Iraq has been singled out as a terrorist state because (among other things) it is claimed to be developing chemical and biological weapons in violation of international treaties. However, the recent Russian gassing of more than a hundred innocent civilian hostages through biochem bungling has highlighted the fact that many other countries are also in the process of developing biological and chemical weapons, most notably Russia and the United States.
It is an open secret that the US (and its strategic partner Great Britain) are in violation of the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention. In addition, the Guardian newspaper reports the following:
Malcolm Dando, professor of international security at the University of Bradford, and Mark Wheelis, a lecturer in microbiology at the University of California, say that the US is encouraging a breakdown in arms control by its research into biological cluster bombs, anthrax and non-lethal weapons for use against hostile crowds, and by the secrecy under which these programmes are being conducted.
“There can be disagreement over whether what the United States is doing represents violations of treaties,” Mr Wheelis told the Guardian. “But what is happening is at least so close to the borderline as to be destabilising.”
Troubling times. The United States and Great Britain are benchmarks by which other countries set their standards. If the actions of these two Western powers resemble those of rogue terrorist states the world is likely to become a very scary place.
Popularity: 8% [?]
The folks at Netslaves have started a discussion on the truths and half-truths behind the proposed war on Iraq. To be honest, the discussion was started with an essay published by Steve Gilliard on 2002-09-02 already, so new it’s not. But the claims and refutations still make for excellent reading – do it now.
Popularity: 6% [?]
The global rallies against a US military strike on Iraq do not only send a signal to the White House, it also sends a clear signal to the very people who protested: we are not alone. To the hundreds of thousands of individuals blogging against war in the Middle East, to the people writing (often unpublished) letters to the media, to the small groups of activists staging tiny demonstrations. What a comprehensive anti-war movement needs most is a clear sign of community acceptance. The rallies in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and – most important of all – the United States, have shown that the broad community do not support a war against Iraq, at least not as a first course of action. Take that, military-industrial complex!
Popularity: 7% [?]
When reigning Miss Belgium Ann van Elsen refused to attend the Miss World contest in Nigeria (in protest against the Nigerian woman recently sentenced to be stoned to death for adultery), fellow Miss Belgium competitor and runner-up Sylvie Doclot was quick to step forward as willing replacement. So far, so good. I respect Ann van Elsen’s brave stand on human rights, but I also respect Doclot’s right to make up her own mind. If only there was a mind to speak of. When asked why she’s going, in effect then condoning the Nigerian justice system’s brutal treatment of women, Doclot said (in translation): “When we are there, Miss World contestants will be able to offer help to Nigerian women in their struggle against discrimination.” Beautiful, but either terminally naive or thick as a plank.
Popularity: 8% [?]
American columnist Charlie Reese laments the fact that governments lie. Especially the American government. And then specifically the Bush government. There is no smoking gun to link Saddam Hussein to the World Trade Centre attacks of 11 September. There is no proof that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. Yet the Bush government insists both assertions to be true.
Popularity: 6% [?]
The folks from the BBC’s 6music have created a highly addictive arcade game based around their mascot 6ixel and six of the greatest songs in popular music. It’s like Tetris for people who have a life…
www.bbc.co.uk
Popularity: 6% [?]
Damp, dark and dreamy, the soft white underbelly of the urban jungle explored. Romantic, mysterious, and just a little bit eery.
www.darkpassage.com
Popularity: 6% [?]
No, not an FAQ to hacking, but rather a handy guide for suits aimed at
understanding techies in their company. Common managerial questions such as “How should I manage my hacker?” are answered in a succinct manner: “The same way you herd cats.” You can’t explain it any clearer than that.
www.plethora.net
Popularity: 6% [?]
Scientists are at it again, mapping the Internet to find out what goes where. Albert-Laslo Barabasi and entourage at the University of Notre Dame are approaching the Net as a natural phenomenon, constructing models much as you would for organic and/or chaotic structures. (More academic reading can be found here).
www.economist.com
Popularity: 7% [?]
Despite earlier reports that automatic cameras apparently have no improving effect on road safety and driver caution, Mobility Minister Isabelle Durant has announced that their use will be expanded to register “almost all traffic violations”. Disregarding for the moment the Belgian Government’s clear and continued disregard for the population’s right to privacy, you still have to question the wisdom of extending a system that isn’t working. Drivers in Leuven will already have experienced the disastrous effect cameras have had on traffic patterns: drivers race from camera to camera at mad speed, only to brake sharply meters before the next camera. The erratic driving has already caused several fender-bender type accidents, it’s only a question of time before cameras are the cause of something more serious.
www.expatica.com
Popularity: 7% [?]
...why has the administration dismissed the option of containing and deterring Iraq, as we had the Soviet Union for 45 years? Because even if it worked, containment and deterrence would not allow the expansion of American power. [...] Rome did not stoop to containment; it conquered. And so should we.
An excellent analysis of US expansionist policy by Jay Bookman in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Popularity: 6% [?]
A Japander is “a Western star who uses his or her fame to make large sums of money in a short time by advertising products in Japan that they would probably never us”. And Japander.com is a collection of these ads.
www.japander.com
Popularity: 6% [?]
