I have been alerted recently to political events unfolding in France. In an interview that appeared in Le Monde on March 3rd, Bernard Koucher attacked the President of the French Republic for outrageous posturing. Mr. Koucher is the former Socialist Health Minister, a founder of Doctors without Borders and served as the head of the UN Mission to Kosovo in 1999.

It occurs to me that this attack was particularly harsh, because it comes from a man with extensive first hand experience in Kosovo, and who apparently often put himself in great personal danger by traveling to the war zone.

What follows is my own translation of portions of that interview. I apologize in advance for any errors or inaccuracies:

Bernard Kouchner: "France is Trapped in a Dead End."

Iraq sends its missiles for destruction. Isn't this the proof that the inspections are effective?

It is proof initially that it has the missiles, and from that it follows it also has biochemical weapons. ***

You are in favor of the war?

I detest war, which I have more experience than anyone, over a 40-year period. War is a really bad solution. But there is a worse solution. That's to leave in place a dictator who massacres his own people. I wish that we might hear the most important protagonist in this crisis, the most directly threatened: the people of Iraq who are subjected to dictatorship.

Is the overthrow of Saddam Hussein more important than his disarmament?

Yes, its the most important objective. There are very few days or weeks remaining. Perhaps there's a 10 per cent chance we can avoid war. By the combination of a military threat which would not need to be carried out, diplomatic pressure and the pressure of public opinion I think we could still propose common attitude which would lead to Saddam Hussein leaving power.

*** Is it wrong for France to oppose the US?

The first stage of the French diplomatic move was perfect: the part which consisted in making the Americans return to the framework of the UN. In the second stage of this process, we acted much in far "too macho" * of a fashion and miscalculated. At a certain moment we started waving our right to veto about. I regret this infinitely. It is very damaging.

Is France then at a dead end?

Yes, we are at a dead end. We've deepened the fracture of Europe, rather healing it. We have harnessed ourselves to German pacifism and that was an error. We have antagonized the East European countries who emerged from dictatorship. That was our second mistake. Finally we opened up a serious fracture with the US. That's what I have to blame the President of the Republic for doing. *** "

* In idiomatic French the idea translates roughly as "We used the iron arm, were acting much too virile." By making his criticism in this particular manner, Mr. Koucher was attacking Chirac for his outrageous posturing, and over-playing his role.

I stand and applaud Bernard Kouchner !

Certainly, I wish the American television media was reporting this development in France. But, the networks seem to be lining up quietly on the same side as Chirac. The major media networks seemingly are focused on a private and unvoiced agenda to undercut President Bush at every opportunity.

Posted by Douglas Oliver on March 8, 2003 at 7:43 AM

A report out of Washington D.C. early this morning has shocked people worldwide. Many of the 60 nations, allegedly, and their citizens -- who may even oppose the war -- did not even know Iraq had covert agents operating in their countries. I quote a short excerpt from the AP report:

*** "The United States has asked about 60 countries to expel selected Iraqis who officials say are undercover agents possibly poised to attack American interests overseas, officials said. ***

The government has identified 300 Iraqis in the 60 countries whom officials want expelled, the U.S. officials said. Some are operating as diplomats out of Iraqi embassies, the officials said, adding that the foreign governments were expected to comply with the U.S. request. ***

Personally, I have seen reports on the Internet alleging that at least 500 -- and perhaps even more -- Iraqis are operating as covert spies or sleeper agents in the U.S. Most certainly, these alleged covert operatives are operating with deep cover identities. Many are certainly here illegally, and have access to vast sums of cash, and carry false identification papers. There are even some reports saying that foreigners are entering the country illegally through Mexico or Canada. Some are rumored to speak a little Spanish, at least passably.

I believe it is long past time to close our borders and get very serious about people who may be covert operatives using stolen or false identities.

Posted by Douglas Oliver on March 6, 2003 at 9:34 AM

A report this morning in Los Angeles, a member of the Screen Actors Guild is taking credit for his most recent high profile role: Playing Saddam Hussein. Provided below is a brief excerpt from that report:

*** "Last week, for 17 million TV viewers, he was also the voice of Saddam Hussein during Dan Rather's exclusive CBS News interview of the Iraqi leader. Apparently putting on an Arabic accent, [Steve] Winfield -- who spoke with a seemingly everyday North American accent when he talked briefly to a reporter this week -- read Hussein's answers to Rather's questions. ***"

*** "The translation was "100% accurate," CBS News said in a statement, describing Winfield as one of four translators it hired. The accent, CBS said, was meant to provide "a voice compatible with the piece." A network spokeswoman said Winfield was supplied by a translation service; she said she does not know whether Winfield in fact speaks Arabic. ***

Of course, all this assumes that CBS was able to make an excellent recording in terms of its electronic quality. Perhaps, the real voice of Saddam was, er -- uh, perhaps just a few octaves too high? By that I mean perhaps his voice was too high to be taken seriously by an American audience?

We like to think that our favorite Villain of the Moment is truly a menacing figure. Sadly, now we will never know.

It occurs to me: When a major American media network must provide an actor to play Saddam, it is just another sign his time is running out. The final countdown for Saddam is almost over. Tick, tick, tick ...

Posted by Douglas Oliver on March 5, 2003 at 8:43 AM

With tactics reminiscent of Adolph Hitler, Saddam has managed to delay Hans Blix's inspection team with more lies and deceptions. Iraq has merely been staging a performance, by wrecking a few missles, while it has really been moving them closer to American forces.

It looks to this observer like Saddam is planning a First Strike on U.S. forces by Iraq.

Posted by Douglas Oliver on March 3, 2003 at 2:35 PM

Here is a private email message which was forwarded to me for distribution. The contents of this message should have a calming effect on the public. The Pundit is in favor of everybody remaining calm, collected and clear-headed.

Then "stand, watch and listen" ....

Posted by Douglas Oliver on March 4, 2003 at 7:19 PM

U.S. Officials Name Mastermind of Twin Tower Attack and Charge that Saddam Hussein is the Puppet Master

A report in the Sunday Independent U.K. alleges that Khalid Sheik Mohammed was the true Mastermind behind al Qaeda's Twin Towers Terror attack. Also implicated by this major breakthrough is Ramzi Yousef, convicted of a leading role in the 911 attack on New York. Officials in the United States are jubilant over the capture of Mohammed in Pakistan.

Bush officials say they have established links between Mohammed, Yousef and Saddam. While the U.S. is very protective of its security, it now appears certain that many people have spilled the beans on Saddam. In addition, it is likely the U.S. has covert intelligence that the U.S. Military, CIA and NSA have known about for months.

There is a strong likelihood that Yousef may be an Iraqi agent operating under a deep cover assignment.

The final countdown on Saddam has begun. Tick, tick, tick ...

Posted by Douglas Oliver on March 2, 2003 at 1:29 PM

Dr. Al Shahristani claims that Saddam has constructed a "Circle of Chemical and Biological Weapons" around Bagdad and has Planned a Terrible Doomsday for the Iraqi People.

The Pundit: Saddam Plots a "Doomsday Scenario" for America

I have been predicting this very real threat as a possible scenario for several weeks now. This may be a primary secret motivation behind Saddam's Qur'an scriptures, reportedly written in his own blood. Saddam may be intending to die a martyr's death -- while cleverly setting up the Bush Administration for terrible consequences. This classic scenario -- "The Martyr's Death in a Jihad" -- needs to be understood by western political leaders. Arranging for third parties to take the blame would appeal to the Iraqi leader, especially if it triggers spreading violence in the Middle East.

The Bush administration must begin voicing its concerns about this as a possible Iraq War scenario immediately.

Posted by Douglas Oliver on February 18, 2003 at 3:45 PM

Just as I predicted on February 18th, the Pentagon is aware of Saddam's unvoiced threat that he secretly plans the cold blooded murder of thousands his own people. This is the "Doomsday Scenario" that must concern Bush administration officials.

In a major investigative report USA Today published this morning, they predict:

*** "There is a 100% chance [Saddam] will try to use chemical and biological agents," Peters says. "And the sad thing is, he will try to blame it on us and there is a substantial portion of the Arab and Muslim world who will buy into that. ***"

At least the White House is starting to raise the "Doomsday Scenario" into public focus now. It seems that the Bush administration is realizing they need to come forward with what they know about Saddam's secret agenda.

The article in USA Today also points out that the War on Iraq will involve total stealth, rapid strikes and top secret weapons. It will be a totally new type of war.

*** " [T]he lights will go out literally for military commanders and Saddam's security forces, whose radios, telephones and computers will be zapped by powerful new weapons known as "e-bombs." These bombs use electromagnetic energy to generate crippling power surges.

What follows the barrage of several thousand smart weapons will be the kind of war the United States has never fought on this scale before: a rapid, violent invasion whose main goals aren't to seize territory or destroy a large army. Instead, if all goes according to plan, U.S. forces will kill or capture Saddam and anyone keeping him in power, while leaving Iraq's regular military, its civilians and most cities and towns untouched. If it works, it will be the model for U.S. wars to pre-empt terrorist threats for decades to come ***"

Posted by Douglas Oliver on February 21, 2003 at 8:59 AM

The headline may be interpreted to read "Biological Terrorism: Danger Hushed Up."

You might try experimenting with the German to English automatic translators above. I prefer the Google option, but we have given you three choices. One interpretation of an excerpt from this article is floating around on the web and is set forth in part below:

*** "The Federal Government has apparently concealed information that Iraq possesses biological weapons of mass destruction and is threatening Germany with them.

In a government document dated August 9 of last year, which this newspaper has in its possession, it was warned that in attacks using smallpox agents, in which up to 25 million Germans could fall victim, there was not sufficient vaccine available. Not publicizing the document has fueled suspicion that the Red-Green coalition hushed up the actual threat by Iraq a few weeks before federal elections and that it is still not informing the public completely about the extent of the threat." ***

What will world the world think when U.S. troops open up Saddam's secret tunnels and reveal hundreds of boxes of illegal chemical and biological materials manufactured in Germany and France ... ? Things like VX gas, one of the most terrible weapons ever developed, and other weapons of mass destruction?

It looks to me like Herr Schroeder has some " ... 'splaining to do."

Posted by Douglas Oliver on February 18, 2003 at 8:43 PM

I happened across a new web site yesterday that really opened my eyes. The site is dedicated to a new spirit of brotherhood between the religions. Here is a brief excerpt from the web site:

*** "As many of you know, Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath. In that spirit, our Saturday posts to this blog will always be "good news". We will share Sufi wisdom, highlight the acts of good and decent people, laugh at humourous events, and point to amazing discoveries that could benefit humanity. My Muslim, Christian, and non-religious colleagues have graciously agreed to respect and work within this Winds of Change tradition ***"

I believe we all should applaud this effort to spread genuine understanding between the great religions of the world. Really, "why can't we all just get along?"

Posted by Douglas Oliver on March 1, 2003 at 2:23 PM

A report appeared on February 24, 2003 on the MEMRI web site that they had discovered an Arabic message on Islamist web page (www.alfjr.com) claiming a new attack was being launched on America within ten days:

" *** Our Dead Go to Paradise and Yours Go to Hell... Rejoice, Oh Lovers of the Hur [i.e. the Black-Eyed Virgins of Paradise] and the Gardens [of Paradise]" *** "The Train of Death is on its Way" *** "The train of death is on its way. Its riders are steadfast. Nothing will stop them or turn them back, *** from the goal: neither the bushes of the enemy nor his weeds, neither his reptiles [nor] his lizards will stop its progress."

I have little patience personally with messages of this sort. They are contrary to most everything most of the people I know hold to be true. Sounds to me like school yard chanting and taunting. Spewing hatred and violence demonstrates a mind set that has given in to the "Dark Side."

Do 'Islamists' [i.e. fundamentalist Muslims harboring a keen desire for Jihad, ending with a Martyr's Death, and a guarantee of 72 virgins in Paradise.] really think this way? Yes, unfortunately, they really do.

That is one reason why for the past two thousand years most of the Arab World continues live in poverty. Since the Seventh Century, many have dreamed of conquering the world by Jihad, while they live and struggle in abject poverty. They have no industry, build no societal infrastructure, deny schooling to females, and live without any real promise for improvement in their lives. The real tragedy is their children, and their childrens' children, will live out their lives in exactly the same way. If they had no oil, they would have only desert sand.

Sad, really, but there you have it.

Posted by Douglas Oliver on February 18, 2003 at 8:43 PM

There was an AP news report out of North Carolina that people are no longer selling or eating French fries in restaurants. They are demanding "Freedom Fries" instead. And asking their favorite restaurants to change their menus.

Seems that people are fed up with the French. Well, after saving their butts in two World Wars, I guess Americans have a right to feel pretty torked off.

I heard the report from a fellow guest in a restaurant. The restaurant is changing their menu. Also heard a story that a major restaurant in New York City thrilled patrons by dumping dozens of bottles of French wine into the gutter. Wow! Hope the report is true, but it has the tone of an urban legend.

The report hit the Internet on February 19th and it was spreading like wild fire and gaining momentum in Portland by the 22nd. People were talking about dropping the word "French" from several other favorite expressions. Now we have even heard about "Freedom Kissing" and "Freedom Poodles" during the same converation.

I think the best way to get under French skins is to just ignore them. Nobody speaks French anymore in diplomatic meetings. They must be slowly boiling with unexpressed rage.

German auto manufacturers are concerned about losing their share of the U.S. market. There are rumors spreading about a boycott. Only time will tell.

Posted by Douglas Oliver on February 23, 2003 at 6:36 PM

The United Nations joined the U.S. and the U.K. today to demand that Iraq must answer questions about its nuclear, chemical, biological and long-range missile programs. It is about time. A person with normal sensibilities just cannot keep up with Saddam's repeated lies and disingenuous evasions.

From the report on Fox News cited above we learned that:

*** "A U.S. official in Washington said a new resolution that would give a green light to use military force was expected to be presented to the Security Council on Monday ... A British diplomat at the United Nations said the resolution was expected early next week ***

In his report to the council Friday, [Hans] Blix said Iraq had presented a list of 83 participants 'in the unilateral destruction in the chemical field, which took place in the summer of 1991.' He asked Iraq for a similar list of people who took part in the destruction of other banned items, especially in the biological field ***

*** Iraq is still not cooperating "on substance," though it was allowing surveillance flights and had turned over new lists of people who might be interviewed *** 'What we need ... is voluntary disarmament' *** 'We know what it is when a country intends to disarm and comes to use the instrument of inspectors to disarm. That is not happening.' ***

'They continue to deceive, deny, and obstruct. We still want to know: Where is the 26,000 liters of anthrax? Where is the VX? Where are the missiles?' ***

*** Iraq was also not cooperating in arranging private U.N. interviews with Iraqi scientists, a violation of the last U.N. resolution *** The only three scientists interviewed privately by inspectors were recommended by the Iraqis, but not a single scientist recommended by U.N. inspectors had agreed to a private interview ***

So out of 83 scientists, not one has come forward for a private interview. There are no mysteries or surprises in this 'shocking' turn of events. This result was completely foreseeable. Iraq's scientists are operating under a formal declaration of a Death Sentence for high treason if they ever seriously considered cooperation. Death sentences in Iraq, however, are not carried out by lethal injection. Iraqi scientists live in fear for the safety of their families, and especially their children. Wives, children, brothers, mothers, sisters, father and cousins -- all would be tortured to death by Saddam -- in the most brutal fashion imaginable.

Readers of this site already know that Saddam is playing a game of hide and seek with the U.N. inspectors. It is blatant and reckless conduct by a ruthless dictator who must surely know and understand his game playing will end in disaster for Iraq.

More to come ...

Posted by Douglas Oliver on February 20, 2003 at 9:10 PM