01/05 Morning Report

In a “no big surprise” announcement, al-Qaeda encourages Somali fighters. In their usual stance, the terrorist organization urges others to stand against the legal government of a nation. What many may not understand is that Somalia was considered an Islamic nation at one time. Therefore, according to the tenants of Islam, it is the duty of Muslims to fight to regain that land and subject it to Islamic rule. This is one reason why Muslims fight so hard for the lands in Palestine/Israel, and the Balkans. It is also why the Turks and Pakistanis walk such a careful line, given their sizable Muslim populations.
(…judging by the way things are going…you can also include most of Europe…and the US if things don’t change ideologically…)

After eight dead in recent clashes, Hamas and Fatah agree to keep gunmen off the streets. Forgive me, but I think I’ll believe that when I see it.

"Blood for blood and aggression for aggression... and all the sons of the movement should retaliate to each aggression openly," a statement issued by Fatah in Gaza said.

(…sums it up rather nicely, don’t you think?...)

Meanwhile, in the continuing escalation over the video of Saddaam’s hanging, Hosni Mubarak says the former dictator is now a martyr. A non-practicing Muslim is now a religious martyr. What a turn of events. Just remember that, according to the tenants of Islam, a Muslim (even a marginal one) is always to be believed when faced with the testimony or statements of a non-Muslim. Therefore, with Saddaam’s Islamic religious acts—especially those shown in the video—he becomes instantly accepted as a member of the faith. So, unfortunately, in the eyes of many Muslims, he does have the status and pre-requisites for martyrdom.
(…sucks, doesn’t it?...it just makes things that much harder for coalition forces…)

President Bush is setting new leadership for Iraq. And, no big surprise, Democrats are not expected to be supportive. Pelosi is already revoicing liberal demands that Bush set an agenda for getting out.
(…nevermind that Democrats are still divided over exactly how that can be done…)

And, in another stinging rebuttal of Democratic claims that Bush’s economic policies don’t work, jobs were actually added again last month.

Employers stepped up hiring last month, boosting payrolls by a healthy 167,000 and keeping the unemployment rate steady at a still historically low 4.5 percent. Workers' wages grew briskly.

Meanwhile, the Democrats are arguing about what they really want to do in terms of undoing Republican legislation and tax cuts.
(…there seems to be a lack of consensus among the new “majority”…)

Finally, this was reported yesterday by Any Soldier:

Sgt Thomas E. Vandling, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died Jan 1 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on combat patrol.

Sgt. Vandling is the 33 contact at Any Soldier that has been lost in the fighting. My family and I join in sending our thoughts and prayers for his family.

You see, we at our house remember your cry, Sgt. Vandling—the cry of all warriors:

"Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow, we gave our today."
--The Kohima Epitaph--

We remember what you have given. And we say thank you for the tomorrows you have given others. May God give back to your family more than they have sacrificed and lost.

And, now, we dance In Memoriam.