Middle East Thread of Despair: More Broken Than Syria

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Debate & Discussion > Middle East Thread of Despair: More Broken Than Syria

«‹›6 »

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Nenonen posted:

Probably not, the only proof for that is the claims of one person and no way to verify. Even if the claim were true, it would only mean that his mother's mother was a Jew who converted to Islam. That would make him, at most, 1/4 Jewish. Then he'd be Jewish in the same way that everyone in USA is Irish on St.Patrick's.

There is an older belief that his father was a French pilot who had a fling with his mother during WW2 while hiding with the beduins after his plane crashed behind Axis lines, and there is an actual resemblance. Again, hard to prove, short of a DNA test. But bearing in mind how there can be outrageous rumours even about Obama's origins, it is more likely that such claims are false.

A Corsican pilot to be more precise. :eng101:

Albert Presiozi was a Free French air force officer.
Ironically enough if Gaddafi really is his son, the Solenzara air base, from which air strikes were launched against Gaddafi, is named after him.

# ¿ Oct 3, 2011 16:40

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ¿ May 21, 2024 23:59

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

farraday posted:

Maybe it's more frightening in French?

Aaah!

It's actually even cuter! :3:

# ¿ Oct 25, 2011 13:26

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Adrastus posted:

So it's like the US 2004 election, the green party splitted the liberal votes?

Or like the French 2002 elections, when the far right candidate reached the second round because the left wing vote was divided between several candidates.

# ¿ May 26, 2012 09:33

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

breaklaw posted:

Where is the section of the thread that talks about why these are the only 2 candidates?

There were other candidates but they lost in the first round of the election.

# ¿ Jun 24, 2012 16:05

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Amused to Death posted:

To change geographic locations a bit, some Mali news. The Islamists in the area they control overplayed their hand a bit at least in one city. Nothing game changing or anything, but nothing has been said about Mali in a while.

http://www.voanews.com/content/northern-mali-residents-rise-up-against-islamists/1404464.html

Speaking of Mali, I read this is in the Guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jul/13/islamists-mali-threat-europe

quote:

On Thursday, Islamists consolidated their control, driving Tuareg rebels from their last stronghold in the town of Ansogo, leaving the entire north of Mali, including Gao � the main base of the Malian army � in Islamist hands.

Islamists have surrounded Gao with landmines, making it almost impossible to enter. But the Guardian has obtained film footage depicting foreign Islamists patrolling Gao, dragging the bodies of senior Tuareg insurgents through the town behind pick-up trucks and conducting public whippings of three young people for "offences" under sharia law, including smoking and having sex outside marriage.

"Islamists supported by AQIM are now really getting complete control of the region, and huge access to weapons and arms coming from Libya," said Valentina Soria, a counter-terrorism and security analyst at the Royal United Services Institute thinktank. "This can well develop into a more direct security threat for Europe � either by enabling AQIM to either plan and carry out attacks directly in Europe or the US, or to provide a safe haven for people connected to terrorist organisations to get some training and access to weapons."

She added: "The Sahel is closer to Europe than Afghanistan or Pakistan and easier for people from Europe to get in and out, so it provides all sorts of advantages from a logistics point of view for people who want to link up with AQIM and like-minded groups."

Fran�ois Hollande :

quote:

"For an intervention in the framework of the African Union and the United Nations to take place, it's up to Africans to determine the moment and the force," Hollande said during a televised interview on Bastille Day.

"We must show solidarity. At the Security Council, there is a resolution which would enable precisely that intervention to be made with the backing of the UN."

http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Africa-must-decide-on-Mali-Hollande-20120714

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 21:17 on Jul 14, 2012

# ¿ Jul 14, 2012 21:02

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

More on Mali:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/10337591

quote:

Al-Qaida-linked radical Islamists in northern Mali have enlisted new fighters from a tribal militia to strengthen their grip on the region, according to a witness and the group, amid growing international concern that Mali could become a lawless launch pad for terrorist activities.

A resident of Douentza town told The Associated Press on Sunday that some 400 combatants of the government-backed Gandakoy militia appear to have broken ranks and joined the Islamists, bolstering the radicals' edge over ethnic Tuareg rebels in the area. The witness, reached by phone from Bamako, declined to be named for fear of reprisals by the Islamists of the Ansar Dine group.

One of the group's Timbuktu-based fighters, Oumar Ould Hamaha, confirmed the resident's observation, saying the Gandakoy militants in in Douentza are "100 percent with Ansar Dine."

quote:

"You know, this is not just another coup as one often thinks with a distant regard on Africa," French President Francois Hollande said. "No. In northern Mali we have a terrorism that has founded a structure, an organization, holds a territory ... and seeks to engage in terrorism not only where it has already established itself, but at an African level and maybe even in Europe," he said in a TV-interview Saturday.

Hollande also echoed earlier comments by his defense minister that a possible military intervention there would have to be decided by the African Union and the United Nations, hinting that former colonial power France would not lead such a mission but assist.

# ¿ Jul 15, 2012 17:56

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

The most widespread language in the world is English, if you want to grab the attention of the international community you use English.

# ¿ Jul 17, 2012 09:09

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i3z5QAu3ACHNkfsu9EniK1gPSNKA?docId=CNG.8ff03667d439d786bccdcfdf3d0ab419.571

Tunisia president Marzouki was invited to pronounce a speech before the French National Assembly, the first time a foreign head of state does since 2006.

The right wing UMP MPs of the former majority boycotted the speech.

quote:

"The question I am often asked is 'Has Tunisia fallen into the hands of Islamism? The answer is no, Tunisia has fallen into the hands of democracy," Marzouki said to applause from French lawmakers.

"Ennahda has embraced democracy, some say as a tactic, others like myself say by conviction," he said. "It is the strength of democracy to be able to accommodate and integrate forces that were initially hostile."

quote:

Marzouki, who met President Francois Hollande on Tuesday, was the first foreign leader to address the French assembly since 2006, as part of a three-day visit aimed at rebuilding Tunisia's ties with its former colonial master.
Relations were strained by France's slow and confused response to the popular revolt, the first of what became known as the Arab Spring uprisings, but in his speech Marzouki nonetheless expressed "gratitude" to France.

"A fraction of official France supported the dictatorship," he said. "But the majority, the essential part of France... supported us as much as it could and accompanied us as far as possible until the tyrant fell," he said.

Would have been awkward if former minister for foreign affairs Michele Alliot Marie had been reelected as MP and attended to the speech, under Sarkozy she proposed to lend French police forces to help Ben Ali's regime.

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 20:25 on Jul 18, 2012

# ¿ Jul 18, 2012 20:22

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Capt Murphy posted:

I love Western hypocrisy regarding democracy in the Arab world. Yes I realize you voted for him, but you voted for the wrong guy.

Well Hollande and the Socialist government invited him to speak before parliament, that's quite a mark of democratic respect, even though the right wingers are petty losers.

# ¿ Jul 18, 2012 20:38

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Ultras Lazio posted:

"y'all"?
Also the vast majority of people here that do not celebrate it?
Do you normally go and wish Merry Christmas to muslims?

You never heard "Merry Christmas to everyone"?

# ¿ Jul 21, 2012 13:42

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

We didn't wish you anything if that comforts you.

# ¿ Jul 22, 2012 12:07

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

V. Illych L. posted:

Not sure how fair it is to equate gender equality with alcohol consumption, to be honest

I mean, it is moralistic religious policy, but he is a moralistic religious politican. This is relatively innocuous, I think.

It's still terrible, if you start banning alcohol consumption during Muslim holidays to Egyptians, what's next?"As a respect to Muslims" is a pretty weak excuse.

I'm not trying to be a fear-monger,but just because Morsi stands up to the army doesn't mean I have to accept his religious conservative policies.

# ¿ Jul 22, 2012 22:43

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

eSports Chaebol posted:

It isn't in the news much but Fran�afrique is alive and well; don't forget for example what happened in C�te d'Ivoire.

For what its worth Hollande said he wants to end the Fran�afrique.
What happened in Cote d'Ivoire was under Sarkozy so we'll see in the future.

# ¿ Nov 12, 2012 00:17

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Protesters torch Muslim Brotherhood offices in several cities:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20458148

quote:

Protesters in Egypt have set fire to Muslim Brotherhood offices in several cities, according to state TV.

They were protesting against President Mohammed Mursi's decree granting himself sweeping new powers.

The decree states the president's decisions cannot be revoked by any authority - including the judiciary.

Supporters and opponents of Mr Mursi have held rival rallies nationwide. The president said no-one could stand in the way of Egypt's march forward.

# ¿ Nov 23, 2012 15:08

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

The I/P thread has been locked so I'm not sure if I should post that here since it's a I/P Free Zone, but France decided to back Palestine U.N bid.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20514194

quote:

"You know that for years and years France's consistent position has been the recognition of the Palestinian state," Laurent Fabius told the lower house of parliament.

"That is why when the question is raised on Thursday and Friday, France will respond with a 'yes'."

This seems rather big news.

# ¿ Nov 27, 2012 21:49

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

LP97S posted:

It's amazing how many people do not realize this, I mean the whole economic plan was basically "Free markets for ever!" which is why I'm perplexed at why so many Republicans (US) hated them.

Wrong flavor of theocracy.

# ¿ Jul 4, 2013 20:30

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Xandu posted:

http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/07/04/egypt-elbaradei-profile-idINDEE9630B520130704

Austerity is going to trigger a world revolution at this rate.

# ¿ Jul 7, 2013 18:34

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

suboptimal posted:

Morsi just arrived at the New Cairo Police Academy for his trial. No journalists allowed in, and Tahrir has been completely taken over by soldiers.

Sounds all very democratic.

# ¿ Nov 4, 2013 18:35

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

enraged_camel posted:

That's pretty silly.

All the attacks listed in that image were fairly straightforward attacks in which the consulates' compounds were not even breached, and the vast majority of casualties were non-Americans (mostly local security guards employed at the embassies). They were fairly normal events in the grand scheme of things.

Benghazi was qualitatively different. It was a very well-planned and well-coordinated attack that involved an entire platoon of well-armed extremists who managed to breach the compound and kill four Americans, including a high-ranking US ambassador.

So yeah, the outrage and media attention are completely well-deserved.

Oh if it was non-Americans that's ok then.

VVVVV: sorry I don't feel like an ambassador's life is worth more than a security guard's life. Both are tragic losses of lives and it should outrage people the same.

I know the political implications are greater in the ambassador's case but that's not really my chief concern.

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 13:04 on Dec 24, 2013

# ¿ Dec 24, 2013 12:21

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Volkerball posted:

Speaking of which

http://www.businessinsider.com/egypt-ban-on-r4bea-rabea-signs-in-facebook-2013-12#ixzz2osyCSsOV

What a world we live in.

The Good Guys.

# ¿ Dec 29, 2013 23:14

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Not the froot loops :ohdear:

(What's a froot loops?)

# ¿ Jan 5, 2014 14:59

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

That doesn't look sanitary.

# ¿ Feb 28, 2014 16:17

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

I remember when I had never heard of Benghazi.

# ¿ Mar 17, 2014 21:15

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Pieter posted:

Also I doubt they really believed 9/11 would cause the death of 3,000 people, unless they had actually planned that those buildings would collapse.

I don't understand what you mean by this, isn't it obvious that sending planes into buildings would make them collapse?

# ¿ Apr 13, 2014 19:25

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Main Paineframe posted:

Well, since the MSM loves your work and for some mysterious reason is refusing to print Hersh's work, there's really no other way they could spin it considering they're throwing their weight behind Hersh's side.

Maybe they don't want to print Hersh's work because it's crap?

# ¿ Apr 15, 2014 18:46

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Jonad posted:

Wait, you mean the Jihadist rapper was chilling with ISIS? What is ISIS' position on (non-chanting) music, anyway? I'm asking because I'm pretty sure the Taliban banned it, and while I know they are two very different organizations I figured they'd have similar positions on that kind of thing.

According to his Wiki page, he stopped rapping when he converted.

# ¿ Apr 23, 2014 08:59

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Ham posted:

Most of Egypt's non-islamist political scene supported both the coup and the massacres, either by waving off allegations of the military's brutality or condoning them as necessary against terrorists. Even now, with a rising death toll, near-daily protests and clashes, political party/movement bans, mass arrests, anti-protest laws and energy price-hikes, most of Egypt's political scene is still firmly on Sisi's side.

That doesn't seem too surprising.

# ¿ Apr 29, 2014 21:31

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Mans posted:

Hey, things worked out sorta okay in Tunisia and Algeria, it's not that bad in Libya and the Kurds are not dying like dogs so i guess some things went good in the Arab Spring.

What happened in Algeria?

# ¿ May 7, 2014 17:38

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Mans posted:

Jesus, disregard Algeria then

Maybe you were thinking of Morocco, since I believe the king made some concessions there.

# ¿ May 8, 2014 10:51

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

God, what an horrible way to die. What was he trying to achieve going to Syria?

RIP.

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 14:31 on May 23, 2014

# ¿ May 23, 2014 14:16

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

What's on the picture? I don't get it.

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 21:04 on Jun 14, 2014

# ¿ Jun 14, 2014 21:02

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

GuyinCognito posted:

I just noticed members of the Iranian World Cup team. I though tattoos where forbidden in Iran.

Quite a few of the Iranian players are from the diaspora.

# ¿ Jun 16, 2014 20:13

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Very snappy Mess Waiter uniform.

# ¿ Jun 19, 2014 10:20

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Wrong thread.

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 20:03 on Jun 19, 2014

# ¿ Jun 19, 2014 19:53

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Tias posted:

I must be the only one that doesn't get it, then. What's up with the cores thing?

I think it's a strategy game thing.

# ¿ Jun 30, 2014 10:56

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

My grandfather hates BHL with a passion, because he said people should boycott Corsica because of organized crime.

# ¿ Jul 1, 2014 21:16

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Sergg posted:

Yes please tell us more about your deep insight into Muslim culture. Perhaps you have some Pamela Geller or Robert Spencer links to share with us?

Let me tell you about taqquiya :tips fedora:

# ¿ Jul 2, 2014 00:07

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Speaking of Social Medias, what's twitter, etc...'s official position on letting use extremist groups use their services?

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 23:28 on Jul 5, 2014

# ¿ Jul 5, 2014 23:26

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

I'm sorry if this is a silly question, but what the hell is up with up with the shape of the circle in ISIS's flag? Is there a reason why it's not a perfect circle?

Kurtofan fucked around with this message at 16:56 on Jul 6, 2014

# ¿ Jul 6, 2014 16:49

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ¿ May 21, 2024 23:59

Kurtofan: Feb 16, 2011; hon hon hon

Brown Moses posted:

I'm seeing reports here and there of members of the Islamic Front and Jabhat al-Nusra leaving to join IS, taking all sorts of heavy equipment with them. There's a real possibility this could cause the Syrian opposition to collapse in the north, resulting in the government retaking territory, and the Islamic Front becoming the dominate non-government force in the north of Syria. If that happens then Syria and Iraq will turn into a violent sectarian conflict zone, pretty much the worse case scenario for the region.

This whole thing is just getting more and more depressing.

# ¿ Jul 8, 2014 11:21

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Debate & Discussion > Middle East Thread of Despair: More Broken Than Syria

«‹›6 »