Friday, September 29, 2006

2006 Endorsements - Part III

Three (and a half) more Senate races today (Part I: four Senate races; Part II - 48 House races).

U.S. Senate - California: Richard Mountjoy (Republican)
As a State Senator, Mountjoy helped lead the effort to keep Communist China out of Long Beach, CA (New American). His opponent, Senator Diane Feinstein, is married to one of the largest investors in Communist China (National Review Online). This is a no-brainer.

U.S. Senate - Minnesota: Mark Kennedy (Republican)
So far, Kennedy is the only Minnesota candidate to discuss Communist China at all, and it was to call on the Communists to free Gao Zhisheng (AP via Pioneer Press). That's enough to make him the candidate of choice.

U.S. Senate - Maryland: Michael Steele (Republican)
This one's a little more counterintuitive, as Steele has said almost nothing about his views on Communist China. However, his opponent - Democratic Congressman Ben Cardin - abandoned the anti-Communist cause in 2000 and voted for PNTR, while still claiming to be concerned about human rights in Communist China (DC Examiner). Such hypocrisy is not welcome here.

U.S. Senate - New Jersey: no endorsement, yet.
This is more a warning to the New Jersey Democratic Party. At present, both major candidates - Democratic Senator Robert Menendez and Republican State Senator Tom Kean, Jr. - have solid anti-Communist credentials. However, the Democrats have a habit of playing "switcheroo" with less-than-slam-dunk candidates. In 2002, anti-Communist Robert Torricelli was replaced by the far-less desirable Frank Lautenberg (eighth item). A similar move will lead to a very quick endorsement of Kean from this quarter.

News of the Day (September 29)

Attacks against U.S. troops in Afghanistan "have tripled" since Pakistan-Taliban deal: Attacks against NATO troops in Eastern Afghanistan "increased threefold" (Times of London) since the Musharraf regime surrendered North Waziristan to the Taliban's allies (also reporting: BBC). Meanwhile, a British report found that the Communist Chinese ally's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is "indirectly helping al-Qaida" (United Press Int'l via Washington Times). As one would expect, Afghanistan is not happy about its neighbor's shenanigans (UPI via Washington Times and Washington Times).

On the Middle Eastern Proxies: The Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran may be having some trouble enriching uranium (Washington Post), but the New York Sun provides a helpful reminder of the Khomeinist regime's founder's lust for nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the West's continuing weakness on the mullahcracy (Voice of America via Epoch Times) comes under fire from Joseph Farah (World Net Daily), Robert Kaplan (Los Angeles Times), and even (obliquely) the U.S. Congress (New York Sun). There are even reports that Saudi Arabia is looking for Israeli help against the mullahs (Cybercast News). As for Syria, Martin Peretz (The New Republic) wonders when Lebanon's leaders will get serious about kicking Assad of their country (he's not holding his breath). Finally, an attempt to sweep Hezbollah's attacks against Israel under the rug is blocked by Canada (Small Dead Animals and Steve Janke).

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: Between Heaven and Earth has the latest on Communist organ harvesting (see also the Epoch Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer). Shaun Kenney comments on Communist China's attacks against American satellites (see also Newsmax). The Korea Liberator has the latest South Korean silliness (including would be UN boss Ban Ki-Moon), plus some level-headedness from the SK opposition. TKL also has news on refugees, counterfeit cigarettes, UN envoys, and the rest of the SNK news.

More on the Korean colony: Communist China's six-party negotiator is in Seoul (BBC). Hwang Jang Yop reminds everyone that Stalinist North Korea isn't going anywhere so long as Beijing backs it (Daily NK), but Kim Jong-il himself is worried enough to resort to body doubles (Yonhap via Daily NK).

New Japanese leader wants stronger military and closer U.S. ties: Shinzo Abe also refused any warming with SNK "until the unresolved issue of the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s was resolved" (BBC). Abe's backers "hope Japan will establish in future relations such as those between the United States and Britain" (Washington Times). Also reporting: Cybercast News

FBI calls Silicon Valley a "hotbed" of spying: No prizes for guessing the main culprits (San Jose Mercury News).

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Beijing decides to play it quiet on the Chen Shui-bian issue (Washington Times, last item). The Singapore-Falun Gong trial (last, third, tenth, eighth, fifth, and seventh items) is delayed (Epoch Times).

Google blocks Boxun - the surrender continues.

The perils of being a non-Communist in Communist China: Whether it's as a member of the China Democracy Party (Epoch Times) or just as someone willing to act outside the CCP (Christian Science Monitor), challenging the regime is still dangerous. However, the truth about the CCP is spreading (Epoch Times).

More on the Communist crackdowns: The Epoch Times takes aim at the cadres' actions against lawyers and foreign news agencies, respectively.

More on matters inside Communist China: The cadres claim success in a fusion test (Washington Times, last item). Would-be homeowners are being priced out of real estate markets in Communist China; most sense corruption as the root of the problem (VOA via Epoch Times). Sushil Seth (Taipei Times) wonders when the regime's cruelty and corruption will catch up with it.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

News of the Day (September 28)

The Korea Liberator testifies before Congress. Well, one of them d0es.

More from the China Freedom Blog Alliance: TKL comments on the damage done to the Chinese people by the hideous "one child" policy (see also tenth, second, ninth, ninth, thirteenth, lead, tenth, fifth, tenth, sixth, ninth, eighth, ninth, eighth, ninth, sixteenth, ninth, and twelfth items), Ban Ki-Moon, Stalinist North Korea's imprisonment of disappointing athletes, Richard Armitage's latest attempt to get headlines (see also Newsmax), and the latest SNK news.

More on the Korean colony: The Stalinists shift UN mouthpieces (United Press Int'l via Washington Times and Yonhap via Daily NK). Hwang Jang Yop pans the six-party debacle (Daily NK). North Korea human rights groups go to the United Nations Security Council (Daily NK).

Iraqi President tells Iran and Syria to get out of his country: Jalal Talabani event went so far as to threaten to "support the opposition of other countries and try to make troubles for them as they have for us" (New York Sun).

More on the Middle Eastern proxies: The Communist-backed mullahcracy wins a sanctions reprieve of "a few weeks" from the Bush Administration (Washington Times); Marcello di Cintio visited Iran, and actually found this prevalent viewpoint: "Those idiots in Tehran with the funny turbans have got to go" (Toronto Sun, emphasis added). Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister "launched a scathing attack on Syria" (UPI via Washington Times), and Small Dead Animals finds that the UN's promise to disarm Hezbollah was nothing more than hot air.

Outside world focuses on Communist abuses: The House International Relations Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hear from David Kilgour on Communist organ harvesting (which the BBC finds is still going on despite Communist denials). Meanwhile, the Human Rights Law Foundation calls on Communist China to free Gao Zhisheng (Epoch Times).

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: The attorney representing Falun Gong practitioners in Singapore (last, third, tenth, eighth, and fifth items) is forcibly sent to a mental institution (Epoch Times). Canada's Globe and Mail appears divided on Communist China (Daimnation).

Shanghai probe widens: Hu Jintao's battle against Jiang Zemin's faction within the CCP - ahem, corruption within the CCP - continues (BBC).

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Memo to the Senate: Pass the India Nuclear Deal

It seems the United States Senate is determined to confirm its reputation as the place where good ideas go to die. Unfortunately, the delay in question could have tremendously damaging geopolitical ramifications. It's time the Senate put aside procedural/partisan hiccups and pass the U.S.-India civilian nuclear deal.

From the moment the ink went dry on the nuclear deal (second item), Communist China has hoped it would somehow be stopped. The geopolitical implications behind this are titanic, and far bigger than various concerns in Washington about nuclear proliferation that are more appropriate for the Communists and their Pakistani allies.

For nearly two decades, Communist China has been reaching out to anti-American dictators and terrorists around the globe. They are seeking to realign the geopolitical order in their favor - to the detriment of the democratic world - as part of the radical nationalism they are advancing to justify their own regime. Democratic India has been a thorn in the cadres' side from the beginning, and especially since it became a nuclear power in 1998.

Yet there are many people in Washington who are skittish about India. Whether its old-school arms control fears, institutional bias toward Pakistan, or the usual "engagement" mentality, ideas that have gone long past their fresh-before date have stymied both the deal and the Administration's policy toward India in general. It's time for that to stop.

This deal is not merely about nuclear cooperation; it is the keystone of a burgeoning U.S.-India alliance that will serve as a bulwark against both Communist China and its terrorist allies. The recent performance of Communist Chinese ally Pakistan should have made abundantly clear the importance of the friendship between New Delhi and Washington. India has proven to be a far more reliable opponent of terror than Pakistan has been, even before the Musharraf-Taliban deal - to say nothing of Communist China.

Concerns about proliferation have been given more credence than they should largely because of concern over Stalinist North Korea and the Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran. To equate democratic India with these Communist Chinese satellites is laughable. The long response to this argument would be that the deal with India should, in fact, encourage nations that are interested in nuclear energy to be friendly to the United States rather than terrorist regimes, and as such would make the world safer.

For those who prefer the sound-bite version: Nukes don't kill people; terrorists kill people.

At present, both Republican and Democratic Senators (a) insist they support the deal, and (b) blame each other for holding it up, largely over peripheral issues. The Senate should be aware that the world is watching them - especially India and Communist China. It's time to make clear which is our friend, and which isn't.

There is still time before the Senate adjourns for the election campaign. Use it wisely, and pass the U.S.-India nuclear deal.

News of the Day (September 27)

Pakistan's Taliban deal angered NATO: The NATO countries heavily involved in Afghanistan are so infuriated by Pakistan's recent deal with pro-Taliban forces in Waziristan that they "actually considered issuing an ultimatum to Musharraf to either close down the Taliban and arrest its leaders operating from Pakistan, or face the consequences. Instead, they opted to leave the matter for President Bush" (Time Asia). Meanwhile, the editors of the Washington Times ponder the consequences of the Waziristan deal.

Ignorant Comment of the Day: Michael A. Needham & Tim Kane of the Heritage Foundation come close for criticizing the "economic confusion" (National Review Online) of corrective-currency tariff supporters with some geopolitical confusion of their own. However, the prize goes to Ali Arouzi of NBC (via MSNBC) for treating Iran like a normal country instead of the mullah-imposed prison society it is.

Enlightened Comment of the Day: Denis Charleton (Epoch Times) details Communist China's ties to the Iranian mullahs and includes a subsequent warning to nations looking to sell uranium to the cadres.

More on the Middle Eastern Proxies: The mullahcracy denies earlier reports of a deal (Bill Gertz, Washington Times) on its nuclear ambitions (fourth item); the Times' editors pan the proposal. Meanwhile, Syria lectures the United States - again (United Press Int'l via Washington Times, see also fourth item).

Remember Katrina Leung? Bill Gertz does (Newsmax).

Did the U.S. reach a secret deal with the Communists on their currency? The BBC speculates.

The Korean colony rips the U.S. for anti-Stalinist sanctions: Mouthpiece Choe Su-Hon gave the latest Stalinist rant at the United Nations General Assembly (BBC and UPI via Washington Times).

New Japanese PM wants talks with Communist China: The recently elected Shinzo Abe "was ready to travel to Beijing" (BBC) for talks next month.

Taiwan's other opposition party pushes for recall of Chen: The People First Party "submitted a new parliamentary motion to try to force the island's president, Chen Shui-bian, to step down" (BBC). Their Nationalist allies had tried this earlier - and failed.

On the firing of Chen Liangyu: Pan Xiaotao (Asia Times via Epoch Times) sees factional politics behind the "anti-corruption" removal of the Shanghai boss: "the power struggle between Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin at the 17th Communist Party Congress has ended one year in advance" with "the end of Jiang Zemin's era and the beginning of Hu Jintao's era."

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

News of the Day (September 26)

Communist China uses laser to blind U.S. satellites; White House won't admit it: American satellites have been victim to a Communist laser designed to "blind American satellites . . . as they pass over China" (Daily Telegraph, UK). The satellites "have come under attack 'several times' in recent years." Meanwhile, "The hitherto unreported attacks have been kept secret by the Bush administration for fear that it would damage attempts to co-opt China in diplomatic offensives against North Korea and Iran" (emphasis added). As I have asked before, so I must ask again: Will they never learn?

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: The Korea Liberator comments on the firing of Shanghai party boss Chen Liangyu (see also the BBC and fourteenth item), and has more on South Korea's doves (including some of the more violent ones).

More on the Communists' Korean colony: The Stalinists' propaganda machine takes aim at South Korea's anti-Stalinist opposition (Daily NK) while the people of northern Korea are forced to eat "grass porridge" again (Daily NK). Meanwhile, the U.S. says Stalinist North Korea can have bilateral talks after all, but only if it ends its nuclear weapons program (Newsmax).

On the Middle Eastern Proxies: The Iranian regime tells Europe it will stop enriching uranium (Bill Gertz, Washington Times) while it cements a deal with Russia on a nuclear reactor for next year (BBC); the mullahs also "announced that they would crack down on people eating in public during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan" (Iran Focus). Meanwhile, Hezbollah is still firing missiles into Israel (Cybercast News) with more on the way (World Net Daily).

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Singapore arrests an Epoch Times reporter. Anti-Communist Shinzo Abe begins his tenure as Japan's Prime Minister (BBC). Historian Xin Haonian examines the effect of Taiwan's democracy on the Communist regime (Epoch Times). A rally in Memphis highlights Communist China's human rights abuses (Epoch Times).

Cadres won't let Mo Shaoping visit Gao Zhisheng: In Communist China, the law supposedly mandates allowing an attorney to see his client. Of course, for the Communists, the law actually mandates nothing; thus Mo cannot see Gao or his other high-profile client, Guo Feixiong (tenth item). Report: Epoch Times

On the effect of the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party: Hua Ming (Epoch Times) reveals just how dangerous the truth can be.

Monday, September 25, 2006

News of the Weekend (September 25)

"Pakistan Surrenders." That's how Daveed Gartenstein-Ross & Bill Roggio (Weekly Standard) described the Musharraf-Taliban deal; I only wish they were wrong. Also reporting: Small Dead Animals

More on Communist China and the War on Terror: Peter Worthington notes the Noble Peace Prize nomination of Rebiya Kadeer, former Uighur prisoner in Communist China (Toronto Sun). The Uighur American Associations lands foursquare behind independence for occupied East Turkestan (China Support Network).

Ignorant Comment of the Day (tie): Two calls for negotiation with Middle Eastern Proxies share the dubious honor - Fareed Zakaria (Newsweek) regarding the Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran and Claude Salhani (United Press Int'l via Washington Times) regarding Hezbollah.

More on the Middle Eastern Proxies: David Frum (National Review Online) sees the U.S. caving into Tehran. Syrian dictator Bashar Assad wants the U.S. to "listen" to him (UPI via Washington Times). Hezbollah claims victory against Israel (BBC), while Lebanese Christians beg to differ (Ha'aretz).

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: Between Heaven and Earth highlights the latest in the campaign against Communist organ harvesting. The Korea Liberator has the latest on Stalinist North Korea's nuclear plans (see also BBC, CNN, and Newsmax), reasons Ban Ki-Moon should not be the next UN Secretary General (the Taipei Times has more on this issue), the political collapse of South Korea's doves, and how SNK may follow Romania.

More on the Communists' Korean colony: A South Korean provincial governor insists his aid to SNK "is brought to the actual residents in need" (Daily NK); Japanese sanctions against SNK (second item) wins the blessing of Yomiuri Shimbun (Washington Times, last item).

Communist navy visits San Diego, gets news of 13 million ex-members: As part of U.S. Admiral William Fallon's version of "engagement" (Washington Post), two Communist naval vessels made a port of call in San Diego. One departure from the script: "Volunteers from the Los Angeles and San Diego Service Centers for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) showed up at the port to talk with the crew" (Epoch Times).

More on Communist China and the United States: Congressman Curt Weldon says Able Danger was shot down due to "information on Chinese procurement in the United States" (Newsmax); Investor's Business Daily reviews Bill Gertz's Enemies; and the National Football League breaks my heart (Washington P0st).

More on Communist China and Africa: Zambia's Presidential election (seventh item) hinges on Communist Chinese "investment" (Washington Post); University of the Western Cape Professor Renfrew Christie sees South Africa getting squeezed (Intelligence Summit).

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Emily Parker (Wall Street Journal) talks to War Trash author Ha Jin, celebrated in his adopted home (the U.S.), but under a de facto ban in Communist China.

Mainland "Pan-blue Alliance" banned: Communist China has banned the Pan-Blue Alliance, a group formed by independent candidates for the mainland's People's Congress (Epoch Times, see also eleventh item); this is not to be confused with the Taiwanese "blues" - who are in fact very cozy with the Communists.

"One child" victims sue cadres for abuses against them: Twenty-two victims of Communist China's hideous "one child" policy (tenth, second, ninth, ninth, thirteenth, lead, tenth, fifth, tenth, sixth, ninth, eighth, ninth, eighth, ninth, sixteenth, and ninth items) are suing cadres in Linyi for abuses done to them. Among the victims was a woman who was forced to abort her baby two days before the due date (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times).

More on human rights abuses in Communist China: Several legal scholars in Hong Kong came out against the imprisonment of Ching Cheong (Epoch Times, see also second item); Tianrenyixiao (Boxun via Epoch Times) pays tribute to Gao Zhisheng; two Tiananmen protestors are released (Secret China via Epoch Times).

Shanghai party boss fired for corruption: Whether Chen Liangyu lost his job over "misuse of the city's pension fund" (BBC) or being too close to former leader Jiang Zemin remains to be seen.

Number one Communist bank gets ready to fleece investors: The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China will try to fool the financial markets starting on October 27 (BBC).

Friday, September 22, 2006

News of the Day (September 22)

Communist China skips session of Stalinist North Korea nukes: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and the Philippines joined the effort to convince the Stalinist regime to end its nuclear ambitions (Washington Times), but Kim Jong-il's colonial masters are apparently losing interest (as are the Russians).

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: Between Heaven and Earth notes Amnesty International's assessment of human rights in Communist China (last item). The Korea Liberator tracks Stalinist propaganda, the regime's nuclear plans (including preparations for an underground test), the latest SNK news, refugee news, and ramifications of the increasingly unpopular dovishness of South Korea's government.

U.S. had to threaten to bomb Pakistan to bring it onside in War on Terror: Communist Chinese ally Pakistan deserted its Taliban ally in 2001 only after the U.S. threatened to bomb the country "back to the Stone Age" (Washington Times). Of course, Pakistan and the Taliban supporters are friendly once more; part of Pakistan's military is once again aiding the anti-American forces, according to RAND (Washington Times).

Ignorant Comment of the Day: Today's dubious winner is University of Chicago Professor Emeritus Richard Stern, who announced in The New Republic's Open University blog that Iranian mouthpiece Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "didn't get elected because of . . . good looks or humble ways." This may come as news to the professor, but Ahmadinejad didn't get elected at all.

More on Middle Eastern Proxy Number One: Ahmadinejad says his regime will stop developing nuclear weapons (Ha'aretz), but also says its not developing them in the first place (Voice of America via Epoch Times). He was also cagey about support for Hezbollah (Newsmax and United Press Int'l via Washington Times); Lowell Ponte (Newsmax) notes that there is good reason not to believe a word the Iranian mouthpiece says. There is some good news. Columbia pulled back its red carpet for Ahmadinejad (New York Sun); more importantly, some of the regime's top Sadrist agitators are under arrest in Iraq (Washington Post). Two New Jersey Congressman comment of the Iranian threat (Cybercast News), while Amir Taheri rips France for ignoring it (Jerusalem Post).

Is Taiwan's government auditor given Ma Ying-jeou a pass? Naturally, that's what political allies of Chen Shui-bian think - and they may be right (Taipei Times).

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Communist Chinese "scholars" is not happy that the U.S. won't let keep Japan's military in a box (Washington Times). Lev Navrozov (Newsmax) laments the lack of concern for the late Zhang Hongbao (thirteenth item). Manfred Nowak talks to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Communist Chinese abuses (Epoch Times). U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson calls on Communist China to "open its financial markets wider to foreign competition" (Newsmax). Another regime-owned bank scores big in fleecing investors (BBC).

Unemployed workers beaten in attempt to petition provincial cadres: About forty workers in the Suizhou Guesthouse were laid off after the house went bankrupt due to "corruption by the general manager of the guesthouse, Xie Zhicheng, who is now the deputy secretary general of the Suining Municipal Government" (Boxun). The workers exercised their right of petition to plead their case to top-level cadres in their home province (Sichuan). They were met "several dozen uniformed and plain-clothes police officers" who beat them.

Gao Zhisheng gets a lawyer: Mo Shaoping takes the jailed human-rights attorney's case (Epoch Times). Mo previously served as lawyer to dissident Zhang Lin and jailed New York Times researcher Zhao Yan (second, sixth, tenth, ninth, last, third, and twelfth items).

Thursday, September 21, 2006

News of the Day (September 21)

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: The Korea Liberator comments on the election of Shinzo Abe (see also seventh item) and the views of South Korea newspapers; TKL also has the latest Stalinist North Korea news.

More on the Communists' Korean colony: U.S. Army War College Professor Stephen Blank falls for the conventional wisdom on SNK, but not before misnaming it (China Brief).

Ignorant Comment of the Day: John Simpson, BBC, was in the running with a piece that largely ignored the suffering Iranian people, but Michael Hirsh of Newsweek wins the dubious honor for getting history and geopolitics wrong on a global scale.

On Middle Eastern Proxy Number One (Iran): Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - the mouthpiece for the Communist-backed mullahcracy - continues to sound off (United Press Int'l via Washington Times and Washington Post via MSNBC), as his apocalyptic views get a close examination from Joel C. Rosenberg (National Review Online). David Frum (National Review Online) explains why he feels the Bush Administration will cave in to the mullahs. The United Nations Security Council's permanent members "have given Iran its fourth deadline to stop uranium enrichment in four months" (UPI via Washington Times); Newsmax explains why we can expect more deadlines and little action.

U.S. may go into Pakistan to nab Osama, but Bush sticks up for Musharraf: President Bush publicly hinted he would order American troops into Communist Chinese ally and Taliban peacemaker Pakistan if Osama bin Laden were definitely hiding there. However, Pakistani strongman Pervez Musharraf threw cold water on the idea (Voice of America via Epoch Times), even as President Bush praised him (Agence France Presse via Breitbart).

Is Communist China behind the movement to oust Chen Shui-bian? Wang Zhen (Epoch Times) talks to analysts who see the hand of the regime directing the actions against Taiwan's elected President.

On Communist China and Thailand: Dr. Ian Storey, of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, examines the effect of Thailand's military coup on its relations with Zhongnanhai (China Brief).

On Communist China's military: Communist China test fires the Dong-Feng 31 ICBM (Newsmax); Hu Jintao uses the military to breed a cult of personality around himself (Willy Lam, China Brief).

Communist human rights abuses decried: Amnesty International condemns the pre-Olympic crackdown (BBC). The Committee to Protect Journalists rips the arrest of Zhang Jianhong (tenth item). Jay Nordlinger (NRO, third item) comments on Wikipedia's battle with the cadres (last item).

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

News of the Day (September 20)

Communist China not happy with sanctions against its Korean colony: Communist mouthpiece Qin Gang called the situation with Stalinist North Korea "complicated and sensitive" (Cybercast News) and that recent Japanese and Australian sanctions against the Stalinist regime (second item) "further complicate the situation."

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: The Korea Liberator has more on the Stalinist espionage network, and Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il's attempt to file insurance claims.

More on Stalinist North Korea: A South Korean opposition MP exposes and castigates the latest example of dovishness in Seoul - helping SNK avert U.S. sanctions (United Press Int'l via Washington Times). Daily NK details the Stalinists' recent diplomatic history; the online paper also examines the possibility of SNK instability.

Enlightened Comment of the Day: Today's winner is Michael Rubin (Wall Street Journal) for his clear and concise description of the fallacy of negotiating with the Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran. Sadly, Washington appears to be turning a deaf ear to his wisdom (Washington Post via MSNBC).

Middle Eastern Proxy Number One cementing ties with Proxy Number Two: The ties between Tehran and Damascus include more "military and intelligence cooperation" (Washington Times).

More on the Iranian regime: Mouthpiece Mahmoud Ahmadinejed lambasted the United States during his speech at the United Nations (New York Post, Newsmax, UPI via Washington Times, and Washington Times) and in an interview with NBC (via MSNBC). Meanwhile, the mullahcracy arrested several dozen women protesting a death sentence for Kobra Rahmanpour (Iran Focus).

Anti-Communist wins race for Japanese PM: Shinzo Abe crushed his opponents in the de facto primary for leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (BBC and Time Asia), all but ensuring he will be the next Prime Minster by next Tuesday (BBC).

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: My Space is coming to Communist China; Rupert Murdoch managed to keep the Communists from renaming it "Our Space" (Financial Times, UK). Meanwhile, a rally in Sydney honors the 13 million Party members who have quit in disgust (Epoch Times).

On human rights abuses in Communist China: China Democracy Party co-founder Zhu Yufu describes how the Communists tortured him in prison (Epoch Times). Melinda Liu (Newsweek) pens her own piece on the pre-Olympic media crackdown.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

News of the day (September 19)

Is the Bush Administration going wobbly on Iran, North Korea, and Communist China? Two blog authors whom I trust a great deal are fearing the worst. David Frum (National Review Online) sees the president throwing in the towel on the nuclear ambitions of the Communist-backed mullahcracy (note: Newsmax does not agree). The Korea Liberator (or to be more precise - TKL co-author James J. Na) is hearing the "engagement" forces are now in charge of Administration policy on both Communist China and its Korean colony. If they're right, expect the world to become a much more dangerous place in the future.

More from the China Freedom Blog Alliance: TKL comments on refugees from Stalinist North Korea in the U.S. consulate in Shenyang, financial sanctions by Japan and Australia against SNK (see als0 the BBC and the Epoch Times), and Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il's orders to kill the creators of Team America: World Police (see also Bill Gertz, Washington Times), and reports of possible Islamic terrorism in South Korea, where dovish Roh Moo-hyun is losing control of his party. Meanwhile, Between Heaven and Earth reprints an excellent Don Feder (Human Events) piece on the island democracy of Taiwan.

More on Middle Eastern Proxy Number One: The mullahs' top nuclear negotiator decides not to join mouthpiece Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the United Nations (Newsmax); Ahmadinejad himself will snub UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (Newsmax). The regime tries to smooth Ahmadinejad's path by releasing a dissident (Media Blog, NRO). Max Schultz, also in NRO, believes Tehran's "oil weapons" threats "ring too hollow to worry about."

More on Korean refugees: The BBC describes the harrowing underground railroad used by refugees from Stalinist North Korea.

Ignorant Comment of the Day: The dubious honor goes to Joshua Cooper Ramo (Newsweek), who examines Communist China's "image problem" and blames everyone except the Communists for it.

Enlightened Comment of the Day: The editors of the Washington Post call the cadres to the carpet for giving Sudan political cover for its Darfur genocide.

Communist military still behind the U.S., but strong enough to conquer Taiwan: That was the prevailing opinion among a panel of experts covered by the Epoch Times.

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: The Int'l Monetary Fund officially grants Communist China more power over its operations (BBC); U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson begins his first visit to Beijing (BBC).

Vatican-appointed Bishop arrested in Shaanxi: Bishop Wu Qinjing, consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI, refused to join the Communist-controlled "Patriotic Catholic Association." Because of that, he is now in prison (Epoch Times).

More cyberdissidents arrested: Zhang Jianhong, Yang Maodong, and Chen Shuqing were arrested in the last two weeks; Reporters Without Borders called for their release (Boxun).

Whither Communist China's economy? Experts tell the Epoch Times that corruption and bad debt could end the boom long before anyone expects.

Monday, September 18, 2006

News of the Day (September 18)

Congressional Commission examines Communist China-Iran ties: The U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission reviewed the ties between Communist China and its mullahcratic ally; the Epoch Times was there.

More on Middle Eastern Proxy Number One: The United States is pushing financial penalties against the mullahs (Agence France Presse via Breitbart and Washington Post), but Europe prefers more talks (United Press Int'l via Washington Times and Washington Post), a fact both Salim Mansur (Toronto Sun) and James G. Zumwalt (Washington Times) find maddening. Meanwhile, the mullahcracy plays Europe for fools (UPI via Washington Times) and scores points with fellow anti-American tyrants (Macleans and Washington Times).

More on Communist China and the War on Terror: Dissident Wang Bin (Secret China via Epoch Times) reveals the cadres' official position on "the martyrs of the 911 attack" - and that's not a reference to the 3,000 victims. Meanwhile, Salim Mansur highlights the similarities between radical Islam and Maoism in the Western Standard.

More on Communist China and the United States: Bill Gertz, Washington Times, highlights the fiasco behind the probe of the Mak espionage ring (lead, second, third, and fourth items). Communist China is opening its door to airlines (Washington Post), but slamming it shut to auto parts makers (BBC) and practically everyone else (Time Asia). The U.S. pushes the United Nations Security Council to examine the horrifying situation in Burma - infuriating the Burmese military regime's chief ally: Communist China (BBC). Communist China makes the U.S. State Department list of persecutors (China Freedom Blog Alliance Member Between Heaven and Earth).

More from the China Freedom Blog Alliance: The Korea Liberator remembers the Inchon landing, examines South Korea's anti-American left, marks the reaction to it in the U.S. and South Korea (see also Agence France Presse via Yahoo and the BBC), has the latest from inside Stalinist North Korea, refugees in Thailand, and apologists in the U.S.

More on the Communists' Korean colony: The Stalinist regime had its own place on the State Department persecution report (Daily NK). The international aid for the northern Korean people continues to feed the Stalinists (Daily NK), while the people starve - and turn against the regime (Daily NK). Liberty in North Korea makes the Washington Times. Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il's niece commits suicide (Washington Times, second item). Young C. Kim notices a newfound fondness in Washington for one-on-one talks with the Stalinists (Washington Times).

Tens of thousands rally in support of Chen Shui-bian: Between 60,000 and 200,000 - depending upon the source - marched in Taipei to support Taiwan's embattled President (BBC).

DPP head says Kuomintang will tilt toward Communist China: Yu Shyi-kun told the Heritage Foundation that the opposition Kuomintang "would most likely adopt a policy of equilibrium between the US and China, thus weakening Taiwan-Japan relations" (Taipei Times) if Ma Ying-jeou wins the 2008 election.

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Communist China is sending peacekeepers to Lebanon (BBC) and already scoring geopolitical points from it (BBC). Italy's Prime Minister wants EU arms ban on Communist China lifted (BBC). The world's developed economies address Communist China's currency (BBC). Australia's economy is losing $1 billion to Communist China (AAP via Epoch Times). Xiao Xin, Epoch Times, profiles Japanese anti-Communist PM candidate Shinzo Abe. Falun Gong practitioners in Sweden file suit against Bo Xilai (Epoch Times).

Guo Feixiong back in prison: The cadres have arrested attorney Guo Feixiong for "running an illegal business" (Radio Free Asia). Guo was the attorney who advised the villagers of Taishi in their attempt to recall their local council.

Non-Communist candidates for Parliament face bribery and beatings: Two independent candidates - Sun Buer and Ni Jiangfeng - are up against a regime that is "bribing voters - offering 50 yuan (approximately US$6.3) to everyone who votes in favor of the CCP" (Epoch Times). For good measure, Wuhan Communist police also beat Sun (Epoch Times).

Enlightened Comment of the Day: The editors of the Washington Times ripped the cadres for their clampdown on foreign press reporting.

More on human rights in Communist China: A campaigner calling on Communist Party members to quit is now in prison (Minghui Net via Epoch Times). As cyberdissident Zhu Yufu is release (Boxun), fellow internet activist Huang Qi discusses his ordeal in an interview with Radio Free Asia (via Epoch Times).

Imprisoned cadres bribed his way to a regular life: Sichuan cadre Ma Jianguo "was allowed to wear his regular clothes, eat regular meals, visit restaurants and hotels, stay at home overnight, have cash and cigarettes in the cell, and use cell phones to manage his company" (Epoch Times) despite serving fifteen years for fraud. He was able to live a normal life by buying off his jailers to the tune of over $36,000.

Friday, September 15, 2006

On Communist China and Iran: I couldn't have said it better myself

Ilan Berman of the American Foreign Policy Council testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on the nature of Communist China's military, economic, and diplomatc ties to Iran (pdf file), and the reasons behind them: namely Beijing's thirst for oil and a shared anti-Americanism. It is a must read.

News of the Day (September 15)

U.S. official rips Communist China's arms sales to terrorists, but misses the motive: Assistant Defense Secretary Peter Rodman was highly critical of Communist China's arms sales to Iran and Stalinist North Korea. Maddeningly, however, Rodman saw Communist Chinese weapons in terrorist hands as unintentional: "I wouldn't see (the Communists) as a hostile - you know, as necessarily in a revolutionary posture . . . trying to overturn the international system" (United Press Int'l via Washington Times). Perhaps Rodman missed a few things.

President Bush is silent on liberating Iran from its Communist-backed mullahcracy: The President had nearly every possible message to the Iranian people in his interview with David Ignatius (Washington Post) - except for any mention of helping them take their country back.

Senator Rick Santorum calls for liberation: The Pennsylvania Republican called on the U.S. to "fund, promote and support the pro-democracy movement, both inside and outside Iran" (Newsmax). He was joined by Senator Mel Martinez (R-Florida) and Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran. Pahlavi called for the "free world to provide unapologetic and robust support for the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people" (Newsmax).

More on the Middle Eastern proxies: An Israeli conference ponders a nuclear Iran (UPI via Washington Times); the National Council of Resistance of Iran finds three nuclear development sites near Tehran (UPI via Washington Times). The U.S. refuses to allow the mullahcracy's Interior Minister into the country (UPI via Washington Times). Charles Krauthammer (Washington Post) compares the effects of a military strike against the mullahs vs. doing nothing - but doesn't examine the liberation option. Meanwhile, Israel is investigating reports that Syria is building a Golan Heights version of Hezbollah (World Net Daily).

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: Between Heaven and Earth announces plans for a rally on Parliament Hill to protest Communist organ harvesting. The Korea Liberator finds South Korean anti-Americanism hitting a new low, Japan joining the financial campaign to cut off Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il (see also Daily NK), and the latest on Yoduk Story coming to America.

U.S. hopes Communist China can bring SNK to nuclear talks: I won't hold my breath (UPI via Washington Times).

More on the Communists' Korean colony: The U.S. and South Korean Presidents meet and say - again - that they want the aforementioned talks to be restarted (BBC, UPI via Washington Times, Washington Post, and Washington Times). Daily NK examines how international aid has fed the Stalinist regime while Koreans who protest the arrangement are sent to jail. A group of South Korean families with relatives in SNK call for more "reunions," but also correctly fingers the Stalinists for using them to blackmail the South into handing over aid (UPI via Washington Times).

Anti-Chen protest to enter second week: A continuing demonstration calling on Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to resign due to corruption allegations involving a relative included a march through Taipei (BBC).

Dalai Lama visits Canada: The spiritual leader of occupied Tibet came to inaugurate the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education in Vancouver (Epoch Times).

More on Communist China and the United States: The Epoch Times reports on a rally for Gao Zhisheng in New York. In Washington, D.C., exiles hold a conference to discuss the psychological damage imposed by the Chinese Communist Party (Epoch Times). Lev Navrozov sounds the alarm once again about Communist China's geopolitical ambitions (Newsmax).

On matters inside Communist China: The Communist crackdown against the press (fourteenth and ninth items) gets the attention of CBS and Reporters Without Borders (Boxun). The cadres give wives of officials a jail tour to discourage corruption (Time Asia).

Thursday, September 14, 2006

News of the Day (September 14)

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: The Korea Liberator laments the latest silliness from former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, praises Andrei Lankov's latest assessment of Stalinist North Korea, comments on a Communist China-South Korea border dispute, and has the latest SNK news.

More on the Communists' Korean colony: The United States will intensify the financial squeeze on SNK (Daily NK). South Korea's government says its one our side (Washington Times), as both militaries (South Korea and the U.S.) took part in a WMD drill in Maryland (United Press Int'l via Washington Times). Japanese Prime Ministerial candidate Shinzo Abe takes a tough line on the Stalinists (BBC).

On Middle Eastern Proxy Number One (Iran): Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Communist-backed mullahcracy as "'more dangerous' than Hitler" (Newsmax). Regime mouthpiece Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his regime was open to talks on its nuclear weapons program - again(Washington Times, second item) - but the U.S. may finally be getting weary of that (Voice of America via Epoch Times), although liberation is not on the agenda. Meanwhile, the real boss in Iran - Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - said the U.S. should get out of Iraq (UPI via Washington Times).

On the other Middle Eastern Proxies: Part of the exiled Syrian anti-Ba'athist movement met in Brussels (UPI via Washington Times). Hezbollah had a huge electronic intelligence advantage in its recent battle with Israel - courtesy of the Iranian and Syrian regimes (Asia Times). Amnesty International gets around to reporting Hezbollah's war crimes (Cybercast News, Newsmax, and Steve Janke). Aaron Klein (World Net Daily) details how the terrorist group indoctrinates Lebanese youth.

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: The head of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party describes Communist China's "legal warfare, media warfare and psychological warfare" against the island democracy (Washington Times). Communist Premier Wen Jiabao visits the United Kingdom (BBC). The Communists begin talks with Australia on the latter's uranium (UPI via Washington Times).

On matters inside Communist China: Hu Jia takes a call from Gao Zhisheng's wife, and is all-but-certain she was speaking under duress (Radio Free Asia via Epoch Times). Ma Hengjun (Epoch Times) reveals what the Communists call "education."

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

News of the Day (September 13)

Whose side did Communist China take during the Israel-Hezbollah battle? Columnist Kin-ming Liu examines the Communist-run media's coverage of the war, which "can lead to only one conclusion: Beijing is no friend of the Jewish state" (Daily Standard). Of course, there's a slew of air-defense items in a Cyprus port that already spoke a million words on the cadres' pro-Hezbollah line.

Who "attacked" the U.S. Embassy in Syria? Yesterday, this corner expressed more than a little skepticism on the report that terrorists had attacked the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria (seventh item). In less than 24 hours, I acquired quite a bit of company (New York Sun and Newsmax). Even the Assad regime itself, perhaps realizing the jig was up - turned away from the terrorist angle; only they claimed the U.S. "directed the attack and then ensured it was foiled" (World Net Daily).

Ignorant Comment of the Day: None of the above prevented F. Michael Maloof from recommending talks with the Assad regime (note: his Washington Times column also reveals an affinity for "engagement" with Communist China).

On to Middle Eastern Proxy Number One (Iran): The Communist-backed mullahcracy now says its willing to talk to the U.S. and Europe about its nuclear weapons program, but not end it (Washington Post); Europe's ready to cave (United Press Int'l via Washington Times). Meanwhile, hawkish views on the regime came from the Jerusalem Post, New York Post, New York Sun, and the Worldwide Standard.

Enlightened Comment of the Day: The editors of the Washington Post would like to know (as do I) why the Bush Administration is OK with Communist Chinese ally Pakistan opting out of the War on Terror.

More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Former East Turkestan escapee and current Canadian citizen Huseyin Celil (eighth item) will spend 15 years in a Communist prison for, in effect, being a Uighur who cared about what the Communists were doing to his people (Toronto Sun). The head of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party says China will never be peaceful until its democratic (UPI via Washington Times). James Burke (Epoch Times) has the latest on Dai v. Downer.

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: Between Heaven and Earth recounts a Falun Gong demonstration in Victoria, British Columbia, laments the role of American technology in Communist persecutions, and finds another victim of Communist legacy theft: Confucius. The Korea Liberator ponders the reports of anti-Stalinist protests in North Korea (see also seventeenth item and Daily NK), relays the latest silly words from Roh Moo-hyun, and looks to history to see what might happen in a Second Korean War.

More on the Communists' Korean colony: The United States offered bilateral talks with Stalinist North Korea, but heard no response (BBC). The Network for North Korean Democracy and Human Rights demands better tracking of food aid into SNK after a smuggled-out video reveals the truth: that the Stalinist military steals the aid from everyone else in northern Korea (Daily NK).

Press crackdown expands: Communist China's recent move to further tighten its press (fourteenth item) now includes its court system: "Special spokesmen would now release all information to journalists, state-run Xinhua news agency said, and leaks from court officials would be punished" (BBC). Meanwhile, the overall crackdown catches the eye of Canadian blogger Steve Janke, who's none too happy about it.

Wikipedia won't censor itself for Communist China: Communist China banned Wikipedia last year because it wouldn't tailor its famed entries to the cadres' liking. Nearly a year later, Wikipedia won't budge. In fact, founder Jimmy Wales "challenged other Internet companies, including Google, to justify their claim that they could do more good than harm by cooperating with Beijing" (London Observer via Taipei Times).