An American flag that was repaired after it was destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York was shown at the Old State House in Hartford on Tuesday for Flag Day. (Tom Lewis, Fox CT)
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Monday, September 12, 2011
Stitch The National 9/11 Flag
Jerry Odom is a DAR member and co-chair of the Veteran’s committee for the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR. Ella Maugans nominated Jerry to be an Official Stitcher for The National 9/11 Flag at the annual 4th of July Ceremony in Southport, NC. Jerry is an active member of her community working with her church, missions, teaching, sewing, quilting and for her involvement with the DAR and Veterans. Photographs in this article were contributed by Ella Maugans.
9/11 Flag Flies for Tucson Shooting Victims
A flag that survived the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and has since traveled the country as a symbol of hope flew over Tucson this morning.
It helped mark the six-month anniversary of the January 8 shooting rampage that claimed 6 lives and injured 13 others. Firefighters from Tucson's Northwest Fire Department helped the Fire Department of the City of New York unfold and raise the flag over the Safeway supermarket parking lot where the violence took place. A small crowd gathered there for a moment of silence; the community continued its remembrance later in the day at Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus.
The flag once flew near the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York, where it sustained heavy damage from falling debris during the 9/11 attacks. It was then removed and stored until 2008, when the New York Says Thank You Foundation took it to a tornado-stricken Kansas town. While Foundation volunteers helped rebuild the town, townspeople stitched the flag back together.
The flag has since been stitched by schoolchildren who survived the Ft. Hood shooting, World War II veterans who were on the deck of the USS Missouri during the Pearl Harbor attack, and countless other survivors of disaster. It was last in Tucson when it was raised outside the funeral service for Christina-Taylor Green, a nine-year-old victim of the Tucson shooting born on 9/11.
The 9/11 Honor Guard
The anniversary of 9/11 is fast approaching.
Even though the media annually reminds us, to one degree or another, about the events of that horrific day when innocent American citizens and our country were attacked by an act of war, we as individuals need to do more than just sit in front of the television. Each of us needs to take a proactive step to honor the memories of those we lost and to support their families.
I urge you to join what I like to call the "9/11 Honor Guard" with one simple action. On the morning of 9/11, please hoist the American flag at every home, apartment, and business. Spread the word between now and that momentous date, so that on that day, the flag will wave from shore to shore across America.
Skydivers' Breathtaking Tribute To 9/11 Victims
(Click on Image to Enlarge)Memorial: Photographer Norman Kent and nine members of Team Fastrax released the flags at 10:28am local time in Middletown, Ohio, on Sunday.
'It Was An Emotional Moment': Skydivers' Breathtaking Tribute To 9/11 Victims As 10 U.S. Flags Are Released From Sky Above Airport -- Daily Mail
* Touching 9/11 memorial event held by Team Fastrax over Middletown Regional Airport in Ohio
* Crowd of 10,000 watched skydivers jump from plane at 9,500ft, with some members ex-military
* Flags released at 10:28am local time to mark when second World Trade Center tower collapsed
* Skydivers were hoping to hold event in New York but could not due to airspace restrictions
The 10 stars and stripes floated in the air as a skydiving team came up a unique way of marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Photographer Norman Kent and nine members of Team Fastrax released the flags at 10:28am local time in Middletown, Ohio, on Sunday.
This marked the 10th anniversary of the time when the second World Trade Center tower collapsed during the terror attacks on September 11 in 2001.
Read more ....
My Comment: Impressive.
Muslim - Christian Violence Escalates In Indonesia
Muslim-Christian Violence Kills 3, Injures Scores In Indonesia -- Voice of AmericaTwo hundred special police were helping to maintain order in Indonesia's eastern Maluku province Monday after rioting between Muslims and Christians that left three people dead and scores injured.
Authorities said police fired into a crowd in the city of Ambon Sunday to dispel rival groups who were fighting with rocks and machetes. Indonesia's chief security minister called on all parties in the city to help calm the situation.
Read more ....
More News On Indonesia's Sectarian Violence
Troops sent after deadly clashes in Indonesia's Ambon -- BBC
Indonesia sends in police after Ambon clash -- AFP
Indonesia sends troops to eastern region after sectarian clashes kill 5, injure 150 -- Washington Post
Indonesia Sends Troops to Quell Clashes -- Time/AP
Moluccas: three dead and 60 wounded in clashes between Christians and Muslims -- Asia News
Indonesia sends troops to quell sectarian clashes -- Seattle PI/AP
Three Options For Peace Between Israel And The Palestinians
(Click on Image to Enlarge)Mapping Mideast Peace -- David Makovsky, New York Times
A two-state solution is the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and therefore negotiators must take a close look at the land swaps necessary for a negotiated settlement. These maps outline three possible land-swap scenarios, followed by a map of the Geneva Initiative for comparison. The core principle of these swaps is to reconcile the Palestinian demand for a return to the pre-1967 lines with Israel’s desire to include as many of the West Bank’s 300,000 settlers in Israel proper as possible. Any feasible scenario must include Israel's granting Palestinians arable land from within Israel’s pre-1967 border in exchange for annexed settlement blocs (clusters of settlements). It is essential that, for any land annexed by Israel as part of a deal, Palestinians receive equal amounts of land.
Read more ....
My Comment: Unfortunately .... I do not see a ground swell of support for a peace agreement in either Israel or those in the "Palestinian" territories. And for the U.S., they are now faced with this approaching lose-lose situation.
Civil War In Libya -- News Updates September 12, 2011
Flight Of The Gaddafis: Another Son Flees Across The Border Into Niger -- Daily Mail
*37-year-old son 'has no status' in Niger - not guaranteed refugee status
* One of most high-profile figures to cross from Libya
* Over 80% of Niger covered by Sahara Desert
* Former head of the regime's external intelligence service captured in Tripoli
* Gaddafi promises 'prettiest girls' in Bani Walid as reward for fighting
Following last week's news that a convoy of dozens of vehicles trucked south from Libya to neighbouring Niger, carrying Muammar Gaddafi's closest supporters - if not the 69-year-old despot himself - it has been reported that one of his sons has also now crossed the border.
A government spokesman for the large, landlocked West African country - over 80 per cent of which is the Sahara Desert - confirmed that 37-year-old Saadi Gaddafi, a former footballer in Italy, has also fled.
Read more ....
More News On Libya's Civil War
Gadhafi issues defiant message after attacks on oil hub -- MSNBC
Stubborn Kadafi rejected reforms as regime fell, insider says -- L.A. Times
One of Qaddafi’s Sons Flees to Niger as New Leaders Focus on Next Steps -- New York Times
Rising tensions among Libya’s new leaders threaten efforts to get country back on track -- Washington Post
Libyan civilians flee key Gadhafi stronghold -- AP
Libyan fighters still face stiff battle for Sirte -- The Telegraph
Libya conflict: New fighting in town of Bani Walid -- BBC
Pro-Gaddafi Forces Kill 17 at Libya Oil Refinery -- New York Times/Reuters
In Flash of Resilience, Qaddafi Loyalists Attack Oil Refinery -- New York Times
Gaddafi son escapes to Niger as fight stalls -- Washington Post
Battles rage as Gaddafi son watched in Niger -- Al Jazeera
Niger faces fall-out from rich relation Libya -- Reuters
Libya Fighters' Push Stalled by Gadhafi Troops -- New York Times/AP
Saadi Gadhafi arrives in Niger as Libyan troops seek to strangle Sirte -- CNN
Libya conflict: Gaddafi's son Saadi 'arrives in Niger' -- BBC
Kadafi son Saadi flees to Niger -- L.A. Times
Libya's interim PM feels the heat -- BBC
China recognizes Libya's new leaders -- Washington Post
Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- September 12, 2011
A World Without 9/11: No President Obama, More China Trouble, Same Debt Crisis -- Michael Lind, Washington Post
Imagine that the twin towers still dominated the Manhattan skyline. Imagine that the Pentagon’s western facade had remained intact. Imagine that there was no reason to build a memorial in Shanksville, Pa. And imagine that the numbers 9 and 11 meant nothing more than an emergency telephone call.
The world changed on Sept. 11, 2001, that much is clear. But how much, and how radically?
Read more ....
Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials
Myth and Reality After 9/11 -- Victor Davis Hanson, NRO
In Search of the Next Big Attack, Long After 9-11 -- Cal Woodward, Military.com
Did Osama Win? -- Andrew Sullivan, Daily Beast/Newsweek
What if the 'Lion' hadn't been slain? -- Farangis Najibullah, Asia Times
Al-Qaeda's zealots of yesteryear turning to politics, democracy -- Doug Saunders, Globe And Mail
U.S. Prepares to Talk to Taliban It Wanted to ‘Destroy’ -- Danger Room
Half a Trillion Dollars of Broken Afghan Dreams -- New York Times/Reuters
9/11 Recalled — Kabul -- Sharifullah Sahak, At War, New York Times
In Afghanistan, tie between 9/11 and the war often gets lost -- Laura King, L.A. Times
Are 3,000 Troops Worse Than None in Iraq? -- Kenneth Pollack, Real Clear World
We Need Troops in Iraq -- Max Boot, Commentary
Egypt’s Botched Revolution -- Michael Totten, Pajamas Media
Beyond Cairo, Israel Sensing a Wider Siege -- Ethan Bronner, New York Times
Britain has travelled steadily towards the edge of the cliff in the years since 9/11 -- Melanie Phillips, Daily Mail
Canada's Oil Sands Are a Jobs Gusher -- Mary Anastasia O'Grady, Wall Street Journal
Europe’s Fiscal Fantasies -- New York Times editorial
Secret Chinese Attempts To Sell Arms To Libya Reveals Internal Chinese Tensions
Secret Bid to Arm Qaddafi Sheds Light on Tensions in China Government -- New York Times
BEIJING — At a United Nations conference in Indonesia this summer, an official of the agency that oversees China’s weapons industry ticked off the hurdles that any proposal to sell Chinese weapons abroad must clear. Among them: arms sales must not alter another nation’s internal security. They must not violate United Nations arms embargoes. And they must win government approval.
“If you want to export a product, you should get permission,” said the official, Wang Feng. “You want to talk to some other country, you ship to the country, you should get permission.”
Read more ....
My Comment: China has always been an authoritarian country .... anything that is done will be known by someone in the bureaucracy .... and as for arm sales .... the foreign office and the military will (without question) be involved in that. But China is not governed uniformily .... there are different factions and interests involved (i.e. the federal government, the provincial government .... and it even breaks down to the municipal level) .... and even in these factions, there are usually more factions involved.
Button line .... the Libyan case has blown clear on what is becoming an international problem in China .... but my prediction is that until the Chinese Central government and the ruling hierarchy in Beijing itself get involved (which they will not) .... this double dealing will continue.
Getting Ready For Peace Talks With The Taliban?
U.S. Backs Move To Let Taliban Open Headquarters In Qatar In The Hope Of Ending War In Afghanistan -- Daily MailTalks to end the 10-year war in Afghanistan could be on the horizon after the U.S. backed a plan to let the Taliban open political headquarters in the Middle East.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is likely to open a base in Qatar before Christmas, The Times said.
It is hoped this will help facilitate peace talks which could lead to a truce with the Taliban.
Read more ....
More News On The Taliban Opening Their "Public" First Office
Taliban office in Qatar approved by US -- The Australian/Times
US 'backs opening Taliban office in Qatar' -- Herald Sun/AFP
U.S. Offers The Taliban New Middle East Headquarters -- Business Insider
America endorses Taliban office -- RT
Taliban to open its office in Qatar -- Hindustan Times
U.S. Prepares to Talk to Taliban It Wanted to ‘Destroy’ -- Danger Room
My Comment: This is all directed against Pakistan .... they want the Taliban to be as far away as possible from Pakistani influence and direction.
The 9/11 Era By The Numbers
(Click on Image to Enlarge)The Dead, The Dollars, The Drones: 9/11 Era By The Numbers -- The Danger
Ever since the Twin Towers fell, the United States has been at war. The costs of that decade of conflict have been unimaginably high: trillions of dollars spent, hundreds of thousands of lives lost. The numbers are almost too big to grasp, let alone quantify. The graphics below are our incomplete attempt to do so.
These figures are also a way of showing the radical transformation the U.S. military has undergone during the 9/11 era. Drones, once an afterthought in tactical plans, have become a central component, flying millions of hours in combat. Special operations forces have added tens of thousands to their ranks. Bomb-resistant armored vehicles, absent from the American arsenal in 2001, are now a primary means of battlefield transportation — even as Afghanistan’s militants find new ways to render them irrelevant.
My Comment: And these costs show no sign of decreasing .... let alone stopping.
U.S. Confirms 4 U.S. Soldiers Are On The Ground In Libya
U.S. Boots On The Ground In Libya, Pentagon Confirms -- FOX News
Despite repeated assurances from President Obama and military leaders that the U.S. would not send uniformed military personnel into Libya, four U.S. service members arrived on the ground in Tripoli over the weekend.
According to Pentagon spokesman Capt. John Kirby, the four unidentified troops are there working under the State Department's chief of mission to assist in rebuilding the U.S. Embassy.
Kirby noted the embassy in Tripoli was badly damaged during the conflict between Muammar Qaddafi's forces and the rebels.
Read more ....
Update: US team assessing Libya embassy includes 4 military Reuters -- Reuters
My Comment: I suspect that when finally opened, this embassy will be heavily guarded and fortified before the first U.S. diplomat enters the grounds.
Anti-American Cleric Moktada al-Sadr Calls On His Followers To Cease Attacks On US Soldiers
Iraqi Cleric Tells Followers To Halt Attacks -- New York TimesBAGHDAD — The anti-American cleric Moktada al-Sadr called on his followers on Saturday to cease their attacks on United States military forces in Iraq, saying that he did not want the Americans to have an excuse to remain in the country, according to a statement posted on a Web site of his political party.
But if the American troops do not leave by the end of the year, the attacks should resume, the statement said.
It could not be independently confirmed that the statement was from Mr. Sadr.
Read more ....
More News On Moktada al-Sadr Calling On His Followers To Suspend Attacks Against U.S. Forces
Iraq's Sadr orders halt to US troop attacks -- AFP
Iraq's Sadr says to halt attacks on U.S. troops -- Reuters
Iraq cleric to followers: Stop attacking US troops -- AP
Iraqi Shi'ite Leader Orders No Attacks On U.S. Troops Ahead Of Pullout -- Radio Free Europe
Anti-American cleric in Iraq asks followers to cease attacks on US troops to hasten withdrawal -- Washington Post
Iraq's Sadr halts militia attack against withdrawing U.S. troop -- Xinhuanet
Iraq cleric says his forces could attack US troops -- Independent
Death Toll In Syrian Uprising Reaches 2,600
U.N. Office: Death Toll In Syria Reaches 2,600 -- CNN
(CNN) -- An adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says parliamentary elections could be held in the country by the end of the year, according to Russian media.
Bouthaina Shaaban, the political and media adviser to al-Assad, was in Moscow on Monday to speak to journalists on the situation in Syria.
"I can tentatively say that such elections may be held either at the end of this year or the beginning of next," Shaaban said, according to the RIA-Novosti news agency.
Read more ....
More News On Syria's Rising Death Toll After 6 months Of Unrest
In Syria: 2,600 Dead So Far, U.N. Official Says -- NPR
UN: Death Toll In Syria Unrest At Least 2,600 -- NPR/AP
Syria unrest death toll reaches 2,600: UN rights chief -- DAWN/AFP
UN: At Least 2,600 Dead in Syrian Uprising -- Voice of America
UN: 2 600 killed in Syria unrest -- News24
UN: Death toll in Syria unrest at least 2,600 -- Ynet News
Syria: Counting the dead -- Global Post
Russia resists Syria sanctions, U.N. says 2,600 dead -- L.A. Times
Russia Resists Syria Sanctions; UN Says 2,600 Dead -- Radio Free Europe
Afghanistan: Ten Years After 9/11 (Video)
My Comment: A disturbing look at Afghanistan (with small glimmers of hope) after 10 years.
Picture Of The Day
The Tribute in Lights is illuminated in the skyline of lower Manhattan at dusk Sunday. ReutersAfghanistan War News Updates -- September 12, 2011
Afghanistan Militias And Police 'Committing Abuses' -- BBC
Militias and some units of the new local police in Afghanistan are committing serious human rights abuses, a Human Rights Watch report has said.
It says that they are responsible for crimes including killings, rape, arbitrary detention, abductions and forcible land grabs.
The report says the Afghan government has failed to hold the militias properly to account.
Nato said it was working with the government to examine the findings.
Read more ....
More News On Afghanistan
US-backed Afghan militias accused of human rights abuses -- The Guardian
Afghan militias, police accused of abuses -- AP
NATO-backed local police terrorising Afghans - report -- Reuters
US-backed Afghan police accused of serious abuses -- AFP
U.S.-backed Afghan police force accused of human rights abuses -- Global Post
HRW: Afghan Police Guilty of Serious Abuses -- Voice of America
Afghanistan militias and police “committing abuses” -- RAWA News
Afghan truck bomb hits US troops in Wardak -- BBC
77 U.S. troops injured in Taliban truck bombing -- L.A. Times
Nato military base attacked by suicide bomber in Afghanistan -- The Guardian
Taliban targets coalition base on eve of 9/11 anniversary -- CNN
Taliban Time Blast to 9/11 -- Wall Street Journal
NATO: 77 U.S. troops injured after Taliban hit Afghan coalition base -- CNN
Taliban claim Afghanistan truck bomb attack that wounded 77 US troops -- Yahoo News/Christian Science Monitor
FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Sept 12 -- Alertnet
Operations Continue at Outpost After Attack -- US Department of Defense
US troops in Afghanistan mark 9/11 -- AFP
In Afghanistan, tie between 9/11 and the war often gets lost -- L.A. Times
PHOTOS: Commemorating Sept. 11 In Afghanistan -- NPR
In rural Afghanistan, many don’t know 9/11 -- CNN
US must stay in Afghanistan for 'long haul', says ambassador -- The Telegraph
U.S. casualties keep rising in Afghan war -- Ottawa Citizen
Six soldiers honoured for service in Afghanistan -- Montreal Gazette/Postmedia News
For some former Guantanamo detainees, present bleaker than past -- Washington Post
NATO progress in Afghanistan questioned -- Voice of Russia
Taliban office in Qatar approved by US -- The Australian/The Times
U.S. backs move to let Taliban open headquarters in Qatar in the hope of ending war in Afghanistan -- Daily Mail
U.S. Offers The Taliban New Middle East Headquarters -- Business Insider
Half a Trillion Dollars of Broken Afghan Dreams -- New York Times/Reuters
9/11 Recalled — Kabul -- Sharifullah Sahak, At War, New York Times
In Afghanistan, tie between 9/11 and the war often gets lost -- Laura King, L.A. Times
Ryan Crocker’s ‘strategic patience’ in Afghanistan -- Jackson Diehl, Washington Post
World News Briefs -- September 12, 2011
Forces Stalled Near Gadhafi Stronghold Amid Reports Of In-Fighting -- CNN
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- Libya's new leaders are moving to unite fractious, heavily armed bands of fighters under a singular control, even as the forces struggled Monday to take control of Moammar Gadhafi's last bastions of support.
The announcement Sunday by the head of the National Transitional Council followed reports of in-fighting and arguments amongst bands of fighters stalled outside the town of Bani Walid after encountering stiff resistance during an assault.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Moqtada al-Sadr orders halt to attacks on US troops stationed in Iraq.
Many Iraqis have second thoughts as U.S. exit nears.
Mass grave in Iraqi town held bodies of 40 cabbies.
UN: At least 2,600 dead in Syrian uprising. U.N. office: Death toll in Syria reaches 2,600.
Yemeni forces are said to enter coastal city.
Turkey's Erdogan heads to Egypt, unnerving an embattled Israel.
Iran pledges to retaliate against potential strike.
Russia ready for more nuclear cooperation with Iran.
Suspected Kurdish rebels kill 5 in Turkey-military.
ASIA
Indonesia sends troops to quell sectarian clashes.
Secret bid to arm Qaddafi sheds light on tensions in China government.
Japan asks Russia not to take 'provocative' military action.
Floods chaos worsens in Pakistan.
Air Force One flight plan posted on blog by Haneda air controller.
AFRICA
Tension rises between rebel and civilian leaders in Libya. Libyan civilians flee key Gadhafi stronghold. Libya: Gaddafi’s son Saadi flees to Niger.
Exclusive-at bay, captured Libyan spy chief defiant.
Tanzania ship sinks; 45 dead, hundreds missing.
Briton killed and wife kidnapped in Kenya.
Egypt says to toughen emergency laws.
Twin explosions in Nigerian central city of Jos injure two, military says.
Kenya fire: Nairobi pipeline blaze 'kills 100'.
EUROPE
Explosion at French nuclear site kills one, no leak.
Swedish police arrest 4 terror suspects.
UK's Cameron meets Medvedev, Putin in rare visit.
German General takes over NATO's Kosovo mission.
Russian plane crash: Last ice hockey team member dies.
AMERICAS
Texas fire destroys 1,554 homes, 17 people missing.
Military jets safely escort NYC, Detroit flights.
Retired military general known as ‘iron fist’ a favorite in Guatemalan presidential election. Guatemala election: Perez Molina takes early lead.
In Venezuela crime spree, even hospitals are hit.
US official decries cartel attacks on Mexicans.
Fidel Castro speaks in Venezuelan TV interview.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al-Qaeda militants 'crossing into Syria from Iraq'.
Panel upholds Al Qaida filmmaker’s life sentence.
Al-Qaeda weakened over last decade: Western officials.
American missiles kill 3 in northwest Pakistan.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
GooglePleaseHireMe: Matthew Epstein looks for job, campaign goes viral.
Global stock markets down on debt fears as euro falls. Wall St opens lower on euro zone debt fears.
JPMorgan chief says bank rules ‘anti-US’.
Debt crisis: live.
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