Notes from Madeliene Albright
She cut straight to the chase by saying she was plain and blunt and that there are no good options in Iraq. Every alternative carries with it grave risks. We have lost control.
Assign missions that make sense.
Quote from a soldier: Wouldn't know who to shoot at unless I was shot at.
Iraqis must take lead.
Don't have the moral or legal ground to force action.
Have to focus on Al Qaida and the Taliban
and Iran's influence in Iraq.
There is danger of region-wide war.
This year will be brutal.
Have to attempt political settlement and increase diplomatic activity.
Talk to Syria. Ahmenijhad is not the person to talk to.
Nuclear program?
(To the Senators-- Please ask detailed questions.)
There are aircraft carriers in the Gulf.
It would be interesting to know why.
Need to have meaningful Arab Israeli talks.
Peace is the right goal to attempt to achieve.
You cannot build a democracy without democratic principles.
Has some concerns that after this that supporting democracy will be given up.
NATO training of Iraqi forces.
Must involve religious leaders. (All believe God is on their side.)
God is on the side of Peace.
Prisoner treatment.
Settlement and rebuilding.
Would that America becomes America again.
?
BOXER.
Impressed that there is vision and the actual mention of the word Peace. At least two times.
Concerned there is paralysis setting in.
Must think and talk peace and diplomacy.
MA: I want to hear Malaki, "Who the hell is shooting at me?"
BIDEN
Vision.
Break through... Kissinger moving toward Biden Plan.
Resolution cannot come from America.
Must act IN diplomacy.
CAMBRION: Is it not time for diplomacy?
BOXER:
One third of the Senate attended hearings on Global Warming yesterday.
Urgency and sense of....?
ALBRIGHT:
Need a surge of diplomacy.
Regional diplomatic approach.
Maintain territorial integrity of Iraq.
Federalism not brought to table early on.... unfortunately.
Not regional autonomy.
Don't pursue or precipitate break up.
Biden Plan never called for this.
If we increase Al Sadar will simply become mobil and increase his numberts.
MA:
Plan is to keep Iraq together.
Initiate dialog.
What is going on with Iran
LUGAR
Anarchy
Local groups who exercise some authority.
Shia Sunni.
ALBRIGHT
Stages to democracy.
All people want to be responsible for their own lives.
Can't impose democracy.
Many early mistakes.
Democracy isn't an event. It is a process.
(National Democracy Institute.
Just lost Andrea Parvich.
Want support not imposition.
Must be careful or there will be an Arab Persian War.
Desire shifts absorped peacefull.
Risks
Power versus control.
Troubled by America's reputation.
There is now suspicion of all motives.
Use diplomach. Regional focus/ vision.
colonial powers. Brit ( to U.S.) /France.
Motives are suspect.
We need help.
Share the contracts.
Respect of Troops. eventually strength in moral U.S.A.
No military solutions.
Create minority rights and find common ground.
Little Faith in Malaki
(she doesn't know him)
benchmarks not timetables.
Permanent bases?
Senator: Iraq Study Group. Traveled to Syria. met with asad. some cooperation until assassination of Harari.
ALBRIGHT
We gain through discussion with those with whom we disagree.
Iran/Syria - interesting (given differences history)
Need Israel Syria talks.
both interests are the opposite of yours.
She worked with Asad's father.
Ask Madinijhad. (not easy) a "complex" history.
Preposterous statements.
Tom Friedman's column today.
Saudi Arabia (CIA) and the many personal relationships with the royal family.
Didn't really get picture of Saudis working with tribal contacts to help Iraq.
Saudis are worried about changes in their own country.
Need constant contact, not spur of the moment trips.
1327 yrs of conflict. We can't bring them together.
Mighty and the Almighty (bk. by M. Albright.)
Senator Casey question.
military strategy:
1. since 2003
2. what should we do?
3. sustained.
No comprehensive approach. What is the role of diplomacy?
ALBRIGHT
Force and diplomacy working together.
not a chess game, more like pool.
balls knocking into other balls.
need horizontal diplomacy.
And N. Korea is watching.
Senator: 3- 6 month list.
Israel Palestinian issue
(Quartet mtg. Friday)
Contact List of Regions. Executive Committee.
Get other countries helping.
--training
--reconstruction.
Biden: The presidential plan is a tactic.
McCain making a last chance effort.
American people will walk away.
Need specific plan.
per Bosnia / Kosavo ------ had Dayton discussions and accords.
(these countries are no working toward reconciliation.
Where are the plans!?!?
Why won't the admin. do this?
Bring in other countries.
(neighbors/targets)
Trust isn't going to happen.
No possibility of strong central government in the next ten years.
Need conference.
Need breathing space.
She is deeply concerned about America's problems.
Trouble with this democratic
-- militarization of democracy.
Biden:
Reality
Political Solutions
Internal Community
or we will have a
"The mountains are our only friends" scenario.
Notes from Madeliene Albright
She cut straight to the chase by saying she was plain and blunt and that there are no good options in Iraq. Every alternative carries with it grave risks. We have lost control.
Assign missions that make sense.
Quote from a soldier: Wouldn't know who to shoot at unless I was shot at.
Iraqis must take lead.
Don't have the moral or legal ground to force action.
Have to focus on Al Qaida and the Taliban
and Iran's influence in Iraq.
There is danger of region-wide war.
This year will be brutal.
Have to attempt political settlement and increase diplomatic activity.
Talk to Syria. Ahmenijhad is not the person to talk to.
Nuclear program?
(To the Senators-- Please ask detailed questions.)
There are aircraft carriers in the Gulf.
It would be interesting to know why.
Need to have meaningful Arab Israeli talks.
Peace is the right goal to attempt to achieve.
You cannot build a democracy without democratic principles.
Has some concerns that after this that supporting democracy will be given up.
NATO training of Iraqi forces.
Must involve religious leaders. (All believe God is on their side.)
God is on the side of Peace.
Prisoner treatment.
Settlement and rebuilding.
Would that America becomes America again.
?
BOXER.
Impressed that there is vision and the actual mention of the word Peace. At least two times.
Concerned there is paralysis setting in.
Must think and talk peace and diplomacy.
MA: I want to hear Malaki, "Who the hell is shooting at me?"
BIDEN
Vision.
Break through... Kissinger moving toward Biden Plan.
Resolution cannot come from America.
Must act IN diplomacy.
CAMBRION: Is it not time for diplomacy?
BOXER:
One third of the Senate attended hearings on Global Warming yesterday.
Urgency and sense of....?
ALBRIGHT:
Need a surge of diplomacy.
Regional diplomatic approach.
Maintain territorial integrity of Iraq.
Federalism not brought to table early on.... unfortunately.
Not regional autonomy.
Don't pursue or precipitate break up.
Biden Plan never called for this.
If we increase Al Sadar will simply become mobil and increase his numberts.
MA:
Plan is to keep Iraq together.
Initiate dialog.
What is going on with Iran
LUGAR
Anarchy
Local groups who exercise some authority.
Shia Sunni.
ALBRIGHT
Stages to democracy.
All people want to be responsible for their own lives.
Can't impose democracy.
Many early mistakes.
Democracy isn't an event. It is a process.
(National Democracy Institute.
Just lost Andrea Parvich.
Want support not imposition.
Must be careful or there will be an Arab Persian War.
Desire shifts absorped peacefull.
Risks
Power versus control.
Troubled by America's reputation.
There is now suspicion of all motives.
Use diplomach. Regional focus/ vision.
colonial powers. Brit ( to U.S.) /France.
Motives are suspect.
We need help.
Share the contracts.
Respect of Troops. eventually strength in moral U.S.A.
No military solutions.
Create minority rights and find common ground.
Little Faith in Malaki
(she doesn't know him)
benchmarks not timetables.
Permanent bases?
Senator: Iraq Study Group. Traveled to Syria. met with asad. some cooperation until assassination of Harari.
ALBRIGHT
We gain through discussion with those with whom we disagree.
Iran/Syria - interesting (given differences history)
Need Israel Syria talks.
both interests are the opposite of yours.
She worked with Asad's father.
Ask Madinijhad. (not easy) a "complex" history.
Preposterous statements.
Tom Friedman's column today.
Saudi Arabia (CIA) and the many personal relationships with the royal family.
Didn't really get picture of Saudis working with tribal contacts to help Iraq.
Saudis are worried about changes in their own country.
Need constant contact, not spur of the moment trips.
1327 yrs of conflict. We can't bring them together.
Mighty and the Almighty (bk. by M. Albright.)
Senator Casey question.
military strategy:
1. since 2003
2. what should we do?
3. sustained.
No comprehensive approach. What is the role of diplomacy?
ALBRIGHT
Force and diplomacy working together.
not a chess game, more like pool.
balls knocking into other balls.
need horizontal diplomacy.
And N. Korea is watching.
Senator: 3- 6 month list.
Israel Palestinian issue
(Quartet mtg. Friday)
Contact List of Regions. Executive Committee.
Get other countries helping.
--training
--reconstruction.
Biden: The presidential plan is a tactic.
McCain making a last chance effort.
American people will walk away.
Need specific plan.
per Bosnia / Kosavo ------ had Dayton discussions and accords.
(these countries are no working toward reconciliation.
Where are the plans!?!?
Why won't the admin. do this?
Bring in other countries.
(neighbors/targets)
Trust isn't going to happen.
No possibility of strong central government in the next ten years.
Need conference.
Need breathing space.
She is deeply concerned about America's problems.
Trouble with this democratic
-- militarization of democracy.
Biden:
Reality
Political Solutions
Internal Community
or we will have a
"The mountains are our only friends" scenario.
Notes from Madeliene Albright
She cut straight to the chase by saying she was plain and blunt and that there are no good options in Iraq. Every alternative carries with it grave risks. We have lost control.
Assign missions that make sense.
Quote from a soldier: Wouldn't know who to shoot at unless I was shot at.
Iraqis must take lead.
Don't have the moral or legal ground to force action.
Have to focus on Al Qaida and the Taliban
and Iran's influence in Iraq.
There is danger of region-wide war.
This year will be brutal.
Have to attempt political settlement and increase diplomatic activity.
Talk to Syria. Ahmenijhad is not the person to talk to.
Nuclear program?
(To the Senators-- Please ask detailed questions.)
There are aircraft carriers in the Gulf.
It would be interesting to know why.
Need to have meaningful Arab Israeli talks.
Peace is the right goal to attempt to achieve.
You cannot build a democracy without democratic principles.
Has some concerns that after this that supporting democracy will be given up.
NATO training of Iraqi forces.
Must involve religious leaders. (All believe God is on their side.)
God is on the side of Peace.
Prisoner treatment.
Settlement and rebuilding.
Would that America becomes America again.
?
BOXER.
Impressed that there is vision and the actual mention of the word Peace. At least two times.
Concerned there is paralysis setting in.
Must think and talk peace and diplomacy.
MA: I want to hear Malaki, "Who the hell is shooting at me?"
BIDEN
Vision.
Break through... Kissinger moving toward Biden Plan.
Resolution cannot come from America.
Must act IN diplomacy.
CAMBRION: Is it not time for diplomacy?
BOXER:
One third of the Senate attended hearings on Global Warming yesterday.
Urgency and sense of....?
ALBRIGHT:
Need a surge of diplomacy.
Regional diplomatic approach.
Maintain territorial integrity of Iraq.
Federalism not brought to table early on.... unfortunately.
Not regional autonomy.
Don't pursue or precipitate break up.
Biden Plan never called for this.
If we increase Al Sadar will simply become mobil and increase his numberts.
MA:
Plan is to keep Iraq together.
Initiate dialog.
What is going on with Iran
LUGAR
Anarchy
Local groups who exercise some authority.
Shia Sunni.
ALBRIGHT
Stages to democracy.
All people want to be responsible for their own lives.
Can't impose democracy.
Many early mistakes.
Democracy isn't an event. It is a process.
(National Democracy Institute.
Just lost Andrea Parvich.
Want support not imposition.
Must be careful or there will be an Arab Persian War.
Desire shifts absorped peacefull.
Risks
Power versus control.
Troubled by America's reputation.
There is now suspicion of all motives.
Use diplomach. Regional focus/ vision.
colonial powers. Brit ( to U.S.) /France.
Motives are suspect.
We need help.
Share the contracts.
Respect of Troops. eventually strength in moral U.S.A.
No military solutions.
Create minority rights and find common ground.
Little Faith in Malaki
(she doesn't know him)
benchmarks not timetables.
Permanent bases?
Senator: Iraq Study Group. Traveled to Syria. met with asad. some cooperation until assassination of Harari.
ALBRIGHT
We gain through discussion with those with whom we disagree.
Iran/Syria - interesting (given differences history)
Need Israel Syria talks.
both interests are the opposite of yours.
She worked with Asad's father.
Ask Madinijhad. (not easy) a "complex" history.
Preposterous statements.
Tom Friedman's column today.
Saudi Arabia (CIA) and the many personal relationships with the royal family.
Didn't really get picture of Saudis working with tribal contacts to help Iraq.
Saudis are worried about changes in their own country.
Need constant contact, not spur of the moment trips.
1327 yrs of conflict. We can't bring them together.
Mighty and the Almighty (bk. by M. Albright.)
Senator Casey question.
military strategy:
1. since 2003
2. what should we do?
3. sustained.
No comprehensive approach. What is the role of diplomacy?
ALBRIGHT
Force and diplomacy working together.
not a chess game, more like pool.
balls knocking into other balls.
need horizontal diplomacy.
And N. Korea is watching.
Senator: 3- 6 month list.
Israel Palestinian issue
(Quartet mtg. Friday)
Contact List of Regions. Executive Committee.
Get other countries helping.
--training
--reconstruction.
Biden: The presidential plan is a tactic.
McCain making a last chance effort.
American people will walk away.
Need specific plan.
per Bosnia / Kosavo ------ had Dayton discussions and accords.
(these countries are no working toward reconciliation.
Where are the plans!?!?
Why won't the admin. do this?
Bring in other countries.
(neighbors/targets)
Trust isn't going to happen.
No possibility of strong central government in the next ten years.
Need conference.
Need breathing space.
She is deeply concerned about America's problems.
Trouble with this democratic
-- militarization of democracy.
Biden:
Reality
Political Solutions
Internal Community
or we will have a
"The mountains are our only friends" scenario.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Guantanamo
Last evening, Tuesday evening, the women in the Pink House were fortunate to have an opportunity to speak with an informed source about the first person witness accounts of the true conditions in Guantanamo that this person has seen during visits to the base.
The horrors continue.
There is a feeling among those who go to Guantanamo to meet with prisoners that due to the military courts that are soon to commence, the rate and severity of torture will intensify again so as to gain testimony.
The open to the elements cages are gone, but that is a mixed improvement, at best, as now many prisoners are in severe solitary confinement without windows, without options to exercise, and without any contact with daylight. These men have no contact with anyone who is not involved with questioning them except for that annual visit that may or may not happen.
Many Guantanamo prisoners are refusing the special treats, favorite foods and such during the once a year re-evaluation sessions. These men have lapsed into total despair and paranoia.
Psychiatrists are being used. Adel Hamad
I guess the good news is that no more children are imprisoned at Guantanamo. There were children there and they were treated just like the adults. The youngest Guantanamo prisoner was a child of 10.The youngest prisoner is now around 20 years of age. He would have been around 15 when detained.
The purported acts that were the reasons for detention no longer make up the argument for continued imprisonment. The annual review of each case (which is sometimes overlooked or forgotten) is an assessment of whether the person is of future danger to the U.S. should he be released. Of course after 5 years of torture those individuals who have not yet gone mad do want vengence.
Many of the remaining 300+ prisoners are from Bosnia as well as Afghanistan. Of course we discussed the sweeps that were made to round up everyone within a certain area that contained farmers as well as Taliban, the $10,000 U.S. plus bounty that was paid to informants for turning someone in to the U.S. forces in a country where the yearly income is one to two hundred dollars.
The word atrocity doesn't begin to describe the horror of the injustices committed in our name in the past and at the present time in Guantanamo and other secret prisons.
We also spoke of the need to stop the flights that begin in N. Carolina and Georgia that spirit U.S. targets of interest in Europe and elsewhere away to other secret prisons and torture chambers.
The plan to put a face on this horrific injustice was explained by a Pink woman who has and suggests that we all demonstrate with orange jump suits, black torture hoods, and the number 940 that has been given to Adel Hamad, a Guantanamo prisoner who has a particularly poignant story of injustice.
The horrors continue.
There is a feeling among those who go to Guantanamo to meet with prisoners that due to the military courts that are soon to commence, the rate and severity of torture will intensify again so as to gain testimony.
The open to the elements cages are gone, but that is a mixed improvement, at best, as now many prisoners are in severe solitary confinement without windows, without options to exercise, and without any contact with daylight. These men have no contact with anyone who is not involved with questioning them except for that annual visit that may or may not happen.
Many Guantanamo prisoners are refusing the special treats, favorite foods and such during the once a year re-evaluation sessions. These men have lapsed into total despair and paranoia.
Psychiatrists are being used. Adel Hamad
I guess the good news is that no more children are imprisoned at Guantanamo. There were children there and they were treated just like the adults. The youngest Guantanamo prisoner was a child of 10.The youngest prisoner is now around 20 years of age. He would have been around 15 when detained.
The purported acts that were the reasons for detention no longer make up the argument for continued imprisonment. The annual review of each case (which is sometimes overlooked or forgotten) is an assessment of whether the person is of future danger to the U.S. should he be released. Of course after 5 years of torture those individuals who have not yet gone mad do want vengence.
Many of the remaining 300+ prisoners are from Bosnia as well as Afghanistan. Of course we discussed the sweeps that were made to round up everyone within a certain area that contained farmers as well as Taliban, the $10,000 U.S. plus bounty that was paid to informants for turning someone in to the U.S. forces in a country where the yearly income is one to two hundred dollars.
The word atrocity doesn't begin to describe the horror of the injustices committed in our name in the past and at the present time in Guantanamo and other secret prisons.
We also spoke of the need to stop the flights that begin in N. Carolina and Georgia that spirit U.S. targets of interest in Europe and elsewhere away to other secret prisons and torture chambers.
The plan to put a face on this horrific injustice was explained by a Pink woman who has and suggests that we all demonstrate with orange jump suits, black torture hoods, and the number 940 that has been given to Adel Hamad, a Guantanamo prisoner who has a particularly poignant story of injustice.
Rae Abileah on Hannity & Colmes
I felt such joy seeing Rae stand up to and topple Fox b.s. Last evening Rae got out of jail for the arrest at Hillary's Web of Lies action and rushed off to an interview on Fox "News."
Hannity was trying to get her to bash Hillary and she didn't fall for it. She stayed on topic -- why senators must get on board getting us out of Iraq -- why she would like to be able to vote for Hillary.
It was today's featured video on the Fox site.
Hannity was trying to get her to bash Hillary and she didn't fall for it. She stayed on topic -- why senators must get on board getting us out of Iraq -- why she would like to be able to vote for Hillary.
It was today's featured video on the Fox site.
Kissinger, Albright and Missing Strategies
This was a difficult morning for me. Besides being followed in the Capitol Hill area, which is actually sort of humorous, I had to contain myself while a man I personally despise spoke in a Senate Hearing. My brother, closest in age to me of all my brothers, was severely injured in Vietnam in 1968. The topic of war crimes in Vietnam and Cambodia are very personal matters to me. I'm not going to go into detail, but I had a hard time not beaming intense wishes for ill health at the back of his head.
Biden opened the hearing with statements about "effective diplomacy" and "best strategic minds" and the three points of agreement thus far in these hearings.
Lugar then spoke about the U.S. organizing regional players, the U.S. as a source of stability, and the need to recalibrate our reference points. He also spoke of "oil assets and how the current tactic is to have a narrow focus on certain "key terrain" which holds only 7% of the Iraqi people. But coming back to reality he did say we had an unsustainable Iraqi Policy.
Kissinger opened with a statement about the fundamental issue of the long term role of the U.S. and wars, events, and such we'd been involved in there at least seven times in the last 50 years. The vital nature of the region can be seen through the vital nature several presidents have given it.
He then discussed the weakening role of the state in the region due to the "artiicial borders.) [Aren't all borders artificial? ] Anyway he went on to say that there are now units that have the character of states and that the upheaval extends across the whole region. He characterized the 50 year role of the U.S. as attempts for progress and peace.
Aside: Lugar was exuding absolute adoration while Kissinger spoke.
The conflicts between Shia, Kurd, and Sunni regions in Iran, Tukey, and Syria are all merging conflicts. He continued that the U.S. must move into a position to defend regional security.
Some the the actions/approaches he then mentioned favorably were:
Our separating from the civil & sectarian fighting.
strategies that include other gegions
left to politics not military
establish penalties and rewards
work with separate Syrian and Iranian issues
get the security council to involve other troops
contant readiness to negotiate
accept Iran as a major player but not as a dominating force.
U.S. must remain in region.
Biden then said that this would create an explosion and nontraditional state and that we will end up with Iraq as a Federation or a dominant power.
Lugar iterated the need for benhmarks, oil agreements and that we cannot withdraw from the region.
Then he stated that this is predicated on a belief that the minimum can become the maximum for the region.
A military veteran with pink accessories held up an Out of Iraq banner and was escorted from the room. A security officer/ capital police approached the pink person sitting next the seat where the banner carrier had been seated. She was told that if she did anything she would immediately be cuffed and this was the only warning she was going to get. Considering that she hadn't done anything.....that seemed a bit harsh.
Anyway the hearing continued. Feingold asked about redeployment from Iraq, and how we can prepare.
K said: Develop an international committee per the political future of Iraq.
F: How do we engage neighbors?
K: Discussion of proliferation of nuclear weapons by Iran.
F: What will happen in Somalia and Afghanistan?
K: we have to "balance" presens in Iraq.
Senator Coleman mentiioned: "End" only after exhaustion, that we will be in Iraq for a LONG time, also mentioned tools for protecting Shia militia -- and asked do we have to see balance before withdrawal.
K: May have to settle for a Mandala-like solution -- acceptable but not desired. We are maneuvering within extremes.
Then the what can we do now questions began coming.
K: I don't believe in withdrawal. Need for a regional conference about Iran.
Boxer agreed that a regional conference is needed.... but..... THE PEOPLE VOTED FOR ENDING THE WAR and they got a surge. What about the Biden proposal for semiautonomous regions?
K: That may be the outcome....
Cannot support that.
Boxer: The diplomats seem to have gotten stuck. We must break free from the diplomatic stagnation. If just one diplomat would come forward. Quote per Kissingers supposed call for end and humiliation of radical Islam.
Kissinger denied this "alleged quotation." Says he did not say that despite the reporters insistance that he did. Iterated need for international control.
Senator B. Concern that there will be an adverse reaction to the surge if there is no positive outcome.
K: We should keep in mind a move to move to concensus strategy.
Don't believe we can withdraw.
Need content of strategy to have direction. Can't go on as it is.
Cannot include a time table.
Biden: Must keep the "audience in mind" and note the difference between what is now felt and what may be felt in two or three years.
Discussion that everty alternative has grave risks. Each alternative for success has more to do with what others do than with what we do.
B: Can't do this by ourselves. Aren't we involved in sectarian violence. Isn't that taking sides?
K: Of course.... to some extent.
K: Must make attempt to break the back of militias.
B. What about withdrawal from Iraq, from the region? Phased withdrawal? How to get regional partners?
K: Mentioned withdrawal from Iraq could mean withdrawal from region.
B: How do we get leaders to act?
K: International Conference.
Senator ?: suck up comments..... best paper....
Questions about the Presidential job success in explaining strategy. How to speak to international community? When do we engage partners in the region.
K: Now. Protect the oil industry there. Presidents since Rooseveldt have. We have permanent interests there. We can't act impulsively.
Obama: The only expression has been maintain or increase troop level.
What is the new Iran policy?
Is that strategy articulated anywhere?
I'm saying that if we don't do this...
K: would not object to a statement.
Obama: What you say versus what administration says.
K:
Sunni Shia have been warring for 1400 years. Has been bloody and brutal.
There is a limit to what the American people will accept.
We base our assessment on what we cannot prove.
Cannot continue at this level.
Will go on for several administrations.
Need to deal with militias. In the context of a grand strategy.
Obama: The American people are saying, "I'm disappointed." They feel less safe. They have been asked to make an enormous investment. The outcome is worse than before. The surge isn't salient. IS there a strategy?
There has been such division between the President and the Congress. No action on Baker Hamilton.
Biden: Bush and Rice rejected.
Isaacon: Went in to Iraq to: UN 1441.
Free elections and a constitution
Train iraqi military.
Admit our failure at yr. 3. Relate power to diplomacy. Maneuvering room for major strategy.
Will it create enough resolution to create peace?
Objective is compatible with what the president is to do.
Mistakes were made.
I am convinced we will move 2 or 3 ... toward concensus.
--
K: Last two years of office cannot be spent in a civil ware between the executive and legislative branches. His plea.
"We are there because diplomacy failed."
Biden:
Spent time waiting for an invitation .....
strategy has not come forward.
What is the strategy?
Overtures flatly rejected.
We should have had a Camp David with congress leaders and Bush. But no desire by Pres to do that.
The surge is a tactic masquerading as strategy that will not accomplish the mission."
----------
--------
Of course these are notes not quotes ,and are just put up for flavor of what was happening in the session.
Biden opened the hearing with statements about "effective diplomacy" and "best strategic minds" and the three points of agreement thus far in these hearings.
- Troops cannot stop sectarian violence.
- Need for intensive regional diplomacy.
- Focus on actual terrorists.
Lugar then spoke about the U.S. organizing regional players, the U.S. as a source of stability, and the need to recalibrate our reference points. He also spoke of "oil assets and how the current tactic is to have a narrow focus on certain "key terrain" which holds only 7% of the Iraqi people. But coming back to reality he did say we had an unsustainable Iraqi Policy.
Kissinger opened with a statement about the fundamental issue of the long term role of the U.S. and wars, events, and such we'd been involved in there at least seven times in the last 50 years. The vital nature of the region can be seen through the vital nature several presidents have given it.
He then discussed the weakening role of the state in the region due to the "artiicial borders.) [Aren't all borders artificial? ] Anyway he went on to say that there are now units that have the character of states and that the upheaval extends across the whole region. He characterized the 50 year role of the U.S. as attempts for progress and peace.
Aside: Lugar was exuding absolute adoration while Kissinger spoke.
The conflicts between Shia, Kurd, and Sunni regions in Iran, Tukey, and Syria are all merging conflicts. He continued that the U.S. must move into a position to defend regional security.
Some the the actions/approaches he then mentioned favorably were:
Our separating from the civil & sectarian fighting.
strategies that include other gegions
left to politics not military
establish penalties and rewards
work with separate Syrian and Iranian issues
get the security council to involve other troops
contant readiness to negotiate
accept Iran as a major player but not as a dominating force.
U.S. must remain in region.
Biden then said that this would create an explosion and nontraditional state and that we will end up with Iraq as a Federation or a dominant power.
Lugar iterated the need for benhmarks, oil agreements and that we cannot withdraw from the region.
Then he stated that this is predicated on a belief that the minimum can become the maximum for the region.
A military veteran with pink accessories held up an Out of Iraq banner and was escorted from the room. A security officer/ capital police approached the pink person sitting next the seat where the banner carrier had been seated. She was told that if she did anything she would immediately be cuffed and this was the only warning she was going to get. Considering that she hadn't done anything.....that seemed a bit harsh.
Anyway the hearing continued. Feingold asked about redeployment from Iraq, and how we can prepare.
K said: Develop an international committee per the political future of Iraq.
F: How do we engage neighbors?
K: Discussion of proliferation of nuclear weapons by Iran.
F: What will happen in Somalia and Afghanistan?
K: we have to "balance" presens in Iraq.
Senator Coleman mentiioned: "End" only after exhaustion, that we will be in Iraq for a LONG time, also mentioned tools for protecting Shia militia -- and asked do we have to see balance before withdrawal.
K: May have to settle for a Mandala-like solution -- acceptable but not desired. We are maneuvering within extremes.
Then the what can we do now questions began coming.
K: I don't believe in withdrawal. Need for a regional conference about Iran.
Boxer agreed that a regional conference is needed.... but..... THE PEOPLE VOTED FOR ENDING THE WAR and they got a surge. What about the Biden proposal for semiautonomous regions?
K: That may be the outcome....
Cannot support that.
Boxer: The diplomats seem to have gotten stuck. We must break free from the diplomatic stagnation. If just one diplomat would come forward. Quote per Kissingers supposed call for end and humiliation of radical Islam.
Kissinger denied this "alleged quotation." Says he did not say that despite the reporters insistance that he did. Iterated need for international control.
Senator B. Concern that there will be an adverse reaction to the surge if there is no positive outcome.
K: We should keep in mind a move to move to concensus strategy.
Don't believe we can withdraw.
Need content of strategy to have direction. Can't go on as it is.
Cannot include a time table.
Biden: Must keep the "audience in mind" and note the difference between what is now felt and what may be felt in two or three years.
Discussion that everty alternative has grave risks. Each alternative for success has more to do with what others do than with what we do.
B: Can't do this by ourselves. Aren't we involved in sectarian violence. Isn't that taking sides?
K: Of course.... to some extent.
K: Must make attempt to break the back of militias.
B. What about withdrawal from Iraq, from the region? Phased withdrawal? How to get regional partners?
K: Mentioned withdrawal from Iraq could mean withdrawal from region.
B: How do we get leaders to act?
K: International Conference.
Senator ?: suck up comments..... best paper....
Questions about the Presidential job success in explaining strategy. How to speak to international community? When do we engage partners in the region.
K: Now. Protect the oil industry there. Presidents since Rooseveldt have. We have permanent interests there. We can't act impulsively.
Obama: The only expression has been maintain or increase troop level.
What is the new Iran policy?
Is that strategy articulated anywhere?
I'm saying that if we don't do this...
K: would not object to a statement.
Obama: What you say versus what administration says.
K:
Sunni Shia have been warring for 1400 years. Has been bloody and brutal.
There is a limit to what the American people will accept.
We base our assessment on what we cannot prove.
Cannot continue at this level.
Will go on for several administrations.
Need to deal with militias. In the context of a grand strategy.
Obama: The American people are saying, "I'm disappointed." They feel less safe. They have been asked to make an enormous investment. The outcome is worse than before. The surge isn't salient. IS there a strategy?
There has been such division between the President and the Congress. No action on Baker Hamilton.
Biden: Bush and Rice rejected.
Isaacon: Went in to Iraq to: UN 1441.
Free elections and a constitution
Train iraqi military.
Admit our failure at yr. 3. Relate power to diplomacy. Maneuvering room for major strategy.
Will it create enough resolution to create peace?
Objective is compatible with what the president is to do.
Mistakes were made.
I am convinced we will move 2 or 3 ... toward concensus.
--
K: Last two years of office cannot be spent in a civil ware between the executive and legislative branches. His plea.
"We are there because diplomacy failed."
Biden:
Spent time waiting for an invitation .....
strategy has not come forward.
What is the strategy?
Overtures flatly rejected.
We should have had a Camp David with congress leaders and Bush. But no desire by Pres to do that.
The surge is a tactic masquerading as strategy that will not accomplish the mission."
----------
--------
Of course these are notes not quotes ,and are just put up for flavor of what was happening in the session.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Liz meets McCain
Liz was zipping between actions and meetings when she ran into John McCain in the hallway. She stepped up and firmly shook his hand and told him, "I've come from Arizona as a constituent to talk to you and tell you that you have to stop funding endless war. I know your office knows about our feelings on these issues because I fasted in front of your office in Phoenix and regularly do anti-torture demonstrations there also.
McCain thanked her and hasitly departed. Huh? Did he even hear what she said?
McCain thanked her and hasitly departed. Huh? Did he even hear what she said?
Got the wrong info. Correction.
Medea Benjamin was arrested in a Senate Committee Hearing where Negroponte was testifying. Not for her distrubance of the hearing but for a bogus outstanding warrant for which she had appeared but which the court had no record. Seems they conveniently found it today. She is still in jail.
Hope she is getting better treatment than the women arrested yesterday at the white rose action. One woman lost circulation in a hand cuffed to a cell wall, and the officers would do nothing. similarly another person who had recently broken an arm was similarly twisted into a painful cuffed position.
I guess they want to teach us lessons or frighten us. Won't work.
Hope she is getting better treatment than the women arrested yesterday at the white rose action. One woman lost circulation in a hand cuffed to a cell wall, and the officers would do nothing. similarly another person who had recently broken an arm was similarly twisted into a painful cuffed position.
I guess they want to teach us lessons or frighten us. Won't work.
Arrests in Hillary's office
Medea Benjamin and six others were arrested this morning for disturbing the peace in Hillary Clinton's office. They wove a symbolic web of lies told by Hillary. The web snaked through furniture and around people throughout the office. The web Hillary spins is of course about the Iraq War and her stand on it. She now says she was always against the war, but this is a lie. She has supported this war from day one. It must end NOW! Scissors (pink and made of cardboard) were offered to her staff if she would cut the web.
Two of our sisters from the pink house were arrested: Sandy and Leslie. This was Leslie's first arrest.
More news as I hear it.
...more like disturbing for peace....
Two of our sisters from the pink house were arrested: Sandy and Leslie. This was Leslie's first arrest.
More news as I hear it.
...more like disturbing for peace....
What can you do?
This is what a friend says about the coming storm and action this month.
---------------------------------------
Pretend you are spending the next 3 weeks in D.C..... in the power center of our nation….
Take a moment, sit or stand quietly. Breathe deeply, fold your hands, close your eyes. Let your life-style fall away from you. Put your job aside, put away the neighborhood you are able to live in and your mortgage or rent payment; put the things you are able to buy because of your job – the car, the bike, the DVD player, the cell phone, the computer, lattes, everything – put them on the shelf; put your education, the schools you are able to send your child to, the classes you are able to take, put them all on hold.
Pretend you are going to spend the next three weeks of your life in Washington D.C. engaging in actions to end war. Think about what you are willing to do.
Now think about the 4th week, when the bombing will likely start against Iran. Think about the 100-or so-thousand human beings whose lives are going to be vaporized. Think about the 10’s of 100,000’s of human beings whose lives will be in grave danger, the pain and the suffering of nuclear burns.
Think about the millions of human beings whose lifestyles will be radically altered in Iran, the entire middle east – and around the world.
Think about just one of those lives that will be destroyed – the infant just born, the mother of adolescent twins, the grown daughter of the elder who can no longer care for herself. Pretend she is someone you love fiercely and passionately.
Now think about what actions you are willing to take in Washington D.C. to prevent the destruction of this one life.
Pretend you are protecting your LIFE and not your LIFE STYLE.
Brainstorm the actions you would take and email me!
Peace, Zanne Sam Joi
---------------------------------------
Pretend you are spending the next 3 weeks in D.C..... in the power center of our nation….
Take a moment, sit or stand quietly. Breathe deeply, fold your hands, close your eyes. Let your life-style fall away from you. Put your job aside, put away the neighborhood you are able to live in and your mortgage or rent payment; put the things you are able to buy because of your job – the car, the bike, the DVD player, the cell phone, the computer, lattes, everything – put them on the shelf; put your education, the schools you are able to send your child to, the classes you are able to take, put them all on hold.
Pretend you are going to spend the next three weeks of your life in Washington D.C. engaging in actions to end war. Think about what you are willing to do.
Now think about the 4th week, when the bombing will likely start against Iran. Think about the 100-or so-thousand human beings whose lives are going to be vaporized. Think about the 10’s of 100,000’s of human beings whose lives will be in grave danger, the pain and the suffering of nuclear burns.
Think about the millions of human beings whose lifestyles will be radically altered in Iran, the entire middle east – and around the world.
Think about just one of those lives that will be destroyed – the infant just born, the mother of adolescent twins, the grown daughter of the elder who can no longer care for herself. Pretend she is someone you love fiercely and passionately.
Now think about what actions you are willing to take in Washington D.C. to prevent the destruction of this one life.
Pretend you are protecting your LIFE and not your LIFE STYLE.
Brainstorm the actions you would take and email me!
Peace, Zanne Sam Joi
We Are Escalating Actions! You Must Also.
At a women's meeting last evening in D.C., women from all over the country gathered together to determine actions and priorities from now until our Senate and House shutdown the madman who is steering our country and the world over the falls. The message pure and simple is threefold:
NO IRAN WAR
DEFUND THE WAR
TROOPS HOME NOW
War with Iran (which is imminent) must be stopped. It will start a chain reaction. We bomb Iran. Iran retaliates. Israel retaliates. Russia retaliates. Dr. Strangelove is ready to send out those planes (only they are ships). This isn't just a feel-good information campaign. We are calling for every person who hears this message in his or her heart or soul to begin immediate civil disobedience actions.
Things we have heard people are doing --- lip-sticking every glass and mirrored surface in the country. NO IRAN WAR.
People also should think about how to safely shut down business as usual in the United States through traffic stoppages. Three cars abreast on major arteries driving very very slowly during morning rush hours. Perhaps cars will begin to "stall" in critical intersections at critical times.
Bush's next insane escalation will trigger true world war. We must stop him. Please act now. If not our world will have a truly Silent Spring.
NO IRAN WAR
DEFUND THE WAR
TROOPS HOME NOW
War with Iran (which is imminent) must be stopped. It will start a chain reaction. We bomb Iran. Iran retaliates. Israel retaliates. Russia retaliates. Dr. Strangelove is ready to send out those planes (only they are ships). This isn't just a feel-good information campaign. We are calling for every person who hears this message in his or her heart or soul to begin immediate civil disobedience actions.
Things we have heard people are doing --- lip-sticking every glass and mirrored surface in the country. NO IRAN WAR.
People also should think about how to safely shut down business as usual in the United States through traffic stoppages. Three cars abreast on major arteries driving very very slowly during morning rush hours. Perhaps cars will begin to "stall" in critical intersections at critical times.
Bush's next insane escalation will trigger true world war. We must stop him. Please act now. If not our world will have a truly Silent Spring.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Multi-Banner Drop in the Hart Bldg. after talking with Gabby's staff.
29 JANUARY 2007
NOTES FROM GABBY’S folks.
Marched from the Pink House to Cannon.
Actually I was supposed to go with the Pinkers to Rayburn & the Shoe distribution.
My shoe has Ashref Katjhem Gasem name attached. She was 5.
Got to 502 Cannon after navigating the corridors, construction and ---- and ------ were already there. I wrote out a hasty note as Maura hired a new staff member – a young gentleman hired just minutes before. There was pleasant chitchat until Daniel Graver arrived and I realized he was the gentleman I’ve given the pink balls of courage to to give to Gabby at a bar in Tucson where there was a heckle the tv state of the union watching party last year.
We shook hands and agreed we’d met before….and I sensed a bit of not altogether comfortable anticipation . We went with Daniel to Gabby’s office to chat. -------opened on a political campaign note.
He began writing a few of the UFPJ points down that we’d put our own spin on.
Troops home now. Iraqi people against us. Cut funding.
Also she ran as a progressive , why hasn’t she joined the progressive caucus?
What is she doing in the next two weeks to stop the illegal nuclear weapon use of the US on Iraq in three weeks? We have to observe the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.
Jill & John from KBRP Bisbee came in part way into our mtg and began taping.
And Maura switched with Dan to field questions.
Walked with them to the Hart bldg. Met Ellen. Walked back to the Rayburn bldg. Got coffee and talked to Robin and Julia about their lobbying in the afternoon.At noon we joined a white rose action at the inner court yard fountain . I laid a card down and a few roses as the names of Iraqi dead were read. The frozen water and flowers were as stark a testimony to the dead as any I’ve seen or in which I’ve participated. Didn’t want to be arrested so I left for the Dirkson Bldg. Which is where I met up with Sam and Maureen (newbie) and walked to the Hart Bldg.
The atrium of the Hart Bldg is perfect for banner drops. From various tales told after the event., I’ve reconstructed compatriots stories of being followed to floor 5 then going to 3 via the elevator and walking back up to 4. I was doing similar diversion between floors.
Finally the signal came as I was taking pictures of a shoe action from a fifth floor overview. (I will upload as soon as I get to the house. ) There were at least 100 women throughout the building . Banners were being unfurled from every floor. One would go over the rail and unfurl a message of peace only to be grabbed and eventually taken away by police. Some of the many banner bearers with whom I spoke said they asked for 30 secs for a picture, various first second and third warnings were issued by various uniforms and suits. After Gael had a few problems with a suit who was gruff at first, I and others. ran over to help her & get the banner stretched out. It said Peace on Earth. The big 40 foot pink slip was unfurled but had twisted, So Medea who was on the main floor of the atrium leaped up to straighten it and it was lifted off the floor a bit when police on a higher floor tried to take the banner. Individuals with N, O, W. A, R. letters lined up on five different floors for a multi –floor multi-part banner. Of course songs and chants were being sung and shouted from every floor into the atrium. “Out of Iraq.” “De-fund the war. “ “War is over if you want it.” “No more money for war.” It was so great to see banner after banner unfurl after each confiscation. The banner and floor I was involved with actually had three banners. The first big pink one was confiscated . Then Nell pulled out her rainbow Peace banner. We dropped it. It was confiscated. Gail unfurled her scarf. It was confiscated. Then we began waving our scarves -- PINK of course. We saw one slip across the way …… just a simple unadorned pink slip We later learned it was not confiscated because of one woman ‘s quick thinking. An officer was trying to take it when she said… “I have a pink bra too!” and he said,, “OK, OK.” At about that time we had run out of banners and decided to chant our way all the way from the fifth floor to the first. Then the cops tried to corral us. But they changed their minds. (If I find out more I will let you know.)The exhilaration wasn’t as strong as the first actions I did, but it still feels good –to speak our minds in the halls of our Senate offiice bldgs. And the joy of the UFPJ lobby folks who stumbled across the pink action was palpable. They thanked us, joined in the chants – as did a few staffers.
Eventually we made our way out after a few chants of , “THIS is what democracy looks like. “
We managed to get most of the banners back.
My only regret is that I didn’t get a clear shot of the big banner that LA Sam and Jodie ( I think) dropped – the big 40 ft. long one that said, No More Money for War.
Then it was off to the Dirkson Bldg. For a late lunch.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Wire Services ContinueTowing the Govt Line
Don't believe the wire reports from the Washington D.C. march-- their tens of thousands should read 100s of thousands. The entire Mall was packed from Third Street to the Washigton monument. Once the march started and encircled the Capitol on all four sides before the last marchers had even started, you know that it was at least a half a million people. The Washington Post revised its count at least once already from tems of thousands to hundreds of thousands.
The CODEPINK rally before the UFPJ rally had at least 3000 folks and probably lots more... but the Washington Post and all the other papers taking their lead from them presented an image of equal ranks of protestors and counter protesters. The Pink supporters numbered in the thousands, and the super conservative "counter" protesters numbered around a couple dozen. The paper gave the impression of equal amounts.
Please tell your papers and local media that you are sick and tired of deceptive "reporting" and that you expect accurate and truthful reporting and the current standards are far from this standard.
More on the speakers at the rallies when I blog tomorrow.
The CODEPINK rally before the UFPJ rally had at least 3000 folks and probably lots more... but the Washington Post and all the other papers taking their lead from them presented an image of equal ranks of protestors and counter protesters. The Pink supporters numbered in the thousands, and the super conservative "counter" protesters numbered around a couple dozen. The paper gave the impression of equal amounts.
Please tell your papers and local media that you are sick and tired of deceptive "reporting" and that you expect accurate and truthful reporting and the current standards are far from this standard.
More on the speakers at the rallies when I blog tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The First Night of a Month of Peace Activism in D.C>
Arrived at the Pink House in D.C. around 8:30 p.m. So now I'm posting what I wrote earlier in the day.
Greetings Friends and Foes,
I’m writing as I fly toward D.C. I am unsure what sort of connection to the internet I will have for the next several days, So I will do what I am doing right now. I will compose when I can and post when I can.
I’m not sure what tomorrow holds for me. (Are we ever?) I think it will primarily be internet and coffee until I plan out all the things I have as yet to find out about, then I believe there will be a meeting of women later in the day to put together the Walk in Their Shoes display that will be out on the 26th. I sent a couple pair of teenager shoes with Zanne and I have two infant sets with me. I still have to tag them with the names of infants killed in the Iraq War. These are real souls who left this world violently and unjustly. I miss my daughter already, and she is alive and well. To think of the heartache of her being gone breaks my heart. I cannot imagine what the lose of a child must be like. I hugged her goodbye this morning as she went off to school. I think she knows I am doing this for her. For her future. For all children’s futures. I am leaving my home for a month during a year that I really did not want to travel. She is 17. There are not many more months when she will live under my roof. I hate to give up spending one of those with her, but I must. This war is wrong. The visuals of masses of citizens marching should send a clear signal that there are people who feel so passionately about the need for our Representatives and Senators to stop this war, no matter what they must do in order to accomplish that, that they will come all the way across the country to march and meet with Congressional staffers.
I’m reading two books right now. One is about writing biography – the biography of women. The other contains small mindfulness “talks” about peace, being peace, creating peace, breathing peace by Thich Naht Hahn.
These two works are almost diametrically opposed at one level, but I am bringing them together, into peace, within my being. Learning from them both. Seeing them both. This provides excellent practice for the tasks that probably comprise my path this next month. I am not going to worry about them or even plan them out too much as I need to live in the moment and listen to my heart and notice all that is around me so that I may seize on positive action. CODEPINK was originally about bring the creative feminine into play in our world FOR Peace. I strongly believe that we must not fall into opposition or anger. We can only change things through individual action. The fierce gentle hand of mother Gaia contains us. We are her, and we must strive to live up to the wonder that is the miracle of life and breath and self organized existence. War and violence has no place in this world. Our self awareness is a rare gift – we can get beyond the aggressive territorial ape aspect of our being and consciously, mindfully become gentle and cooperative beings. We can. We will. We are. Starting at this very moment. Be Here Now.
Namaste.
Greetings Friends and Foes,
I’m writing as I fly toward D.C. I am unsure what sort of connection to the internet I will have for the next several days, So I will do what I am doing right now. I will compose when I can and post when I can.
I’m not sure what tomorrow holds for me. (Are we ever?) I think it will primarily be internet and coffee until I plan out all the things I have as yet to find out about, then I believe there will be a meeting of women later in the day to put together the Walk in Their Shoes display that will be out on the 26th. I sent a couple pair of teenager shoes with Zanne and I have two infant sets with me. I still have to tag them with the names of infants killed in the Iraq War. These are real souls who left this world violently and unjustly. I miss my daughter already, and she is alive and well. To think of the heartache of her being gone breaks my heart. I cannot imagine what the lose of a child must be like. I hugged her goodbye this morning as she went off to school. I think she knows I am doing this for her. For her future. For all children’s futures. I am leaving my home for a month during a year that I really did not want to travel. She is 17. There are not many more months when she will live under my roof. I hate to give up spending one of those with her, but I must. This war is wrong. The visuals of masses of citizens marching should send a clear signal that there are people who feel so passionately about the need for our Representatives and Senators to stop this war, no matter what they must do in order to accomplish that, that they will come all the way across the country to march and meet with Congressional staffers.
I’m reading two books right now. One is about writing biography – the biography of women. The other contains small mindfulness “talks” about peace, being peace, creating peace, breathing peace by Thich Naht Hahn.
These two works are almost diametrically opposed at one level, but I am bringing them together, into peace, within my being. Learning from them both. Seeing them both. This provides excellent practice for the tasks that probably comprise my path this next month. I am not going to worry about them or even plan them out too much as I need to live in the moment and listen to my heart and notice all that is around me so that I may seize on positive action. CODEPINK was originally about bring the creative feminine into play in our world FOR Peace. I strongly believe that we must not fall into opposition or anger. We can only change things through individual action. The fierce gentle hand of mother Gaia contains us. We are her, and we must strive to live up to the wonder that is the miracle of life and breath and self organized existence. War and violence has no place in this world. Our self awareness is a rare gift – we can get beyond the aggressive territorial ape aspect of our being and consciously, mindfully become gentle and cooperative beings. We can. We will. We are. Starting at this very moment. Be Here Now.
Namaste.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Woot! Woot!
Couldn't get into my dashboard for the longest time! I'm finally back on Blogger and will be posting up a storm! Why? Because I'm headed to D.C. -- again -- for a month of civic participation as a CODEPINK Activist. Just got a $200 roundtrip fair via Priceline. Will be staying at a CODEPINK house currently being set up. I'm gonna MARCH, I'm gonna LOBBY, and I'm going to be the pink thorn that irritates the status quo on Capitol Hill for the next month. Woo Hoo!
And you know what? I'm not the only Arizonan going. You could be there too. Join us! Heck-a-roonie.... even MoveOn.org sent out an email encouraging members to come to D.C. and march or join a local protest. This isn't the "official" graphic for the march.... but who cares? This one is too good not to use!
And you know what? I'm not the only Arizonan going. You could be there too. Join us! Heck-a-roonie.... even MoveOn.org sent out an email encouraging members to come to D.C. and march or join a local protest. This isn't the "official" graphic for the march.... but who cares? This one is too good not to use!
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