How Victoria’s Secret Saved the National Guard During Hurricane Sandy

From Danger Room:

On Monday night, Hurricane Sandy hit the armory of the New York Army National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment, leaving the soldiers without power, hot water, or anything but the most rudimentary means of communicating with the outside world. So the next morning, the Regiment’s officers made an emergency plea — to the producers of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. 

As they had done for the last three years running, the lingerie company was holding its annual television event at the Regiment’s historic armory, located at 25th street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. For the show, the producers had hauled in eight massive 500 kilowatt generators. Of course, the producers said, we’d be happy to help. Hours later, the lights flashed back on. 

“We were dead in the water until Victoria’s Secret showed up,” says Capt. Brendan Gendron, the Regiment’s operations officer.

Dubai to build Taj Mahal replica, proves Russel Peters right

In the event people needed more of a reason to poke fun at khaligis (Gulfies) and their ostentatious and spendthrift ways, Dubai unveiled a plan to build a $1 billion replica of the Taj Mahal.

The copy will be bigger than the original and house a 300 room hotel, shops, and other commercial buildings.  Around the new Taj will be copies of the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Great Wall of China.

The project is projected to finish by 2014, so all those who want to visit the "New City of Love," as the Emirate will call the new complex, better start planning their holidays ASAP.

Russel Peters is right. Dubai is stupid.

Iranian police clash with protesters demonstrating against currency crisis

Police reportedly clashed with protesters demonstrating against the collapse of the Iranian rial, whose value dropped precipitously to a third of its value, in a week, and lost 80 percent of its value compared to a month ago. The rial was valued at 36,100 to a dollar on Tuesday.

Around 100 traders and money lenders rallied in front of the country's central bank before being confronted by riot police and dispersed.  Demonstrators were frustrated not only by the drop in the currency value, brought on in a large part by sanctions, but also frustrated by the government's failure to act in the face of a crisis. The official paralysis increased the price instability.  Many Iranians also blame President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and alleged financial mismanagement for the currency depreciation.

Police fired tear gas against demonstrators and arrested illegal money exchangers in the capital.  The national police also formed a special unit of police and government economic officials "to combat those perturbing the currency market," according to the head of national police Esmail Ahmadi Moghadam.

Merchants in Tehran's central bazaar also closed in solidarity with the demonstrators.  Their participation is significant, as they are seen as a bellweather for public sentiment and have significant political influence.

Shops shuttered in Tehran's central bazaar in solidarity with borsa protesters

Today's developments were the first sign of public discontent.  Observers reported continued heavy police presence on the streets. 

Saudi to its citizens: About that whole jihad thing--don't.

Mindful of how that whole send-jihadists-to-fight-the-Soviets-in-Afghanistan thing turned out (enter: Osama bin Laden, security vacuum in Afghanistan, militant networks in Pakistan, al-Qaeda in general, militants turning against the Saudis... need I go on?), Saudi is trying to stop its citizens from joining the rebel fighters and what some see as holy war in Syria.

The United States wasn't the only country to experience blowback after helping the Afghans fight the Soviets.  Saudi too faced blowback as its returning fighters, emboldened by experience in the field, driven by strong religiosity and angry at the excesses and willingness of its own government to work with the infidels, turned its ire against the Kingdom.  

Saudis are furious at the news reports and images leaking out of Syria of decimation of streets and villages, deaths, and disrespect for religious symbols, as rebel forces fight those loyal to Bashir al-Assad. The country's Wahhabism is further stoking the fire.  The ultra-puritanical strain of Islam sees Shi'ites, of which al-Assad's Alawite sect is an offshoot, as heretics.  

A video entitled "A message from a Saudi fighter with his Syrian brothers" showing a Saudi with rebels, armed to the teeth, posted on YouTube in August, has been seen more than 121,000 times.

"I ask God to unite us in heaven and say to my brothers in the Arabian peninsula to fight in the name of God as your brothers in the Levant need fighters of strong faith and chivalry," said the unidentified Saudi.  

The Saudi government is putting pressure on the al-Assad regime publicly calling on the international community to "enable" Syrians to protect themselves amid reports the Saudis, along with the Qataris and Turks, are funneling cash and arms to the Free Syrian Army.  But they are drawing the line there.

"It's illegal to go abroad and get involved in any...military actions or fighting," Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour Turki said.  "This is known to all Saudis and many have been prosecuted.  If we have evidence that somebody is leaving Saudi Arabia for the purpose of joining militants, he will be stopped and investigated for that."  

Clerics have joined the government in pushing back against jihad.

"Families must watch over sons who can be lured into hot spots in this world," said cleric Siraj al-Zahrani. 

"They don't want to repeat the same mistake they made in Afghanistan," said a Saudi who fought the Soviets there.  "Young men went there and learned to fight with many groups of jihadists.  Some of those groups accused Islamic countries of being infidels and the young people were influenced by that and went back to their countries and caused problems." 

Whether or not the government has influence over the estranged youth is questionable.  

"The youth of jihad don't listen to the Council of Senior Clerics," said an Saudi who fought in Afghanistan.

The government's official line is also being ridiculed in online jihadist forums.

"Abdullah, call for jihad against this Syrian tyrant and his aides and you will find, God willing, strong men who have a faith in God to lift the banner of Islam," said one user on a prominent site al-Waseem.  "Enough weakness."

"Green on blue" attack toll in Afghanistan reaches 2,000

The US military toll from insider attacks rose to 2,000 after an attack Saturday in Wardak province that killed a US soldier and a contractor.  The two were apparently killed by a rogue member of the Afghan security forces.

Not only has the death toll rose to 2,000, but such attacks are now the biggest killer of foreign military forces in Afghanistan. Provincial government spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told the AP an Afghan soldier turned his gun on the Americans and started shooting, killing the two foreign forces along with three Afghan army soldiers.

The deaths followed a "verbal dispute" during a joint operation.

Attacks against US and coalition military forces by Afghan police, security, and military personnel increased sharply this year. The development threatens to undermine America's Afghanistan strategy, in which foreign forces work directly with and train their Afghan counterparts to "step up" following US withdrawal, scheduled for the end of 2014.  The United States has cut back on its training missions, for a time halting them completely as recruits were re-vetted.

Hundreds of Afghan soldiers were dismissed after the US halted training missions following an inquiry.

The attacks are also forcing US soldiers on the defensive. The military implemented a "guardian angels" plan, in which foreign military personnel would remain armed and ready for attack during all interactions with their Afghan counterparts.  The increasingly defensive stance--and the ill will that inevitably emerges from interactions between the two sides in charged environment--will only make differences and grievances worse.  It is difficult to see how Afghans will be able to be properly trained to "step up" when such distrust and animosity holds between both sides.

The plan for withdrawal also depends on a contingent of foreign trainers remaining on the ground for years to come.  

A Polish girl's journey across the Middle East

My grandparents literally paved the road for me. 

The BBC featured an article this morning about Danuta Mazka, a young girl from what was Poland, now Ukraine, who was sent with her family to Siberia after the Soviets invaded Poland in 1939.  A few months later, she and her family were sent to Siberia.  According to the article, no one knows how many Poles were deported in those weeks, but most estimates point to around one million.  

"We were put on a cargo train," remembered Danuta.  "It was full-72 people in each wagon. There was a hole in the floor for the toilet, and a little stove."

She continued, "The guard would come and throw the dead babies out of the window into the snow. When an adult died, they'd put the body on a platform by the engine. When the train slowed, they'd put them off. But the children they just threw away."

After the German invasion of Poland in 1941, the Soviets turned to the captives and gave them a choice--either join them against the Nazis as members of the Red Army or join the Polish army in exile.  Many joined the army in exile.  

Danuta's journey would take her from Siberia to Uzbekistan to Iran to North Africa and Palestine, finally settling in the United Kingdom.  

I read this article and got really emotional. I remembered my grandfather telling me a similar story about my grandmother, who was born in what was Poland and now Ukraine, sent to Siberia. Somewhere between the two of them, their journeys took them to Iran, Egypt, and Palestine (from what I remember). Danuta's story very closely followed that of my own grandmother. 

I sent the article to my mom, asking her whether the article was similar to the story of my grandparents.  She replied:

Yes it is. Poland was invaded on her 9th b-day. The family was captured and sent to Siberia where she and your great uncle caught birds (a reason for you to like birds [birds are my number one fear]) and ripped off potatoes from trains to bring "home" to eat.  Later, the family went to some Middle Eastern country, I forget which, where your great grandmother, a healthy-sized woman, was pinched many times and men asked your great grandfather if they could buy her for a wife [apparently nothing has changed]. He said no. They got to England where she met Dziadzia [my grandfather] and the rest is history.

Egypt, Hearing From Obama, Moves to Heal Rift From Protests

Via NYT:

CAIRO — Following a blunt phone call from President Obama, Egyptian leaders scrambled Thursday to try to repair the country’s alliance with Washington, tacitly acknowledging that they erred in their response to the attack on the United States Embassy by seeking to first appease anti-American domestic opinion without offering a robust condemnation of the violence. 

Set off by anger at an American-made video ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad, the attacks on the embassy put President Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood in a squeeze between the need to stand with Washington against the attackers and the demands of many Egyptians to defy Washington and defend Islam, a senior Brotherhood official acknowledged. 

During a late-night, 20-minute phone call, Mr. Obama warned Mr. Morsi that relations would be jeopardized if Egyptian authorities failed to protect American diplomats and stand more firmly against anti-American attacks. 

The rising breach between the United States and Egypt comes at a critical time for the longtime allies. For the Obama administration, it is a test of whether it has succeeded in efforts to shore up influence after the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak and to find common ground with the new Islamist leaders of a country that is a linchpin of American policy in the Middle East. 

For Egypt’s new president, the dilemma quickly became an early test of the Brotherhood’s ability to balance domestic political pressures, international commitments and its conservative religious mandate now that it is also effectively governing in a new democracy. 

US drones in Benghazi target of anti-aircraft missiles as investigations show attack preplanned

This sh*t cray.

A protester holds a rifle outside the US consulate in Benghazi on September 11, 2012. 

Benghazi's international airport was closed after militants attacked US drones with "heavy" anti-aircraft fire. The drones were sent to Libya's second city after a September 11 attack on the consulate killed US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other embassy staffers.  Libyan officials feared for the safety of civilian aircraft in the area and closed the airspace.

"Two American drones flew over Benghazi last night with the knowledge of Libyan authorities," said Deputy Interior Minister Wais al-Sharif.  "They were visible to the eye and came under attack by anti-aircraft weapons used by armed militias."

In addition to moving drones to Benghazi, the United States sent a special Marines team and destroyers to the coast, building up the position of the US in the event of a future attack.

Preliminary evidence shows the attack was planned in advance.  There is a growing belief that the attack was retribution for the drone strike killing of Mohammed Hassan Qaed, aka Abu Yahya al-Libi, a Libyan killed in Pakistan.

The consulate was looted and an FBI team is yet to arrive to investigate the area due to security concerns. Additionally, important documents are missing from the consulate, including papers with the names of Libyans working with the United States and raising fears for their safety.

Putin being Chopin, playing with tigers, escorting wild cranes, swimming like Phelps.

Not related to the Middle East or South Asia but entertaining nevertheless. 

He's got the most bizarre PR scheme.

H/t: NYTimes

Vladimir Putin clockwise from top left: In Russia's far east forests tranquilizing a tiger; horseback riding in southern Siberia; swimming in a Siberian lake; and digging at an archeological site in Greece.

Mr. Putin played the piano at a charity concert in 2010.

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia escorted six endangered Siberian cranes to their winter habitat. Experts say that when raised in captivity, these cranes quickly form bonds with figures they perceive as parents.

"Green-on-blue" attacks now biggest killer of NATO troops

More NATO troops are killed by rogue Afghan soldiers and police turning weapons against their trainers than declared enemies.  The uptick of insider attacks marks a worrying turn for ISAF officials as they prepare to wind up the Afghanistan mission.

In response, the US military halted training of Afghan government-backed militias for a month in order to re-vet recruits after the wave of attacks. A spokesman for the military coalition said there is no set date for the resumption of training of the local police.

Afghanistan's military announced today that it arrested or expelled hundreds of soldiers in a bid to stop the attacks.

An August 28 attack in which a man in an Afghan army uniform killed three Australian soldiers and wounded two in the southern province of Uruzgan brought the total number of NATO personnel killed by "green-on-blue" attacks to fifteen for the month of August.  Nearly one in three international coalition deaths were caused by Afghan allies last month.

International forces said there have been 34 insider attacks this year, and 12 in August alone, resulting in the deaths of 45 international troops.  ISAF claims the majority of attacks are one-offs, fueled by personal disagreements and cultural differences, but the frequency of the attacks hints at a larger problem.

Much of the alliance's war strategy relies on close cooperation between foreign and Afghan troops, with the foreigners as trainers and the Afghans expected to take responsibility after NATO's departure at the end of 2014.   The military is attempting to cut back on the attacks through a "Guardian Angels" program, in which one or two armed ISAF troops would monitor all Afghans during each mission and meeting.  These angels will be prepared to fire on anyone who tries to kill a coalition service member, according to the New York Times. In a bit of an understatement, General John Allen, ISAF Commander, said, "There is an erosion of trust that has emerged from [the attacks]."

US Official on the Muslim Brotherhood: "They sound like Republicans half the time."

When people ask me about the Muslim Brotherhood, whether or not they aim to spread Islamic law throughout Egypt and turn it into the next Iran, I laugh.  The Egyptian group's rhetoric sounds familiar to me--it sounds almost exactly like what comes out of the American Republican party.  The religiosity, the nationalism... it's not scary, it's politics.

I'm apparently not the only person who thinks that way.  To me, this says a lot not about the Republican party being crazy, because I don't think they all are, but more about the nature of politics worldwide and how conservative parties rally their base.  Whether they are Christian or Muslim or Hindi or Jewish, it's all the same.  And don't worry, this is not a conservative-bashing post--liberals have their own means of rallying the base--"Big business is coming for us! Fox News!"

The article in which the official is quoted is worth reading in its entirety.  At the American Chamber here, I am actually working on these delegations mentioned in the article. Last week, AmCham hosted Robert Hormats, who spoke with a group of businessmen (mostly men) and emphasized the need to create inclusive growth to ensure the foundation of a democratic Egyptian state with opportunities for all.

Next week, we will host a HUGE US government and business delegation, with over 117 business men and officials and nearly 50 companies represented to emphasize commitment to the development of Egypt's private sector in the weeks and months ahead.  They are aiming to signal that Egypt is "open for business" and push for changes to Egypt's business environment to make the Middle Eastern country more amenable for investment.

Additionally, the US government is moving forward with plans to issue nearly $1 billion in debt forgiveness, extending a $250 million loan guarantee to Egypt through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). There is also discussion about a US-Egyptian Enterprise Fund, based on successful programs established in Central and Eastern Europe following the dissolution of the Soviet Union to develop small and medium enterprises.  $60 million has been set aside for this project, and the Administration is working to secure more.

Sounds great! But I know all of this will open up rumors to the United States being in bed with the Muslim Brotherhood. And I hear it a lot--that the US supported the MB from the beginning. Which is crap--the US just supported the legitimate winners of the election. They did not shut out the MB and instead chose to keep dialogue open. This is a huge change from how the US dealt with the group previously. But in terms of the election, no, the process was not perfect. But Shafiq lost and the liberals were unable to mobilize. 

Taqeef (Air conditioning)! It's a Ramadan miracle!

I have air conditioning.  It's Tuesday night (technically Wednesday morning), I arrived on Sunday, and tonight is the first night I have air conditioning in my room.  I arrived to my flat Sunday night after a long trip and met my roommate--she seems super nice. The flat is incredibly central, off of Talaat Harb, which, for those unfamiliar with Cairo, is about three minutes walk from Tahrir Square, of the revolutionary fame.  I wanted to live Downtown, as opposed to the areas that are more "expat-y" because I wanted to break out of the expat bubble.  If I'm going to live in Egypt, then damnit, I'm going to live in Egypt.

But the AC in my room did not work.  I was so tired the first night I just aimed a (not working-well) fan at my face and passed out, sweating the whole night.  I woke up around noon, thinking something along the lines of, "WTF did I get myself into?" I went to see the landlord, who said a repairman would come tomorrow to fix it. Meanwhile, he gave me the keys to another flat, whose AC wasn't working either.  I texted him telling him this is unacceptable and I'm moving unless the AC is fixed tomorrow. He called, apologized profusely for the "disrespect" (you were disrespecting me?? Badeen), and said if it was not fixed tonight he would buy me another.

I did not mention to him that now my roommate and I want to move into the other flat, provided they fix the AC. It is a little more expensive, but still cheap for the area and has these amazing balconies. And shower curtains. And garbage cans. And coffee cups! All things this flat is lacking.

The guy literally gave my AC unit a shower. My room feels cool right now, so hey, I guess whatever works.

Our doorman was helping the repairman.  Seeing the interaction between the two really made the social distinctions in Egypt evident.  The repairman was wearing nice Western clothes (not like in the States--in fact, here the job title translates to "engineer"), nice hair cut, generally well-put together. Spoke no English but I could understand his Arabic. Our doorman wears traditional garb, I think something is wrong with his eyes, and I can't for the life of me understand what he's saying. But the repairman made the doorman carry the AC in and out of my room on his back. The doorman also was carrying all of his tools, and generally acting very subservient.   

Yesterday, my one free day between arrival and work, was hot and stressful. I was trying to work out the AC, went to another neighborhood for a proper grocery store, and visited a few gyms.  That night I met up with my friend Hiba, who I met on a flight to Beirut. She coincidentally was in Cairo this week--definitely one of those people who you meet and just click with. That's why I love traveling and crossing paths with people whom you would never meet otherwise, sharing experiences and stories and keeping in touch long after.

And today--my first day at work! So far I really enjoy it. I'm sitting in a room with three other girls, all Egyptian, doing similar work.  They said after a month or so I can move to a separate office, which I find kind of weird.  They have all been there longer, know the ropes better--why should I get the separate office? Makes me uneasy. I joined a Gold's Gym on a permanent boat on the Nile--SO NICE! I love it and am so excited. I think there is even Zumba! After the gym I met up with a SAISer at her friend's houseboat. Yes, a houseboat.

Now it is past 1am and it is time for bed. Goodnight!

"This is our religion. We cannot leave our religion for one man."

Sunday afternoon, white supremacist Wade Michael Page entered a sikh temple outside Milwaukee and opened fire, leaving at least seven people dead, including himself.

Page was a neo-Nazi extremist, involved in a group called End Apathy to spur whites to action and a member of two bands, called "Blue Eyed Devils" and "Definite Hate."  Their lyrics include songs about killing Jews, blacks, gays, and other minorities.

Much of the media focus has been on how Sikhs, practitioners of a monotheistic religion that originated in South Asia, are often confused for conservative (in stupid media parlance: "extremist") Muslims who wear head dresses and have long beards (Sikhs have beards and wear turbans).  In the years following the September 11 attacks, they have been targets for hate crimes.  In February, a Sikh temple was defaced and in late 2010 a Sikh cabdriver beaten.  In both instances, the perpetrators made false allegations of connections to al-Qaeda and militant Islam.

Missing in this conversation: are all Muslims that wear headwear and have long beards "extremists?" No. I know many who are good people, conservative, yes, but would not turn to violence.

Even more disturbing, would the attack have been more acceptable had it been against conservative Mulisms? As if their headwear-beards-beliefs would somewhat excuse Page's attack?

MEK: Still on the List

Despite pressure from shady and influential individuals in US politics, the State Department kept the MEK on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. 

Saudi Olympian's father to sue those who insulted daughter

Props.

The father of 16-year-old Wojdan Shaherkani, a member of the Saudi Olympic team and judo participant, vowed to sue those who insulted his daughter for challenging the Kingdom's conservative traditions that keep women from participating in sports.

"I have sent an urgent letter to the Minister of the Interior Prince Ahmed bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz with copies of all attacks made on Twitter," said Ali Seraj Shaherkani.

Wojdan was one of two women in the Saudi team this year and a first for women in the Kingdom.  She gained worldwide attention despite lasting 82 seconds on the mat and received a standing ovation as she left.

Wojdan almost did not participate after the IOC ruled she could not compete without wearing a headscarf for "safety" reasons.  After intense negotiations she was allowed to wear special headgear akin to a swimming cap.

Saudi's Twittersphere lit up during the competition.  Some observers criticized her participation, saying she did "not represent the chaste Muslim woman."  Others use racial slurs referring to her Asian background, calling her "Tarsh Bahar," or "Sea Remnants."

Wojdan's supporters quickly took over the offensive Twitter hashtag.

"We are so proud of you Wojdan," said journalist Asma al-Sharif. "It takes a lot of courage to do what you did."

Manal al-Sharif, who blogs at Saudiwoman, said, "For us Saudi women judoka Wojdan Siraj is a champion."

Wojdan and her family's courage is notable. I could not imagine being a sixteen year old and having half of my country attack me and my family, especially in a society like Saudi.  Despite her participation, however, many are ambivalent regarding the impact of her particpation, noting little if anything changed in Saudi.  Conservatives are unmoved in their opposition to women participating in sports, and women are still unable to participate in sports or physical education.

"This is not a step forward for women's rights," said Aziza al-Yousef, a professor and leader in the Saudi women's right-to-drive movement.  "We've been asking for girls to play sports in school for years; here they give Saudi women a spot on the Olympics, but not the right to earn a place on the team.  This doesn't add anything, and it won't change anything."

Egyptian Olympians outfitted in designer knockoffs for London Games

There are so many reasons why this story is amazing.  Traveling through Egypt and the greater Middle East (and Asia and Chinatowns worldwide), you're bombarded with designer knockoffs--purses, duffel bags, sunnies, clothes, you name it. Most have typos...

Spotted in Aswan

And some are humorous. Will post when I find them.

According to the New York Times, Egypt's Olympic team was outfitted with gear bearing fake Nike logos.

General Mahmoud Ahmed Ali accepted responsibility for the counterfeits, telling Ahram, an Egyptian state newspaper, "You can never tell the difference between the original and fake ones.  It's like if somebody created false coins and you happen to possess them.  Is it your fault then?"

Nevertheless, General Ali contended the fake gear, purchased from China, is "sufficient" for the Egyptians competing in the games.  He told Nike to take it up with China if they had a problem.

Earlier this week, Egyptian synchronized swimmer Yomna Khallaf complained on her Twitter account that the gear given to the delegation was obviously fake, pointing to her bag with a Nike logo on the front and an Adidas logo on the zipper.  According to Khallaf, Egyptian Olympic officials told them to take it or leave it.  The athletes ended up spending $300 of their own money for legit gear

Neocons demand Obama establish "safe zones" in Syria

If Fouad Ajami, L. Paul Bremer, Doug Feith, Robert Kagan, Bill Kristol, Karl Rove, Leon Wieseltier, Robert Zarate, and their neocon ilk support something, I automatically assume it's a bad idea.

A group of mostly conservatives affiliated with the Foreign Policy Initiative wrote to the Obama administration asking it to establish "safe zones" in Syria by using military power to protect civilians and counter the Syrian regime's offensive.

"Such safe zones would serve as a destination for civilians fleeing violence," argued the group.  "They would also provide the country's opposition groups--which have actively stood up to the Assad regime's relentless aggression, and bravely defended their cities, towns, and villages in the absence of decisive international action--a place to train, be equipped, and organize."

Nothing these guys have ever supported have been good ideas (Invade Iraq--we'll be greeted with flowers! Disband the Iraqi military! Kick out all the Baathists in post-invasion Iraq! Bomb Iran! Move troops from Afghanistan to Iraq!).  

Real headline: US court allows Muslims to use mosque

Via the BBC:

A US judge has ruled that a Muslim congregation has the right to occupy their newly built mosque, overturning a lower court order. 

 But county officials said they could not complete a final inspection to make the building ready for use on Thursday as the month of Ramadan begins. 

 Wednesday's ruling was the latest episode in a two-year legal battle over the Rutherford County mosque. 

 Residents filed a lawsuit against the place of worship in 2010. 

 The opponents said Islam was not a real religion and claimed Muslims wanted to overthrow the US constitution in favour of Islamic law. 

 Their lawsuit was dismissed, but in May this year they won a ruling on a technicality to overturn the completed building's approval. 

 Earlier this month, a local judge barred the county from issuing an occupancy permit for the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.

Stay classy, SCAF supporters: Clinton met with Lewinsky jeers during recent Cairo visit

It took me awhile to write about this because I have so much to say and no idea how to say it.

It started a few weeks ago when an Egyptian friend posted a photo of Clinton on Facebook captioned, "To Hilary Clinton focus your attention on the Monica Lewinsky scandal!!!"

Ignoring the spelling mistakes and the poor grammar, I almost reached through my computer and strangled my dear Egyptian friend. He's obviously part of the upper class, works for the government, and once defended Omar Suleiman, Egypt's answer to Dick Cheney, as a good man.

Disagree with Clinton's actions as Secretary of State. Whatever, I don't really care.  But Lewinsky? Why define her by her husband being a jerk? What the hell does that have anything to do with her work? Nothing. Don't be such a machismo douche.

He answered that she kept on talking about SCAF and should mind her own business. I told him to mind his.

That was unfortunately a prelude to the Egyptian reaction to Clinton's recent visit to Cairo.  Fed by rumors Clinton is a secret Islamist, protesters gathered outside her hotel and pelted her motorcade with tomatoes, holding signs with similarly poor grammar, taunting, "Monica! Monica!" The protests were led by Tawfiq Okasha, Egypt's answer to Glen Beck. They pointed to information from right-wing nutjob Frank Gaffey, who accused Clinton's rock-star staffer of being a closet Muslim Brotherhood supporter.

Via Ayman Mohyeldin. I don't really know what that's supposed to mean. 

According to Foreign Policy Passport:

 If Hillary Clinton is indeed a covert Islamist, she's not doing a very good job eliminating the tensions between the Muslim Brotherhood and the U.S. government. The list of potential issues goes on and on: The Brotherhood's uncertain guarantees of equal rights to Copts and women, its shaky commitment to inclusive democracy, and its antagonism toward Israel are just a few of the subjects that could trip up relations with the United States. Decades of built-up antagonism and suspicion can sabotage even the most basic cooperation: Just this month, a spokesman for the Brotherhood's political party accused the American NGO workers who were arrested under the former military government of being involved in "intelligence work."

Hillary's response? It was a shameful waste of tomatoes.

I'm not particularly surprised by the lack of class.  But really? Ugh. See. I don't even know how to say what I'm trying to say.

McCain defends Clinton aide against Muslim Brotherhood smears by rightwingers

Senator John McCain took to the Senate floor today to defend Secretary Clinton's deputy chief of staff Huma Abedin from accusations by rabid rightwingers of being a fifth column for the Muslim Brotherhood.

"I have every confidence in Huma's loyalty to our country, and everyone else should as well," said McCain.  "All Americans owe Huma a debt of gratitude for her many years of superior public service.  I hope these ugly and unfortunate attacks on her can be immediately brought to an end and put behind us before any further damage is done to a woman, an American, of genuine patriotism and love of country."

Abedin and Clinton

His comments came days after House Republicans, led by Michele Bachmann, requested an investigation into Abedin.  In a letter to the State Inspector General Harold W. Geisel, the Members wrote:

Given that the US government has established in federal court that the Muslim Brotherhood's mission in the United States is "destroying Western civilization from within"--a practice the Muslim Brothers call "civilizational jihad"--we believe that the apparent involvement of those with such ties raises serious security concerns that warrant your urgent attention. 

For example, according to "The Muslim Brotherhood in America: The Enemy Within," a product of the Center for Security Policy, the Department's Deputy Chief of Staff Huma Abedin has three family members--her late father, her mother, and her father--connected to Muslim Brotherhood operatives and/or organizations.  Her position affords her routine access to the Secretary and to policy-making.

"To say that the accusations made in both documents are not substantiated by the evidence they offer is to be overly polite and diplomatic about it," McCain said in direct response to the request for an investigation. "It is far better, and more accurate, to talk straight: These allegations about Huma, and the report from which they are drawn, are nothing less than an unwarranted and unfounded attack on an honorable citizen, a dedicated American, and a loyal public servant."

The Center for Security Policy is a far-right organization led by Frank Gaffney, who alleges the Muslim Brotherhood infiltrated the United States government and is planning a takeover. He cites Abedin as evidence, and accuses her mother, Saleha Abedin, of being a Muslim Sister.  In reality, Saleha is an advocate for women's rights in the Muslim world and the director of the Institute of Minority Affairs at the Global Peace Initiative of Women, an organization that promotes dialogue and cooperation among women of various religions.  

Abedin is a long-serving aide to Clinton, born in Michigan and of Pakistani origin.  Much of the media attention she receives is for her considerable achievements, her sense of style, and her marriage to erstwhile congressman Anthony Weiner who resigned from Congress following a sexy text scandal.

McCain has had a mixed record with such incidents.  He was the target of a racial smears during the 2000 election for his adopted baby.  His campaign during the 2008 election, however, engaged in borderline race-baiting, fed fears among white America of a country under the presidency of a "foreign" Barack Obama, and took a hard right to appease the base.

There was one instance in which he awkwardly tried to clamp down on the racism of some of his supporters.  Two supporters asked questions at a campaign rally--one expressed fear in raising his unborn child in Barack Obama's America, and another from a woman who called the future president an "Arab" who she "couldn't trust."  McCain yanked the mike away from her and defended Obama, calling him a "decent man."

Judo chop! Saudi reverses, sends women to Olympics

The Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee reversed itself after ruling no women would qualify for the London Olympics this summer on Thursday, announcing two women will compete in the competition. With Saudi's announcement, every participating country's delegation will include women.

Saudi, Qatar, and Brunei were the only holdouts during the last Olympics.

The two ladies are Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahkhani, who will participate in the judo competition, and Sarah Attar, who will run in the 800m.

Sarah Attar, practicing. 

"A big inspiration for participating in the Olympic Games is being one of the first women for Saudi Arabia to be going, said 17-year-old Attar.  "It's such a huge honor and I hope that it can really make some big strides for women over there to get more involved in sport."

Prince Nawaf bin Faisal told al-Jazirah the girls will be dressed modestly, accompanied by a male guardian, and will not mix with men during the Olympics.  

Qatar announces woman to carry flag in opening ceremony, smiles smugly at Saudis

In the first Olympics in which a woman from Qatar will participate, the Qatari Olympic Committee announced air rifle shooter Bahiya al-Hamad will carry the country's flag in the opening ceremony in London.

Bahiya al-Hamad is awesome. 

Al-Hamad is one of four women to qualify for participation in the Olympics from Qatar; her compatriots include swimmer Nada Mohammed Wafa Arakji, sprinter Noor al-Maliki, and table tennis player Aya Majdi.

The announcement comes the day Saudi faced intense international pressure for its all-male delegation to the Olympics. The Kingdom announced it would allow any women who qualified to participate, but not one woman from the entire Kingdom qualified.  Discriminatory policies undoubtedly contributed to this.

Another PR coup for Qatar at the expense of its larger, more conservative neighbor.  It is difficult not to compare the treatment of women between the two Wahhabi countries. 

Saudi, IOC in talks over KSA's all-male Olympic team

The International Olympic Committee is in talks with Saudi over its all-male delegation to the Olympics  despite an announcement that the Gulf state would support "qualified" woman participants.

Members of the Jedda Kings United all-female team practice in Jedda (AP)

The only catch? Not one Saudi woman qualified.

HRW called on the IOC to bar Saudi's participation in the Olympics "because of its clear violation of the Olympic Charter."  The Charter states all games must "encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women."

Saudi does that so well.

HRW Director of Global Initiatives Minky Worden got it right when she said, "It's not that the Saudis couldn't find women athletes, it's that their discriminatory policies have so far prevented them from emerging...The bottom line is that Saudi Arabia broke its promise, is breaking the rules, and should absolutely not be allowed to participate in the London 2012 Games while excluding women from its team."

The IOC banned Taliban-led Afghanistan from participating in the 2000 games for excluding women. 

Uganda detains five Pakistanis over terror suspicions

Uganda arrested five Pakistanis suspected of terrorist links in the African country’s oil-rich Western region two weeks ahead of the second anniversary of the bombing attacks in Kampala for which al-Shabaab claimed responsibility. 

In 2010, Uganda was hit by a pair of suicide bombings at screenings of the World Cup.  More than 80 people were killed. 

According to Ugandan police spokesman Judith Nabakoba, the five men were arrested after they crossed over from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they allegedly met with the Allied Democratic Forces.  The ADF is an Islamist Ugandan group aiming to overthrow the Ugandan government and orchestrated a series of attacks in the late 1990s.

The five said they were only traveling to spread Islam. 

After the arrests, Uganda issued a terror alert and warned people militants may attack viewings of the Euro Cup.  This, compounded by the United States Embassy in Kenya’s warnings of an “imminent” attack in Mombasa, where a grenade attack in a bar killed at least three, has put regional security institutions on high alert. 

Both Uganda and Kenya cooperate with the United States and other Western and African powers in Somalia and to combat Islamist militants and other security threats in the region.  Islamist groups, such as al-Shabaab, threaten Kampala and Nairobi with retaliatory attacks. 

In defense of Egyptian men

Egyptian men have a bad reputation.  Horror stories abound of women being subjected to harassment, from catcalls to rape.

But the focus on how terrible Egyptian men supposedly are belies a fundamental disconnect about not only Egyptian men but Western men as well.  It ignores the fact that sexism, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and sexual assault are endemic in Western societies.  Yes, there are plenty of douches in Egypt. There were days I wanted to punch the next guy who called me a mozah. But I know and have interacted with way more good, decent, respectful Egyptian men than disrespectful ones. 

First, a short introduction for those who may not know me to contextualize my reaction.  I’m a twenty-something white American who travels pretty extensively throughout the Middle East.  I do not consider myself ugly and, thanks to my love of running and lifting, am pretty fit.  I don’t dress super fancy or skimpy.  I’m not sure how else to say this, but not even the abaya I had to wear while in Saudi hid the fact my theme song could be, “Baby’s Got Back.”

In short? I’m a pretty good target for sexual harassment. But I’ve had many more problems with sexual harassment and discrimination at home than in Egypt.   

Late one night last summer in Cairo, my two American guy friends and I took the metro home.  The platform was packed, and the metro was even more so. I’m pretty good at pushing my way into small spaces, and after I got on the train I turned around just in time to see the doors close—with my friends being left on the platform. Crap, I thought.  I looked around—it was 2am or something and I was in a metro car full of men.  Alone.  And something amazing happened. Almost instantaneously, there was a bubble around me.  Perhaps it was the post-revolutionary euphoria, but every man around me was conscious to not even touch me, despite the fact we were pressed in like sardines.  One guy even offered me gum.

This is not to say there is no problem with sexual harassment in Egyptian society—there undoubtedly is.  But it’s not a problem unique to Egypt, and Westerners should think twice about their own societies before passing judgment on a huge swath of Egypt’s population. What is more, I would be hard pressed to name one society—ONE—not grappling with some form of sexual harassment or discrimination.   

I’m on this listserv called Cairo Scholars where khwagas (Arabic slang for foreigners) send out questions—where can I get soya products? Where can I get fish (the fish market?!?!), where can I get a clown (!!!), or apartment vacancies.  This morning, controversy broke out when one dude sent out and email to the thousands of subscribers, highlighting an article about sexual harassment and saying, “Another fine example of the way women, and western women, are seen and treated in Egyptian culture.” A few weeks ago, there was a similarly condescending conversation on Mona el-Tahawy’s article, “Why Do They Hate Us?” The highlights of that conversation: “I wonder if Egyptians are ever going to do something about this?” and “I have been wondering myself what Egyptians are doing in their daily lives” (Ask).

How can people have such a lack of understanding about Egypt—the society in which they ostensibly live? And get off your high horse. We’ve got our issues too. 

In one particularly cringe-worthy moment, I was at a cousin’s wedding, chatting with some distant family member about what I did.  He asked me if I was a nurse or a teacher; I said no, I worked on Capitol Hill.  Oh, where did I go and what did I study to get into that kind of work? English? Ugh. He asked me if I was a typist or secretary, I said no, I am working on an investigation into offshore money laundering and another on corrupt African dictatorships. 

After undergrad I worked for a few years for the United States Congress and if there is any institution with a sexual harassment and discrimination problem, it’s Congress.  I cannot even list the amount of times I was dismissed of being some starry-eyed, “cute” girl with a silly dream of saving the world. Nor can I list the amount of meetings I attended in which my counterpart did not look me in the face. 

It didn’t matter that I graduated from a good school, was successful, was all business and had no problem with kicking butt and taking names.  Some people were so blinded by my appearance and their own preconceptions they refused to give me real credit for my work.

A few Thanksgivings ago, I had made dinner and my family enjoyed the fruits of my labor, we all stood up to clean—except the men. They went into the other room to watch football. So I followed them, told them that I cooked so they clean. My dad looked at me incredulously, but I was serious. And they went into the kitchen and cleaned.

How many times have I been walking down the street or running—RUNNING—on the treadmill and told, “Honey, why aren’t you smiling?” Who just walks around by themselves smiling like an idiot? Who runs on a treadmill smiling?

Not to mention the number of times I’ve been on the treadmill in front of a mirror and see guys behind me, just standing there staring.

One day I was waiting for a taxi to take me to the airport in Italy and some man kept on walking after me and saying gross stuff in the deserted streets at 4am.  I had to flag down a garbage man to stay with me until the cab arrived.

And yes. Domestic violence happens. 

I admit these instances are different from those highlighted in the press regarding Egyptian men, but understanding the limitations and weaknesses in our own society is important before we go passing judgment on others. 

Nothing disgusts me more than Westerners—especially men—patting themselves on the back for how they treat women or making lofty declarations about how men in other societies treat women. He who has never sexually harassed, throw the first stone.    I think we would find there would be very few stones thrown. 

One Saudi girl thought to compete in Olympics not eligible

Saudi Grand Mufti Abd al-Aziz al-Shaikh: “Women should be housewives. There is no need for them to engage in sports.”

File this under "I told you so."

The one Saudi girl thought to be able to compete in the 2012 Olympics failed to qualify and will not actually be able to compete.

So they'll allow their women to compete in the Olympics. But none will be able to.

It was a nice announcement, much applauded in the West.  The real impact on the ground? Zilch.

Via AFP:

Dalma Rushdi Malhas, tipped to become a pioneering woman competitor for Saudi Arabia at the London Olympics, has in fact failed to qualify and won't compete, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said Monday.

 "There have been some reports in the media, but regretfully the Saudi Arabian rider Dalma Rushdi Malhas has not attained the minimum eligibility standards and consequently will not be competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games," FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said in a statement out of Lausanne.

UPDATED: NYT has an article entitled "Saudi End to Olympics Women Ban Will Have No Practical Effect."

“They’re only doing it so they don’t get banned from the Olympics,” wrote Barry Petchesky at the Deadspin sports site. “This is progress, but it is not much progress.”

“It is only right that the Saudi government should play by the Olympic rules,” said Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch. “But an eleventh hour change of course to avoid a ban does not alter the dismal and unequal conditions for women and girls in Saudi Arabia.”

Saudis to allow women to compete in the 2012 Olympics

Saudi faced strong criticism for holding to their refusal to allow women to participate in the 2012 Olympics.  The country is dominated by a strain of Islam that looks down on women doing any kind of physical activity.

I found it incredibly ridiculous, not to say unhealthy.  Qatar was a stark comparison.  The smaller Gulf nation is also Wahhabi, but allows for many more freedoms all around.  Women do not have to wear an abaya, I was able to use the hotel gym (even run along the corniche), could have driven if I so chose.  We visited Aspire Sports complex, where I saw young and probably young teenaged girls wearing short spandex outfits practicing gymnastics... cartwheels, flips, you name it.  In front of men.  That would be unimaginable in Saudi.

Seen at Aspire: So, Saudi. What was that you said about me not being able to drive?!

The Saudi Embassy in London announced on Sunday that women from the country will be allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time ever.  According to the embassy, Saudi's Olympics Committee will "oversee participation of women athletes who can qualify."

Definitely a positive step that Saudi women will now be allowed to participate in the Olympics.  The decision apparently came after "secret meetings" between the king, (former) crown prince, foreign minister, leading religious cleric, the grand mufti, and others.

Two reservations:

1. Why did the Saudi Embassy in London make the announcement and not the country's Olympic Committee? Scared of the backlash?

2. So... you're allowing women to participate but don't allow them to practice? How can women get the training they need to be successful? The rich can always find ways around it. But the Saudis seemed to have taken the tenth step before the first, second, and third that would have allowed women to really participate.

In short, it's good for headlines.  The West certainly noticed.  But apparently there's only one girl who will be able to qualify, showjumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas.  But the announcement seems geared more toward convincing the world Saudi is reforming than actually reforming.

AFRICOM paper reports on "mystery airstrike" that killed Malian al-Qaeda-affiliated militants

A "mystery" missile attack in Mali's breakaway province of Azawad killed seven al-Qaeda members last week, reported Magharebia, a news outlet run by United States AFRICOM.

The raid targeted a convoy of four vehicles belonging to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).  Several other militants received "serious" wounds and were being treated at a hospital in Timbuktu.

The attack came after unidentified recon airplanes were reported above Timbuktu.

"The planes that carried out the attack on the terrorists have something to do with the plane that was seen in Timbuktu sky last Thursday," a Touareg soldier told Magharebia.

Algerian al-Khabar reported Western Special Ops forces and transport networks in the region in anticipation of air raids on the al-Qaeda affiliated rebels.

The Washington Post also reported on expanded United States intelligence-gathering operations in both sub-Saharan and North Africa by establishing a network of air bases for spying on terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab, Boko Harem, AQIM, and even AQAP in nearby Yemen, as well as tracking down Joseph Kony.


An alliance of Touareg and Islamist rebels took control over northern Mali after a coup destabilized the African country's central government in April.  The Islamists quickly marginalized the Touareg rebels, declared independence for Azawad, or "free country," and imposed shariah over the territory.  


The international community is concerned about the strengthening of al-Qaeda-allied Ansar al-Din in Mali and the influx of regional militants to Azawad.


"We are very worried by what is happening in Mali and its impact on the region," said UN Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres.  "We need to create the right conditions to avoid this crisis becoming a threat to global security."


Azawad is a "risk to peace and security all over the world," said Guterres. 

FP: Spend your summer shooting fake terrorists

File this under "WTF." 

By Allison Good

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a terrorist-shooting sniper? Thanks to a program run by Jewish settlers in Gush Etzion, you too can spend a day beyond the Green Line learning how to take down extremist militants. As Yedioth Aharanoth reported recently, the experience allows tourists to "hear stories from the battleground, watch a simulated assassination of terrorists by guards, and fire weapons at the range."

Sharon Gat, who manages the Caliber 3 shooting range, calls the opportunity a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" that was "created due to popular demand," and demand is certainly high among families. Enter Michel Brown, a Miami banker who brought his wife and three children to this warfare summer camp:

Upon entering the range, his five-year-old daughter, Tamara, bursts into tears. A half hour later, she is holding a gun and shooting clay bullets like a pro. "This is part of their education," Michel says as he proudly watches his daughter. "They should know where they come from and also feel some action."

By the end of the day, his trigger-happy son Jacob is confident that he can stop terrorist operatives with the best of them:

"This is an awesome experience. I learned how to stop a terrorist and how to rescue hostages. Now, when I find myself in distress, I will know how to deal."

Tourists receive a certificate at the end of the experience, and Gush Etzion Regional Council president Davidi Pearl hopes that the program will turn the Gush into "a world-famous ‘tourist gem.'"

If the program continues to be successful, we may have a small army of child counter-terror operatives on our hands.

Teaching a five year old girl how to shoot a gun and protect herself against terrorists?

Imagine if Arab populations were similarly empowered to protect themselves against settler attacks.

Also, comparable "Stand Your Ground" laws always works so well.  

Bassem Youssef: "The only way is to open up for everybody."

"People want democracy until someone else they don't like comes to power. 

The problem is that--I don't agree with the MB or the Salafis--but it's wrong to hide inside your bubble and go running to the military and asking them to protect you because for 60 years their rule in Egypt created poverty, extremists, and radicalism. The only way is to actually open up for everybody. Because you know what happened to the MB--after the parliamentary elections they won by 75 percent. In 2 months, they lost half of their votes because they were accountable for the first time in 80 years. Just give them power and let them deal with it."

--Bassem Youssef

Bassem Youssef and Jon Stewart on after taping The Daily Show (From @DrBassemYoussef's Twitter feed). 

Interview, part 1: Taking a photo of Catherine Zeta Jones' assprint. Actually, members of the MB are quite normal. 

Interview, part 2: Bassem dreamed of being on the Daily Show.  Above quote. 

Court orders arrest of Pakistan's prime minister hopeful for links to imported illegal drug

Chill out, Pak. It's not a competition with Egypt for Most Craziest Politics Ever.

The day after Pak's president nominated a prime minister after the previous man to hold the post was disqualified by the judiciary, another court ordered the arrest of the PM hopeful.

Note: While the civilian leaders and judiciary of both countries go at it, very little attention is paid to the real power brokers--the military.

Via the BBC:

Pakistan judge orders arrest of PM nominee Shahabuddin

A judge in Pakistan has ordered the arrest of President Asif Ali Zardari's preferred candidate for prime minister, just a day after he was nominated.

Shahabuddin to face vote on Friday. If he's not in jail.

  Makhdoom Shahabuddin's arrest warrant is linked to imports of an illegal drug while he was health minister.

Parliament is due to vote on a new PM on Friday to replace Yousuf Raza Gilani. The Supreme Court disqualified him because of a contempt conviction.

It is not clear if the warrant will derail Mr Shahabuddin's nomination.

Legal experts say that even if he is arrested, he could still be elected prime minister by parliament, the BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad reports.

Mr Shahabuddin is a senior figure in the ruling Pakistan People's Party who served in the cabinet of Benazir Bhutto and was most recently textiles minister in Mr Gilani's administration.

The order for his arrest was issued by an anti-narcotics court judge in the northern city of Rawalpindi.

It is linked to an anti-narcotics force case into the illegal importing of the drug ephedrine while he was health minister.

Mr Shahabuddin is accused of violating restrictions on the import of the drug in 2010. He denies the charge, and says he in fact ordered an inquiry into the affair.

State TV said that another minister, Raja Pervez Ashraf, would be offered as a "covering" candidate in case the textiles minister was rejected by MPs.

Feud with judiciary

The court's decision to disqualify Mr Gilani stunned Pakistan's government on Tuesday, two months after judges convicted the prime minister of contempt of court for failing to pursue corruption charges against the president.

In April, Mr Gilani was given a token sentence and avoided a jail term.

Even if Mr Shahabuddin does become prime minister, he is likely to face the same Supreme Court demand as Mr Gilani for the launch of a corruption inquiry into Mr Zardari.

The charges against President Zardari date back to the 1990s when his late wife Benazir Bhutto was prime minister. They were accused of using Swiss bank accounts to launder bribe money.

President Zardari has always insisted the charges against him are politically motivated.

Mr Gilani's removal as prime minister is being seen as part of a long-running and bitter feud between the government and judiciary.