brave individuals who seek to lead their country away from extremism and instability and into the light of a better day. America, I believe, must do all we can to support them."

Romney email release:

"We are still learning the details of today's tragic events in Pakistan, but this is a stark reminder that America must not only stay on high alert, but remain actively engaged across the globe."


"Pakistan has long been a key part in the war against extremism and radical jihadists. For those who think Iraq is the sole front in the war on terror, one must look no further than what has happened today. America must show its commitment to stand with all moderate forces across the Islamic world and together face the defining challenge of our generation –- the struggle against violent, radical jihadists.


"At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go to the family of Benazir Bhutto, and to all the people of Pakistan who are fighting against extremist forces that would commit such heinous acts as the whole world has witnessed today."

From the White House Website, President Bush's reaction:

Laura and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Benazir Bhutto, to her friends, to her supporters. We send our condolences to the families of the others who were killed in today's violence. And we send our condolences to all the people of Pakistan on this tragic occasion.


The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy. Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice. Mrs. Bhutto served her nation twice as Prime Minister and she knew that her return to Pakistan earlier this year put her life at risk. Yet she refused to allow assassins to dictate the course of her country.


We stand with the people of Pakistan in their struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life.

One has to wonder what this type of tragedy will mean for our own primaries and caucuses coming up, because it does highlight the need for strength on National Security.

[Update #2] Hat tip to Hot Air for pointing us toward this article reporting that al-Qaeda is tying to lay claim to Bhutto's murder.

A spokesperson for the al-Qaeda terrorist network has claimed responsibility for the death on Thursday of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.


“We terminated the most precious American asset which vowed to defeat [the] mujahadeen,” Al-Qaeda’s commander and main spokesperson Mustafa Abu Al-Yazid told Adnkronos International (AKI) in a phone call from an unknown location, speaking in faltering English. Al-Yazid is the main al-Qaeda commander in Afghanistan.


It is believed that the decision to kill Bhutto, who is the leader of the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP), was made by al-Qaeda No. 2, the Egyptian doctor, Ayman al-Zawahiri in October.


Death squads were allegedly constituted for the mission and ultimately one cell comprising a defunct Lashkar-i-Jhangvi’s Punjabi volunteer succeeded in killing Bhutto.

Sphere: Related Content

Musharraf Declares Emergency Rule: Martial Law in Pakistan

Via Wake up America

[Update below-Text of the ‘Proclamation of emergency’

Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistan leader declared Emergency Rule in Pakistan Saturday, suspending the constitution.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court was expected to rule on the legality of General Musharraf’s re-election last month and this appears to be a step to forestall such a ruling.

All independent news outlets in Pakistan were blacked out and then the police force surrounded the Supreme Court building with the justices inside and the chief justice's home, ordering them to sign a “provisional constitutional order” under threat of dismissal for any that did not sign.

New York Times:

At least 6 of the court’s 11 justices gathered in the court and rejected the order, according to an aide to Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Aitzaz Ahsan, a prominent lawyer, who led protests against General Musharraf this spring, was detained by the police after saying that opposition groups would announce a schedule on Monday of nationwide strikes and protests.

Before being detained, he accused General Musharraf of “criminal flouting of the Constitution,” adding that “the people and the lawyers cannot be suspended.”

General Musharraf was expected to speak on national television late on Saturday evening. Pakistani government officials said Friday that emergency rule could be justified because of clashes in the past week between security forces and Islamic militants in the Swat Valley, in the North-West Frontier Province, and because of the increasing number of suicide attacks against military and police installations.

As of 9 p.m., Chief Justice Chaudhry and the other justices had gone to their homes, surrounded by police and with the phone lines cut, witnesses and officials said.

Wapo:

On Friday, U.S. officials had tried to pressure Musharraf to avoid declaring emergency rule or martial law. Adm. William J. Fallon, chief of the U.S. Central Command, met with Musharraf and had tried to encourage him to back down from his plan.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Saturday that the United States was "deeply disturbed by reports that Pakistani President Musharraf has taken extra-constitutional actions and has imposed a state of emergency."

"A state of emergency would be a sharp setback for Pakistani democracy and takes Pakistan off the path toward civilian rule," he said in a statement. "President Musharraf has stated repeatedly that he will step down as Chief of Army Staff before re-taking the presidential oath of office and has promised to hold elections by January 15th. We expect him to uphold these commitments and urge him to do so immediately."

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, traveling in Turkey, said the United States had "made clear it does not support extra-constitutional measures because those measures take Pakistan away from the path of democracy and civilian rule."

"Whatever happens we will be urging a quick return to civilian rule," she said, and a "return to constitutional order and the commitment to free and fair elections."

Musharraf won election last month to a new, five-year term as Pakistan's president. But the Supreme Court is still reviewing whether he was eligible to run in the first place.

Most analysts predict that the court will rule in Musharraf's favor and allow him to begin his new term. But the case has been dragging on for weeks, and Musharraf's current term expires Nov. 15.

AP:

Seven of the 17 Supreme Court judges immediately rejected the emergency, which suspended the current constitution. Police blocked entry to the Supreme Court building and later took the deposed chief justice and other judges away in a convoy, witnesses said.

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a longtime rival of Musharraf who recently returned from eight years of exile, flew back to Pakistan from Dubai where she was visiting family. She left the airport under police escort; her house was surrounded by paramilitary troops.

The government halted all television transmissions in major cities other than state-controlled Pakistan TV. Telephone service in the capital, Islamabad, was cut.

The order drew swift complaints from the United States and Britain — Musharraf's main Western allies. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged restraint on all sides and a swift return to democracy in Pakistan.

Via Weasel Zippers, the Earth Times reports:

Islamabad - Pakistan is considering enforcement of Islamic laws in Pakistan's north-western Swat valley to meet the demands of pro-Taliban militants who briefly seized and then released around 100 security personnel after nine days' fierce fighting that left more than 200 people dead. "The government is considering the implementation of Sharia law in the view of the demands of the local people," said Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai, governor of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in which the valley is situated.

The problem of dealing with a nuclear armed Muslim country, especially one that is home to bin Laden, is we are often forced to choose between the "lesser of two evils" in who we back publicly. This latest action by Musharraf just made that choice more difficult.

Via Hot Air we see that Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has returned to Pakistan.

Last time she showed up, a couple weeks ago, there was a bombing that killed 140 people and now reported are showing us that paramilitary troops have started deploying in front of her house.

«She is waiting to see if she is going to be arrested or
deported,» Wajid Hasan said after speaking to the former Pakistani prime minister by telephone from London.

Bhutto, seen by many supporters as key to a possible return to democratic rule, flew from United Arab Emirates, where she was visiting family just two weeks after she was targeted by assassins upon her return to Pakistan after eight years in exile.

More on Bhutto from Captain's Quarters:

The West will not find this to their liking. They had pressed Musharraf to cut a deal with Benazir Bhutto to transition back to democratic processes, hoping that the deal would give them both a stronger political position and marginalize the Islamists. The radicals have their own agenda, however, and have worked to destabilize the political situation before the alliance between Bhutto and Musharraf could have any effect.

A declaration of emergency means the upcoming parliamentary elections will not take place as scheduled in January. That will almost certainly split Bhutto from Musharraf, and it will mean that Musharraf will have to rely on his power base with the Army. That may not hold firm in a protracted fight against Islamist rebels, as the military's morale has already been questioned. It's a dangerous situation, and the declaration makes it even more so.

Reported by The Telegraph, Britain is very concerned also:

Britain has expressed grave concern at the move, which effectively postpones any election, saying the country's future depended on ensuring the rule of law.

The Pakistani leader declared the state of emergency before a crucial Supreme Court ruling on his future as president. The move thrusts his country deeper into political turmoil as it struggles to contain spreading Islamic militancy.

"All friends of Pakistan will be concerned by the turn of events today," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said in a statement.

Blogger reactions:

The Long War Journal by Bill Roggio:

It is unclear what effect, if any, the declaration of a state of emergency will have on the Taliban and al Qaeda insurgency in the Northwest Frontier Province. The Associated Press of Pakistan, the official government news outlet, stated both "terrorist attacks and judiciary’s interference led to imposition" of the state of emergency.

"The two page proclamation that came into force at once states that banning of some militant groups took terrorist activities to an unprecedented level of “violent intensity” posing a grave threat to the life and property of the citizens of Pakistan," the Associated Press of Pakistan news release stated. "The order says that emergency has been imposed in the wake of suicide bombings, explosions of Improvised Explosive Devices, rocket firing and bomb explosions, besides a spate of attacks on State infrastructure and on law enforcement agencies."

The Pakistani military has been demoralized by the fighting and troops are surrendering or being captured and beheaded by the dozens. The Taliban has fought the military to a standstill in North Waziristan and Swat, and the government continues to seek negotiations.

The Astute Bloggers:

AS REPUGNANT AS A MILITARY JUNTA IN PAKISTAN IS, IT IS FAR BETTER THAN A JIHADIST GOVERNMENT. MUSHARRAF DESERVES AND NEEDS OUR SUPPORT.

* THIS IS STOP-GAP NECESSITY. NOT AN ULTIMATE SOLUTION.


THAT'S BECAUSE PERSONAL FREEDOM AND THE LITERAL KORAN ARE NOT-COMPATIBLE.

IF YOU WANT ONE, THEN YOU HAVE TO FIGHT AGAINST THE OTHER.

Macsmind:

Musharraf must have sniffed out a not too favorable decision and pulled the trigger. This is not good from several standpoints. First there is the critical need we have a for a strong ally in Pakistan, but that relationship Musharraf has always been tenuous with him walking the line between pleasing us and keeping the more radical elements happy at home. Remember that in 2006 he wrote in his book that we had “twisted his arm” into cooperation with us.

Secondly there is the uncoming free elections in January which most likely won’t happen. All of this spells “Not Good” as Musharraf has shown over the last eight years that he intends to stay in power to some extent and he has loyal control of the miliary, oh and by the way “NUKES”.

Washington Times:

Remember that Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding somewhere on Pakistan's western frontier. Remember that Pakistan has nuclear weapons. This situation could get scary.

Michael van der Galiën:

TPMCafé where one Chuck Keller wonders - in all his BDS - whether George Bush will copy Musharraf’s behavior. I get a little bit sick of the extremists on both sides, but especially of the extremists on the left who believe that Bush is evil reincarnated. Get a grip people. As for this:

Take care, America. Be careful, Americans. Watch what Musharraf does. You may be looking into the mirror at your future.

No more coffee for you today.

Michael van der Galiën is correct, as Astute Bloggers points out, "THIS SITUATION IS NOT A SURPRISE. PAKISTAN HAS HAD MILITARY RULE FOR MOST OF THE LAST 60 YEARS.", then we have the fact that Pakistan has had nuclear weapons since before Bush became President, in fact, in 1998, while Clinton was President Pakistan announced it successfully conducted five nuclear tests, the Bush Derangement crowd ignores all of that to blame Bush for the problems in Pakistan......then again, we know that if they stub their toe it is automatically a conspiracy of Bush and Cheney that forced them to be klutzy.

The BDS crowd also is crowing about how Pakistan in more worrisome that Iran is, completing oblivious to the fact that if we allow Iran to attain nuclear weapons, we will be facing these very same problems with Iran AND Pakistan.... talk about clueless idiots.

More Beeeeeeeeeeeeee Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Esssssssssssssssssss ....these people are seriously mental and need a shrink.

More reactions at memeorandum.

[Update] Musharraf addresses nation:

ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (Agencies): Chief of Army Staff, General Pervez Musharraf addressed the nation (Saturday) about 1845GMT. President General Pervez Musharraf said in his address that Pakistan was at a dangerous juncture. Extremists, he said had challenged the writ of the government. The country’s unity is in danger without emergency rule, he added. He said terrorism and extremism had reached their limit and his country's sovereignty was at stake. “Pakistan has reached a dangerous point, and is undergoing an internal crisis. Whatever is happening is because of internal disturbances,” he said in a pre-recorded televised address wearing a Sherwani. “I fear that if timely action is not taken, then God forbid there is a threat to Pakistan's sovereignty.” He said some media channels had added to uncertainty in the country, but did not specify which. He also accused the courts of setting free 61 men who he said had committed terrorist acts. He said there will be no change in government during the state of emergency; parliament will continue to function. He said that he remained committed to holding parliamentary elections.

More from Michael van der Galiën.

[Update] Text of the ‘Proclamation of emergency’

ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (APP): Following is the text of the Proclamation of Emergency declared by Chief of the Army Staff General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday:

“WHEREAS there is visible ascendancy in the activities of extremists and incidents of terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, IED explosions, rocket firing and bomb explosions and the banding together of some militant groups have taken such activities to an unprecedented level of violent intensity posing a grave threat to the life and property of the citizens of Pakistan;

WHEREAS there has also been a spate of attacks on State infrastructure and on law enforcement agencies;

WHEREAS some members of the judiciary are working at cross purposes with the executive nd legislature in the fight against terrorism and extremism thereby weakening the Government and the nation’s resolve and diluting the efficacy of its actions to control this menace;

WHEREAS there has been increasing interference by some members of the judiciary in government policy, adversely affecting economic growth, in particular;

WHEREAS constant interference in executive functions, including but not limited to the control of terrorist activity, economic policy, price controls, downsizing of corporations and urban planning, has weakened the writ of the government; the police force has been completely demoralized and is fast losing its efficacy to fight terrorism and Intelligence Agencies have been thwarted in their activities and prevented from pursuing terrorists;

WHEREAS some hard core militants, extremists, terrorists and suicide bombers, who were arrested and being investigated were ordered to be released. The persons so released have subsequently been involved in heinous terrorist activities, resulting in loss of human life and property. Militants across the country have, thus, been encouraged while law enforcement agencies subdued;

WHEREAS some judges by overstepping the limits of judicial authority have taken over the executive and legislative functions;

WHEREAS the Government is committed to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law and holds the superior judiciary in high esteem, it is nonetheless of paramount importance that the Honourable Judges confine the scope of their activity to the judicial function and not assume charge of administration;

WHEREAS an important Constitutional institution, the Supreme Judicial Council, has been made entirely irrelevant and non est by a recent order and judges have, thus, made themselves immune from inquiry into their conduct and put themselves beyond accountability;

WHEREAS the humiliating treatment meted to government officials by some members of the judiciary on a routine basis during court proceedings has demoralized the civil bureaucracy and senior government functionaries, to avoid being harassed, prefer inaction;

WHEREAS the law and order situation in the country as well as the economy have been adversely affected and trichotomy of powers eroded;

WHEREAS a situation has thus arisen where the Government of the country cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution and as the Constitution provides no solution for this situation, there is no way out except through emergent and extraordinary measures;

AND WHEREAS the situation has been reviewed in meetings with the Prime Minister, Governors of all four Provinces, and with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chiefs of the Armed Forces, Vice-Chief of Army Staff and Corps Commanders of the Pakistan Army;

NOW, THEREFORE, in pursuance of the deliberations and decisions of the said meetings, I General Pervez Musharraf, Chief of the Army Staff, proclaim Emergency throughout Pakistan.
2. I hereby order and proclaim that the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan shall remain in abeyance.
3. This Proclamation shall come into force at once.”

His comments include the statement that inaction at this moment is suicide for Pakistan.

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