Images of Raqqa
[Source: Vanity Fair]
Na’eem Square
Na’eem Square
Na’eem in Arabic means “paradise,” but ISIS changed this beautiful public place into the complete opposite. The square that was a favorite place for boys and girls to have dates, for little kids to play, and for the elders to relive their youths by taking in the activity of the city, is now the awful place of spikes upon which chopped-off heads are placed. The story of this square sums up the dark story of the whole city.
The
Library
The
Cultural Center was built in the 1960s. It has hosted many cultural
activities, art exhibitions, and literary lectures since its opening.
However, culture is not something of value in the eyes of Islamists.
Ahrar al-Sham, one of the Islamist rebel groups fighting in Syria,
deemed its strong building suitable for a headquarters. This prompted
the Assad regime’s fighter jets to target it.
On
March 4, 2013, the aerial attacks damaged and burned the library.
Thousands of books turned to ash, and, according to a lecturer at the
local Furat University, an entire heritage vanished in minutes.
A
Wounded ISIS Soldier
Syria
is a country where the concept of healthcare is totally uncommon.
After more than three years of war, the situation of hospitals and
medical-care centers is simply critical. The conditions of the
already poorly equipped hospitals in Raqqa are serious—just like
the conditions of their patients. Under such circumstances, the
state-owned National Hospital is the hospital upon which the whole
city depends.
Unlike
other shortages, the lack of various kinds of medicine categories is
severely fatal. Hospitals in Raqqa witnessed numerous deaths that
would have been avoided if the required drugs and specialists were
available. And with the ISIS threat to foreign aid-work
organizations, the situation is descending from bad to worse.
However, the National Hospital provides medical treatment not only
for civilians but for ISIS fighters as well.
I was going to place this in the comments section, but I felt it deserved a post of its own. As we watch the fighting from the safety of our homes far away I felt we should be reminded of what the unleashing of ISIL has entailed for the people living under their rule. And what it means for others in the region.
109 comments:
I just had to adjust this post a little. I wanted to make perfectly clear at whose feet the blame can be placed for what is happening in the Middle East right now. Some may be a little confused or deluded by propaganda.
Good and apt post Lynnette.
(P.S. I love Tina Turner's 80s music. Doesn't time fly! She turns seventy-five next month!!!)
I happened to read somewhere that what was happening on the ground in the Middle East reminded them of the movie Mad Max - Beyond Thunderdome. I couldn't resist the tie in, especially as that song by Tina Turner fit so well. It's such a horrible situation for the people there. Those who are supporting ISIL need to understand that whatever they may feel about the West, or the United States in particular, shooting themselves in the foot isn't going to help any.
Here is a different account of like in Raqqa. Interesting, the differences in views.
Apparently Iran is having difficulty with ISIL as well. Hmmm...this will make someone we know happy.
Gotta run, will read the links later.
We had barely decided to intervene in a significant way before the situation in Kobane became critical. Yes, some may argue that we made the decision late, but I don't believe it was a dark plot on our behalf to let the Kurds in Kobane languish alone. That region actually appears to be getting quite a lot of our "attention". Turkey, however, has a lot to answer for. They could have helped the Kurds, as well as a NATO ally. They chose not to and are now seeing the beginning of the end of their peace talks with the PKK, I'm thinking, unless they alter course.
Spokesman: Airstrikes Only Part of the Strategy Against ISIL
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2014 – Airstrikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists will not be enough to end the siege of the embattled Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani, the Pentagon press secretary acknowledged today.
“Airstrikes alone are not going to do this,” Rear Adm. John Kirby said. “They’re not going to fix this. They’re not going to save the town of Kobani.” He spoke as battles between ISIL terrorists and Kurdish fighters were reported continuing in and around the town along the Syrian-Turkish border.
“We know that,” Kirby said. “We’ve been saying that over and over again. And yet we continue to get questions of, well, ‘why aren’t you doing more? And how come they aren’t more effective?’”
The admiral said the department has been very honest about the limits of airpower, pointing out that the key will be the training and equipping of indigenous ground forces.
“And we don’t have a willing, capable, effective partner on the ground inside Syria right now. It’s just a fact. I can’t change that.”
Months Before Rebels Are Trained
Saudi Arabia has offered to host training for Syrian rebels who would return to the country to battle ISIL terrorists, but Kirby said it will take months before they are properly trained and equipped.
“Time matters here,” he said. While airstrikes are dramatic and have a tactical effect, “this is going to be a long, difficult struggle,” Kirby said.
Kirby emphasized that good governance will be key to the solution in both Iraq and Syria.
“And options for people so they don’t have to turn to the ideology of a group like ISIL, Kirby said.
“So there’s an element of strategic patience here that I think everybody needs to consider,” he said, “all of us, all of you, the American people, everybody.”
(Follow Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone Marshall on Twitter:@MarshallDoDNews)
Well, I do tend to disagree with the statement about not having a willing partner on the ground. But it is the forces in Kobane that would be that partner, and they are a little too busy right now to participate in training.
*sigh*
Btw, last I checked Kobane still seems to be holding out, and my guess is that without the airstrikes the town would have fallen by now. But still, the courage of the men and women of Kobane is really to be admired. They have been amazing.
I agree Lynnette. Erdogan is the shitbag here. However, the US is already encountering the limits of action in Syria that people were warning about on the night of Obama's speech. Unless they build something like the Brit's Camp Bastion in northern Syria, through which to funnel materiel, it's hard to see how the Yanks can help the Kurds in any way other than the current air support. And that seems to be of limited use, although recent reports of its effectiveness in Kobane are more positive. I wonder is there any way to politically embarrass Erdogan into a more positive approach? Right now, it doesn't seem so.
Haven't mentioned oil in a while. With half the Middle East in meltdown, you'd normally expect to see a "risk premium" built into oil prices. On the contrary, crude prices have plummeted 20% this year, and gasoline prices in the US are at a four year low. Current average price is $3.35/gal and some analysts are predicting a number starting with 2 by early next year. (Makes me feel old ... I remember when they started with a 0 and I'm not even USian). On this side of the pond I would always hesitate to use "low" in the same sentence as petrol prices, but they are certainly lower than their recent highs.
There seems to be at least four factors at play. First and foremost, of course, is increasing US domestic production. In fact, US prices would probably be even lower if it were not for a commensurate growth in refining capacity which exceeded expectations this year.
Next is the increasing strength of the dollar -- up 10% against the euro in the last number of months, so from a European perspective half the drop in oil prices is eaten up by currency weakness.
Then there is the Saudis. While they would normally be relied upon to reduce their own output to keep prices up, they have not done that this time around. They've said they want to maintain market share instead of taking a hit for the OPEC "team". There probably won't be a lot of team spirit at the OPEC meeting in November.
And finally there is the market perception of an impending glut, which may or may not be real, but is certainly affecting futures prices.
Pete: "I agree Lynnette. Erdogan is the shitbag here."
Funny that he went from a staunch ally when he supported anti-Assad rebels to a total shitbag when those anti-Assad rebels quite predictably didn't ascribe to the western liberal agenda and Erdogan is hesistant to bomb the very folks he was praised for arming.
Is it just me or has the Jihadi element of the "arab spring" in general and the rebellion in Syria in particular not been very obvious for a few years now?
From what I read from some folks it seems even the Nusra-front is deemed "moderate" these days, because they are not focused on killing Kurds but only on killing Allawites and toppling Al-Assad.
Erdogan: staunch ally for four years, then shitbag after a bad weekend.
Seriously, what have ya'll been inhaling?
Pete: "I agree Lynnette. Erdogan is the shitbag here."
Funny that he went from a staunch ally when he supported anti-Assad rebels to a total shitbag when those anti-Assad rebels quite predictably didn't ascribe to the western liberal agenda and Erdogan is hesistant to bomb the very folks he was praised for arming.
Is it just me or has the Jihadi element of the "arab spring" in general and the rebellion in Syria in particular not been very obvious for a few years now?
From what I read from some folks it seems even the Nusra-front is deemed "moderate" these days, because they are not focused on killing Kurds but only on killing Allawites and toppling Al-Assad.
Erdogan: staunch ally for four years, then shitbag after a bad weekend.
Seriously, what have ya'll been inhaling?
Pete: "Then there is the Saudis. While they would normally be relied upon to reduce their own output to keep prices up, they have not done that this time around. They've said they want to maintain market share instead of taking a hit for the OPEC "team"."
They could be told to do so and the reason would be to weaken Russia.
We know from the past that one of the tools to bring the Soviet Union to its knees was a US-led and OPEC-committed plan to keep oil prices low to starve the Soviet Union of cash. It arguably did hasten the demise of the Soviet Union.
Now Putin is the pariah. He runs a state that is the global 2´nd in oil exports. His state budget it is said needs 100 Dollars per barrel.
I would not be surprised if the current prices are kept low with the ai at punishing Russia, or rather Putins regim there.
After all, it's been done before.
"Funny that he went from a staunch ally when he supported anti-Assad rebels…"
‘Staunch ally’ according to whom? (Hint: Euroweenie publications don't get to declare who is our one of our ‘staunch allies’ on our behalf.)
"…a US-led and OPEC-committed plan to keep oil prices low to starve the
Soviet Union of cash"
Amusing theory. Algeria, Angola, the Ayatollah's Iran, Saddam's Iraq, Libya, and Venezuela all participating in a secret plot at America's behest to bring down the primary country they depended on for weapons and international support.
Beat me to it. I presume the 1980s recession was part of the same conspiracy to keep oil prices down. Plus the discovery of giant oil fields in the North Sea, Alaska, Mexico, Nigeria and Venezuela.
Jimmy Carter lost his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan largely on account of that recession. Too bad he couldn't tell people he was bringing down the Soviet Union. (And the Republicans still tout Reagan as their great anti-communist hero.)
It looks like Spain was ill prepared to deal with Ebola. Let's hope it doesn't prove to be a huge mistake.
I wonder is there any way to politically embarrass Erdogan into a more positive approach? Right now, it doesn't seem so.
I don't think so either. But I think he may be finding that he has internal problems to deal with because of his stance on Kobani.
Unless they build something like the Brit's Camp Bastion in northern Syria, through which to funnel materiel, it's hard to see how the Yanks can help the Kurds in any way other than the current air support.
Well, as Lee suggested in the other comments section, if we could supply them with some anti-tank weaponry that might help. But it would mean some kind of air drop, unless we could ship them via Turkey, which as we have seen is problematic. Because apparently Turkey doesn't seem to like the idea of the Kurds governing themselves there. They seem to prefer ISIL.
And finally there is the market perception of an impending glut, which may or may not be real, but is certainly affecting futures prices.
If Germany slides into recession, and takes the rest of Europe with it, there certainly may be less demand for oil. That fear seemed to make our stock market quiver today. It lost over 300 points, the largest slide this year.
The last time I bought gas the price was $2.89 a gallon.
Is it just me or has the Jihadi element of the "arab spring" in general and the rebellion in Syria in particular not been very obvious for a few years now?
Of course it has, which is one reason we have been hesitant to arm the opposition there, despite what people have been claiming.
From what I read from some folks it seems even the Nusra-front is deemed "moderate" these days, because they are not focused on killing Kurds but only on killing Allawites and toppling Al-Assad.
No, sad to say, they appear moderate when compared to ISIL.
"…they appear moderate when compared to ISIL."
Not to me they don't.
I was speaking relatively. That's not to say I think they are.
US Frustration with Turkey Grows
"I was speaking relatively."
I don't think they're even relatively moderate. I think ISIS won the fratricidal battle and ISIS expanded to al-Nusra's detriment. If al-Nusra had won there'd be not a lot of ‘moderation’ out of them either.
Lee: "Amusing theory. Algeria, Angola, the Ayatollah's Iran, Saddam's Iraq, Libya, and Venezuela all participating in a secret plot at America's behest to bring down the primary country they depended on for weapons and international support."
It's not something I cooked up, it's a fairly well known theory. Here's something you can start with:
http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2014/mar/13/michael-reagan/ronald-reagans-son-says-his-father-got-saudis-pump/
There are claims both for and against the suggestion.
But regardless of that it's undeniable that increasing production right now would put pressure on global oil prices and that that is one of a few things that could actually hurt Putin.
"It's not something I cooked up, it's a fairly well known theory."
That somehow makes it better?
But regardless of that it's undeniable that increasing production right now would put pressure on global oil prices and that that is one of a few things that could actually hurt Putin.
Well, there is truth in that.
*whispers softly*
Okay, I'll say this too, Marcus, you were right about Turkey playing a double game. I'm starting to get royally ticked off at them.
Okay, so some guy on a plane stands up and says: "I've got Ebola. You're all screwed." He gets escorted off by men in hazmat suites. Is it me, or are there really a lot of dumbass people out there?
Unless he actually screwed them, they probably weren't screwed, if you know what I mean :)
Sorry Marcus, those kinds of singers are ten a penny. Here's a sixteen year old from NZ who shot to fame last year, and topped the American billboard charts. Has an impressive third of a billion hits on youtube for one song alone. She might be still around in a couple of years, although she may well be forgotten about too.
Personally I hope they are all forgotten about -- the music is the mostly appalling talentless sludge. It's completely and infuriatingly derivative -- I can hear Mariah Carey melisma, Cranberry falsettos, Adele Blockney/Mockney accent, Amy Winehouse vibrato, and dozens of other derivative has-beens all rolled into overwrought whiney sentimental cutesy fake lisp performances of two-note, three-chord dirges. (Plus, you have a problem when the people covering your songs are ten times more talented).
It all makes me want to flee to something with a bit of melody (and no voices).
Huh!
"suites'
lol!
"suits"
*sigh*
Remind me never to ask Petes for a musical review. lol!
Although, seriously, the Back-Rachmaninoff piece has the others beat hands down. But I do like lyrics. They can really help to tell a story.
I know, I see it.
*sigh*
"Back" = "Bach"
Oops. Sorry. That was rather negative. There's an awful lot of talented young people around. Unfortunately the dross is mixed in with the good stuff and the public don't seem to be all that discerning. So, brilliance is no guarantee of success and, conversely, popularity is no guarantor of talent.
Yes, you're right, a good song can be great. I listen to about 90% instrumental music though. You can tell a story without words too. Actually, much of the time I just bash the piano to entertain myself, even though I can't play it. I learned the first couple of dozen bars of that Bach piece before giving up. Here's another one I've been trying, but it sounds much simpler than it is ... too many notes and the pace is relentless; I'll never get close to it.
It's hard to break into the music business, but those with real talent just seem to shine through.
This is Leann Rimes at 14.
Jonny Lang at 16.
Fame at a young age can be difficult to handle, and I think both these musicians had problems along the way, especially Jonny Lang.
Both still perform today.
I never seem to have the time to just sit and listen to music, except at work. I have the radio on then, and it's usually tuned to country. :) I didn't really get back into listening until Zeyad and I started exchanging those videos in the comments sections. It made me realize how much I've missed music. YouTube is a great resource. :)
Hmmm...I think I liked the first piece better. The second one, despite the title, seemed a little sad.
Derek Henry Flood @DerekHenryFlood · 13h 13 hours ago
"Local tells me YPG is pinned in on 3 sides by Daash armor and their only hope is the United States Air Force."
Pete could be a referee on one of those talent shows. :-)
lol!
Marcus, I was thinking exactly the same thing!
In Ireland, liking country music instantly identifies you as a peasant or "bog trotter" or culchie ... so of course I turned up my nose at it as a youngster
Now to some Americans that might be a reason to listen! Call it the "Yankee Doddle" effect. ;)
All other considerations aside, Google and YouTube alone would make the internet an amazing invention.
Oh yes, you're right, Pentatonix is, in your words, brilliant! :)
Curiosity question -- do you use an Ad Blocker in your browser. YouTube ads are unbearable without one. I almost forgot I had one until it broke down a few months ago and I finally had to switch browsers.
Thirty dead in Baghdad bombings of Shia areas in Shoala and Khazamiya.
I use Chrome. I haven't noticed any intrusive ads on YouTube, so there must be an Ad Blocker included. Nope, just checked and there was nothing. It does give me recommendations, such as the most popular videos, but those don't bother me.
I saw that about Baghdad. Not good. I would suppose that some of the ISIL cells within the city are becoming active, since they are having so much success in strangling Anbar. That situation isn't good either. People in Anbar have actually gone so far as to ask for US ground forces. However, Baghdad has said that no one has asked them to request US forces. Typical.
I have read that Erdogan has gone so far as to say that it is Assad's agents who are behind some of the demonstrations.
No, the Kurds don't want Turkish forces, they want Kurdish reinforcements, more ammo, heavy weapons, and air strikes.
For our part I think we would like to at least use the air base that we have been renting from Turkey for air strikes in Syria. So far I haven't figured out what our alliance with Turkey has actually gotten us.
*yawn*
Been picking up leaves yesterday and today. I feel the need for a nap before I go to bed coming on...:)
"So far I haven't figured out what our alliance with Turkey has actually gotten us."
We have permission to fly unarmed recon drones over Iraq out of there.
Incirlik Air Base in Turkey is actually a NATO base. Turkey would have not the ability to countermand operations out of Incirlik if we got NATO authorization for such missions (the treaty is fairly clear about that, but that's unlikely to develop as we'd need Turkey to vote in favor of a NATO authorization).
All those misfires by ISIL that are hitting Turkey aside, I doubt that Turkey is going to seek NATO intervention in this case. It would appear that they prefer that the international community, especially NATO, not intervene.
There has been another case of secondary transfer of Ebola. A nurse in Texas, who helped treat Duncan, has tested positive for Ebola.
Apparently the Kurds are still holding on in Kobani as of Sunday.
I wonder… What might be ISIS' reaction if it becomes clear to them that attacking Kurds gets them bombed by the U.S.A. but consolidating their power over Sunni-dominated areas they already hold does not draw American bombing? Is there some way to get them to decide to ‘leave the Kurds for later’ so as to not draw in American bombers?
I would imagine that would be a violation of their divine constitution. God is helping them tear down the old imperial borders and build the glorious caliphate. If they have to halt the expansion and get down to the grubby business of running a state within defined borders, it might suit a few at the top for whom it was always about power and dirty oil money, but it might get harder to attract new starry-eyed recruits when it stops being about flying the IS flag over the new territories that God is delivering into their hands. Taking new territory is the continuing sign that God is on their side and blessing their efforts.
There would still be Arabs to attack, maybe even Turks (although I wouldn't hold my breath on that, it is true that the ancient prophesy they've most recently invoked involves them conquering Istanbul). Anyway, I think they get just as many jollies killing Arabs and Turks, and might find the going easier.
[Lynnette]: "Been picking up leaves yesterday and today. I feel the need for a nap before I go to bed coming on...:)"
Most of the tree are still green and vibrant here (although a little shellshocked after an overnight storm last week). Apart from that glitch it has continued gloriously sunny, although much cooler than September, with temps not far above single digits. It's great as long as you dress for it, and behind glass is still warm. It makes it all the more unbelievable that the clocks go back two weeks from today, and a couple of days later our sunset is 4:59 pm (having been 7pm just a week ago). Now that's gonna feel like winter, whatever the weather.
I wonder… What might be ISIS' reaction if it becomes clear to them that attacking Kurds gets them bombed by the U.S.A.
I wonder what their reaction would be if a second major battle opened up and they realized they spent a lot of their reinforcements attacking the Kurds? Yes, cannon fodder is cheap, but an Abrams may be hard to replace.
Of course, someone on our side would have to realize that divide and conquer works as a strategy.
Most of the tree are still green and vibrant here (although a little shellshocked after an overnight storm last week). Apart from that glitch it has continued gloriously sunny, although much cooler than September,
What we have been seeing here are freezing temps at night, down in the 20'sF and then warming up into the 50'sF during the day. Although the last couple of days have been warmer. That is enough to start the process. It is almost like clockwork. The neighbors trees to the south start losing leaves at the end of September, then the neighbors to the west, then the trees in the front yard start. The Hickon tree in the back has started turning color and losing leaves. I'm guessing that it may last another week or so. Once the nut tree leaves have fallen and we get some hard freezes then the little twiggy things come down. I hate those, the only thing that works really well to pick them up with is a rake. I did invest in one of those huge over sized rakes last year, which almost rakes half the yard in one swath. lol! Love it.
But it's fortunate they don't all shed at once, because all of the trees are pretty big. I didn't mention the cottonwoods in the other neighbor's yard which are huge. I always hope that the wind is in the right direction, or non existent, when they fall.
I have a 90 gallon can and another slightly smaller one for yard waste, which at least gives me some options on how to pick up everything. I don't have to try to mulch everything so fine anymore.
Garden waste is a pain. I use one composter for grass, but it gets overwhelmed in the summer, even from the postage stamp-sized garden, so I end up putting stuff in the municipal waste, which is rather inefficient not to mention expensive. Fortunately there isn't much in the way of leaves -- the council's trees at the end of the garden are to the north and since we can depend on the wind to blow from the south west 95% of the time, they conveniently become someone else's problem. Also, since they came a few weeks ago and cut down the poplar that had cracked the garden wall, and sent 40 foot roots under the garden, and dozens of saplings skyward, there should be less leaf fall.
Wexford is a different kettle of fish. There are no deciduous trees, but there's a heck of a large lawn. Since it's all farm land around, no one cares about neatness so the grass cuttings just get dumped in rotating piles around the edge of the lawn. I take no interest ... just hand over wadges of cash to the guy who takes care of it :)
Kurdish gawkers
The grass isn't a problem, because I mulch most of the time. It's good fertilizer. But the leaves have to be picked up. The neighbor across the street is in her late 60's or early 70's so she has someone come out and pick up the leaves. But she waits until they are all down and then have them come out once and do it. I wouldn't like to do that because of weather issues. This time of year you just don't know when we'll get snow and have it stay. I remember well the Halloween blizzard that lasted 3 days.
My 75 year old neighbour, on the other hand, is an embarrassment to me. I go out to tackle the foot long grass and she's trimming the odd out-of-place leaf in her manicured garden. I used to tell myself she had more time because she's retired ... but now I'm retired too. Ok, she doesn't stay up late at night on the interwebz ... except she just told me she does. Right then, she's not studying three college courses simultaneously. I'll probably find out next week she's doing five :) :) :)
I trimmed her hedge for her this week and pulled some ivy off her shed roof. We played it as the younger neighbour helping out the older ... but I think we both knew it was recompense for having to live beside a sloppy neighbour ;)
Lee,
I guess this is what they were using those helicopters for.
Pete,
Your neighbor sounds pretty cool. It was very nice of you to help her with her yard. :)
The general was merely confirming a story that had already leaked (although without attribution). The Administration considers protecting the Baghdad Airport to be a ‘defensive’ operation on the grounds that the embassy staff needs an exit route, just in case. Thus it is an exception to the War Powers Act and need not trigger a report to Congress.
American officials leaning in on Turkey have finally gotten permission to use bases in Turkey for air-strikes against ISIS.
They've agreed to pretend that if Turkey actually cuts off ISIS supply routes through Turkey then they'll count that as a ‘contribution’ to the fight against ISIS.
There are suggestions that they're working to get Kurdish reinforcements into Kobani through Turkey, but they're not asking the Turks to actually fight ISIS themselves (of course, neither are the Kurds).
So far they seem to be standing surprisingly firm against Turkish demands for a Turkish ‘buffer zone’ inside Syria.
Good new generally all around.
Allowing reinforcements in through Turkey, Kurdish or otherwise, ammo, and weapons would be a step in the right direction. Allowing possible allies, who are very ready and able to fight be killed is counterproductive, to say the least.
P.S.
This might explain the mysterious disappearance of the Turkish tanks along the border the other day.
Pete,
That article was very interesting. Yeah, Germany was one of the countries where many of Minnesota's earlier settlers came from, including my family. That was the reason I took German as my foreign language in high school. But I only remember bits and pieces of it, not having continued on with it. Some of my older relatives would remember more of it. And some people still have a bit of an accent.
My cousin actually traveled to East Germany, when it was still East Germany, to do a family tree. While he found the experience in meeting people interesting, the whole situation there at the time did not appeal.
I'm not surprised about the outlawing of German during that time period. People can react quite hysterically when you are in the midst of wars.
I can understand where a culture or country that is dominant would have a huge influence on language, especially when you look at the creation of new words.
"I'm not surprised about the outlawing of German during that time period."
Such state laws were clearly unconstitutional, and seldom did anyone even try to enforce them. The German language faded away largely because of popular hostility to Germany arising out of the war, and, quite frankly, because the street signs were all in English.
Another day passes, and the Kurds fight on in Kobani.
I should've known there'd be a Wikipedia page :)
As expected, many people confuse the 19th c. with the 1800s. But even if we include 1900, it's still a small number.
And apparently Russia is still flexing its wings.
Iraqi journalist executed by ISIL.
Turkey hits PKK
"I'm still here."
lol! I'll say. You know what they say, it's never too late to learn something new. :)
In Minnesota they have composting sites you can take yard waste to, if you want. They charge a nominal fee. But for me it's a pain to haul it, as well as find the time, so I just use the yard waste pick up through my garbage hauler.
As for recycling, it depends on what you are recycling. Normal paper, plastic and aluminum waste generated daily is picked up curbside. We have separate containers for that. Things like TVs and computers can be taken to Best Buy, otherwise there is a place that has set dates for drop off. They may charge for that.
☡eyad Kasem ☝☪ زياد @ZeyadKasim · 17m 17 minutes ago
Clashes SW of Baghdad around Yusufiya and Radhwaniya. Rebels seem determined to take BIAP after US Apaches stopped their advance yesterday
Abbott's comments were also picked up by Russian media, with Pravda, the newspaper associated with the Russian Communist Party, returning fire in an editorial decrying Australia's "insolence" and "colonial chip on its shoulder."
It slammed Abbott as "rude, insolent, insulting, impolite, impertinent, unpolished, gross, unpleasant and downright impudent."
Hmmm...sounds like sour grapes to me. If you can't take the competition you shouldn't issue the challenge.
We have free curb-side collection for some categories of recyclable waste -- paper, plastics, cans, glass bottles etc. We have free recycling centres for appliances and other recyclable waste. It doesn't include garden waste, and my local recycling centre would charge €30 just for driving the car in, regardless of amount of waste.
"…many people confuse the 19th c. with the 1800s."
And just how seriously confused do you believe them to be?
Thanks, Marcus, I've printed out the report and will read it when I get the chance.
Inside Kobane
ISIS has also developed an attitude about Kobane; they've devoted unprecedented resources and troops to taking what's, militarily, not a particularly important strategic target.
For the Kurdish fighters, it's been an easier call; anybody suspected of being in the YPG or the female equivalent organization has been pulled out of line by the Turks upon crossing over and sent to a detention camp for who knows what processing may eventually follow when they finally get ‘round to it. But ISIS has put in some serious resources here.
Yes, I noticed. At first I wondered if it was just a PR thing. But now I'm starting to wonder if it doesn't have more to do with their future plans for their role in the region.
Personally, if I were Erdogan, I might re-think my attitude towards the Kurds. There are worse things out there.
John Dear, since you addressed your comment to Pete, I will let him respond. In the meantime, this is for you. Have a nice night.
The air-strikes against ISIS positions in Kobanê seem to be doing some good. And the Kurds on the ground are still hangin’ in there.
Yes, twitter is all aflutter with the news. Although, while it is looking better, it is not finished yet.
It also looks like someone is looking for more work.
Canuck John -- ♫♫ Still squealing after all these years ♫♫
:)
Pete, why did you delete Johns post? He was just being himself.
John, you old anarchist, I didn't think you lived anymore. Good on you!
I would have thought a long term indulgence of windshield washer fluids would have put you six feet under by now.
Still kicking and sometimes screaming it seems. Life in mommys basement still OK then?
Gratuitous cussin' rule. I figured a mere warning would be wasted on Canuckian John (and you know I'm right ;)
By the way, the earlier reports (from U.S. government sources) to the effect that Turkey had agreed to allow air strikes out of bases in Turkey, specifically including Incrilik, has been denied by Turkish authorities.
Yes, so they have said. I notice the tanks have still gone missing though.
Word on the street is that the US is talking directly with the PYD. Turkey may not care if they damage relations with the Kurds, but one would think they would have some consideration for their relationship with the US and NATO.
"I notice the tanks have still gone missing though."
The tanks were there to block a Kurdish withdrawal (or resupply or reinforcement). The Kurds are seeming less likely to withdraw and the potential resupply or reinforcement has been blocked further north. They were removed, it is rumored, to avoid being seen as a ‘provocation’ by ISIS, and to lessen the chances of an unwanted ‘incident’.
On the subject of Ebola, today Obama signed the papers necessary to allow the Pentagon to call up National Guard and Reserve combat engineering units for service in Africa without any further ado. Need the combat engineers on this project, not the shooters.
Post Script:
Which is not to say those guys can't shoot too.
Maybe he's softening them up so that Syria will look like an attractive alternative.
Scary thought.
"What makes Kobani matter for us from an airstrike perspective is that (ISIS is)
there, and that they want it."
Rear Admiral John Kirby
The Kurds seem to be slowly taking the initiative in Kobani, but that could easily change in an afternoon.
Apparently news is that ISIL has planes.
Memlik Pasha @MemlikPasha 2h2 hours ago
Reports from SOHR that #IS is flying MiG-21 or MiG-23 aircraft from al-Jarrah airbase in eastern Rīf Halab: http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0I60TM20141017?irpc=932 …
Memlik Pasha
@MemlikPasha
PT: Pilots from the Saddam-era Iraqi Air Force are reportedly training flying the aircraft and training new pilots.
S.D.AllenSteven SmithAbu SalmanMizanur RahmanRed riverAbu MuhajirThe Eagle فاز فهد القسامcoreofsnr
5:03 AM - 17 Oct 2014
Da Masked Avenger @GleamingRazor 2h2 hours ago
@MemlikPasha Problem (as far as IS is concerned) is lack of ordinance, technicians and spare parts and I suppose jet fuel.
Derek Henry Flood @DerekHenryFlood 2h2 hours ago
@MemlikPasha I was told the other day outside Kobane that there are a good few old school Baathists in the middle to upper echelons of IS.
The Eagle @Amin16 2h2 hours ago
@MemlikPasha there are also reports they have the iraqi engineer to bring the MIG -21s up to scratch.
stefan g @stefandg 2h2 hours ago
@MemlikPasha @DerekHenryFlood This is good, our US pilots need some live air to air target practice!
Segrov @segrov 2h2 hours ago
@MemlikPasha A MIG 21 could stay about 5 minutes in air after being discovered by US radar. @DerekHenryFlood
coreofsnr @coreofsnr 1h1 hour ago
@MemlikPasha @NusantarWitness what is "SOHR" ?
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Tommy Mommy @watchpigs 32m32 minutes ago
@coreofsnr @MemlikPasha @NusantarWitness SOHR = syrian observatory for human rights
While I don't think these planes will pose a problem for us, they could cause difficulty for civilians on the ground. It will depend on how quickly we can respond to any attempted flights by ISIL. Also, there is the problem of being able to identify them as being flown by ISIL rather than Assad. Unless, of course, we really don't care if we shoot down a Syrian plane by accident.
If you're a health care worker and you have been treating, or involved with treating, someone who has died of Ebola, what is the first thought that comes into your mind?
Would it be:
A. Voluntarily isolate yourself as much as possible until you are beyond the incubation time period?
or
B. Travel via planes or cruise ships?
Hmmm...I know, I kmow, a really, really tough question.
*sigh*
And I thought it would be Spain that would have the problem of irresponsible people.
Temps are supposed to be falling all day today and my leaves have been falling like crazy. Looks like I'll have to vacuum and mulch, the mower won't grind fine enough. *sigh* Well, they aren't going to pick up themselves, so....
See you later...
Lynnette: "And I thought it would be Spain that would have the problem of irresponsible people."
Why is that, if I may ask?
"While I don't think these planes will pose a problem for us, they could cause difficulty for civilians on the ground. It will depend on how quickly we can respond to any attempted flights by ISIL."
I would assume that they will be shot down pretty rapidly as soon as they enter an airspace where a nation state is in control or where ya'll are flying planes. I'm not sure if there are any blind spots where they could operate in the air at all.
"Also, there is the problem of being able to identify them as being flown by ISIL rather than Assad."
I'd guess the US Air Force is perfectly capable of distinguishing between the two, if it made the effort, which I'd guess it is doing.
"I'd guess the US Air Force is perfectly capable of distinguishing between the
two…"
You realize these were Assad's airplanes just a few weeks ago?
Why is that, if I may ask?
They were the first country, outside of Africa, where the issue of someone contracting Ebola because of contact with a person with the disease occurred. At least as far as I am aware. This implies poor health care procedures or equipment.
In our case it does seem to be that the hospital in Dallas has some hard questions to answer. Not least of which is why Duncan was sent home the first time he came, especially as he had told them he had traveled from Liberia. Sloppy work IMHO. Also, the CDC should have issued more stringent guidelines on travel with regard to those people who have come in contact with Ebola patients. If they had, perhaps we wouldn't have had a nurse, who later tested positive for the disease, flying on a plane, and another, taking a cruise. Although it is my understanding she is at a lower risk for developing the disease, as she just handled samples.
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