tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123737562011-07-28T18:50:41.029+08:00It doesn't look that way to me.olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.comBlogger2171100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-67707306137021694322008-04-17T20:45:00.002+08:002008-04-17T20:58:11.840+08:00

There comes a line when politicking blurs the mind of even the most intelligent and compassionate people and I believe I have long ago past that point. I believe I have been mislead into not seeing both realities of the world; the political reality and the individual reality.The political reality is the one where everything is examined as part of a greater whole; "in context". The individual

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-54831370218071336102008-03-19T17:57:00.002+09:002008-03-19T18:00:27.025+09:00

It's the 5th anniversary of perhaps the biggest atrocity my country has been involved in since my coming into the ability to understand the consequences of war. Iraqi's; I apologize that I FAILED to stop the invasion those years ago; and i PROMISE to make as much of a mends as can be made; when the chance to do so should arise.*nothing else to say*.

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-8043309129476283022007-12-29T09:01:00.000+09:002007-12-29T13:23:08.679+09:00

A little over a month ago I blogged the pre-election post "May the Lesser Evil Win" and the lesser evil did win; considerably well too. It's a first in the part of my life whereby I actually understand the significance of a new government. Mr Howard had been leader of this country since I was less than 10 years old and had little understanding of the role of politics and politicians.Thus far

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-70226526473610514232007-11-24T08:48:00.000+09:002007-11-24T09:20:02.223+09:00

I haven't said much about this election to date; in fact I haven't said much lately at all. Today is election day here in Australia, the one opportunity that arrives every three years (aside from the very occasional referendum) where we as Australians have a chance to take part in our quasi-democratic process.There are two major contenders for Government and Prime Minister respectively; John

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-12332514249970028842007-11-17T01:53:00.000+09:002007-11-17T02:11:13.278+09:00

I got a response out of my last post. Some may think it was a little bit tow-the-line media regurgitation because I was talking about the good ol' timetable crap. Well in some ways I guess those someone's are right. Part of my reason behind writing that post was because that IS the topic of discussion and because I do have opinions on it.It's gotta be done right for fuck sakes; and my friend is

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-8507981377951427112007-11-16T19:03:00.000+09:002007-11-17T00:07:08.701+09:00

A timetable for withdrawal from Iraq is a necessity. Any kind of political advancement depends on it. Iraqi citizens and blogger will tell you the same; in fact it is they who have convinced me of this. But what kind of withdrawal timetable can the US (or the democrats at least) set to begin a feasible large-scale withdrawal from Iraq?The Coalition leadership is unwilling to leave Iraq until

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-74491649478528423612007-10-28T17:42:00.000+09:002007-11-15T19:15:29.273+09:00

Al-Qaeda in Iraq has been cleared out of Baghdad by the US military. *BULLSHIT*.Here's what is really happening. The US invasion has peice-by-peice destroyed the very fabric of Iraqi society; beginning with it's economy and family units during the invasion of 2003. Foreign interests have pushed tensions to boiling point and beyond, exacerbating the poverty and poor conditions in Iraq. Eventually

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-17214763115205890982007-07-18T07:52:00.001+08:002007-07-18T08:11:25.655+08:00

Since the toppling of Saddam Husseins regime in 2003, Iraqi civilians have suffered through many tragedies; but perhaps none is so great as the poor state of their general services. Electricity supply in Baghdad, like many of the other major cities in Iraq is unreliable and comes at most a few hours a day; though this is not the most pressing issue for Iraqi's who have lived with similar

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-65718717972510979522007-03-14T20:49:00.000+09:002007-03-14T21:02:50.120+09:00

The news today presents an article entitled "Labor Iraq Policy at risk as US considers downsizing Jordan base", the meat of the article is that the US training base in Jordan could be downsized or closed; and the Labor parties policy had been to pull-out of Iraq and send Australian troops to the Jordan training facility to train Iraqi security forces. Unfortunately there are many complications in

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-6717918446738289602007-02-28T14:33:00.000+09:002007-02-28T21:02:54.990+09:00

Olivebranch Network contributor and blog-mum Faiza al-Araji, aswell as Nadia from "Talking About Iraq" are two out of many Iraqi's who have suggestions and strong emotions about how to build a peacefull, unified future for Iraqi's. Please, read their suggestions through these links: (Faiza) (Nadia) - and keep returning here to find more suggestions from Iraqi's and non-Iraqi's (particularly

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-9058487991568468212007-02-26T17:15:00.000+09:002007-02-26T18:35:59.687+09:00

If the American administration truely planned to quell the violence in Iraq they would openly and publicly declare opposition to the recent Israeli request for a "corridor" through US-occupied Iraqi airspace in case of a decision to bomb Tehran.The February 25 telegraph.co.uk article by Con Coughlin anonymously sites a "Senior Israeli defence official" who commented that negotiations had begun to

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1170151797145419562007-01-30T19:08:00.000+09:002007-01-30T19:09:57.160+09:00

Just a quote, nothing more:(talking about what makes a successfull army officer//leader)"It's the hard work of drinking tea with the locals, delivering air conditioners to the mosques, meeting with the neighborhood clerics, getting to know the imams, and all the rest of that," he says. "You gotta build institutions, not just units." - General David Petraeus.

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1169444384288130832007-01-22T14:36:00.000+09:002007-01-22T15:26:07.676+09:00

All appears to be fixed. Thanks a bundle to James at SmartyHost- even though all he did was clarify my situation and run me through what I did just the other night; a repair on wp_comments database- it worked. Wether or not this is because he has some divine connection to the SmartyHost internet services is beyond me; im just glad its all back up and running.

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1169382863851937932007-01-21T21:34:00.000+09:002007-01-21T21:41:41.230+09:00

This is my reply to an email inviting me to "protest" here in Perth, Western Australia against the 20,000 additional troops to be deployed to Baghdad by the US military. Of course I am an anti-occupation activist and was most definately a prominant member of Perth's anti-war activist community before the war; but protesting this deployment is not something I can see any purpose in. Here is my

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1168935965986347432007-01-16T17:02:00.000+09:002007-01-16T17:26:38.596+09:00

As I begin writing this post it is January 16, 2007. If I track back one year the Olivebranch Network was yet to exist even as an idea- but would within a matter of days. I had recently won web hosting through a competition run by Sydney-based journalist/author/blogger Antony Loewenstein- who has since released a best-selling book entitled "My Israel Story", and is now working on a new book. In

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1168326713991781602007-01-09T15:23:00.000+09:002007-01-11T01:54:28.296+09:00

(WARNING, THIS POST IS SO FAR UNEDITED)So I heard on the news today that US President Bush is finally going to announce his plan to send an additional 20,000 US troops to Iraq. The news report said the troops were going to Baghdad with the mission of confronting the Shiite militia's and Sunni insurgency to quell the violent sectarian war which has been plaguing Baghdad of late. A later report on

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1167792763575658282007-01-03T11:10:00.000+09:002007-01-08T08:00:15.353+09:00

There are many reasons that Saddam Hussein's execution will be remembered as one of the important political events of 2006, probably a close behind the Democratic takeover of Congress in the US. There are so many points to discuss in considering whether this execution was a fitting end to Saddam's tale, or whether there were better options. I for one believe the latter, and will be arguing so

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1167741792211000392007-01-02T20:46:00.000+09:002007-01-02T21:43:15.000+09:00

Though I am neither on the ground in Iraq nor Iraqi myself I am beginning to develop what I believe is a good opinion about how many Iraqi citizens have died or dissapeared since the US-lead coalition invaded in March of 2003. Ridiculous hours of reading, research, discussion and chit-chat online have lead me to the conclusion that all Iraqi's who have access to the internet, or who have been

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1166733391844806782006-12-22T05:34:00.000+09:002006-12-22T05:36:31.876+09:00

The Middle Eastern media pushes an image of a united Muslim community which is against Western influence in the area as being the dominant identity of Islam; yet reporting by Arab and other regional media reflects the fractured nature of the religion. There are four main issues to assess when looking at representations of Islam; the representation of women, extremism, sectarianism, and of course

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1165901834010219602006-12-12T14:05:00.000+09:002006-12-13T13:36:17.306+09:00

What a name and what a book (haven't seen the film yet). As some readers may know I have been on a holiday on the other side of Australia (the beautiful Gold Coast) for two weeks (got back saturday night shortly before midnight). Before we left I spotted Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" in book form at the airport book-shop. I picked it up, flipped through and baught it. There was no iffing and

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1163290566080315732006-11-12T08:15:00.000+08:002006-11-13T08:35:31.563+08:00

I've been hearing a lot of talk about Carbon Emission Exchange and Carbon Neutrality as of late, and I want to start by saying that I STRONGLY support the idea of an international carbon emmission exchange program. Why is it so important???Well, in any case if we wish to defeat Global Warming it is extremely important to bring big business and global corporations on-board in the fight to decrease

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1163150125951344802006-11-10T17:07:00.000+08:002006-11-16T15:47:27.173+08:00

On Sunday the 5th of November an event occurred which shook, and sometimes shocked members of the Iraqi blogosphere; Saddam Hussein was sentanced to death. For those who don't know the court case was in relation to the slaughter of 148 civilians in the town of Dujail 1982, as revenge for a failed attempt to assasinate Saddam Hussein. Iraqi's in the Middle Eastern blogosphere reacted in different

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1162972685275828362006-11-08T15:27:00.000+08:002006-12-01T23:43:38.090+08:00

So we're in the 21st century (supposedly). We've been here 6 years already and all these promises of a better life and a better future seem to be collectively flowing out the door. Instead we are heading towards armageddon or at very least World War Three as the self-centred populations of developed countries do nothing but consume, consume, consume and consume a little more. We're still relying

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1162468445840486452006-11-02T19:45:00.000+08:002006-11-03T04:47:19.023+08:00

Life goes on as norm in the Middle Eastern blogosphere with much discussion about politics, politicians and their many promises and failures. However one clear distinction can be noticed in the Lebanese blogosphere, the argument of who won the recent war in Lebanon. The question however is not who gained from this conflict, rather it appears to be who can shout we won the most//loudest. The

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1162467700631989162006-11-02T19:39:00.000+08:002006-11-02T19:55:26.883+08:00

While Muslim's leaders demand apologies and the Muslim street breaks out in protest against the Pope's use of an anti-Islamic quote from a 14th century Byzantine leader, many bloggers look at the reaction wondering why?.Keefy from Adventures in Dubai posted the entire text of the pope's speech and bet most of the protestors had not read it. Ramrumple wonders why it's not OK to portray Hassan

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1158578548907497042006-09-18T19:22:00.000+08:002006-09-20T23:40:05.783+08:00

Issue Briefing (Introductory)Online media has established itself as an increasingly important medium for discussion about political, religious and cultural issues, particularly in regards to “hot topics” such as war in the Middle East. Within this context conversations tend to emerge around individual events such as the invasion of Iraq, September 11 or, for an up-to-date example, the capture of

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1155168766822804822006-08-10T08:00:00.000+08:002006-09-04T04:20:06.603+08:00

Go look for yourself! http://www.moqawama.net has been "suspended"!So it didn't take long for the USA to get formally involved in this now did it. I bet there has been some secret actions in the USA to block Moqawama.net ; the Hezbollah website, from the internet. So much for democracy and free speech and equality of ideas and opinion. In the modern world if you don't come inline with the demands

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1154906747285307022006-08-07T07:03:00.000+08:002006-08-07T07:25:51.920+08:00

OK, it's happened. It's bad. People are suffering. Let's discuss what we can do about it. (Coming Soon [today])

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1153788098542212912006-07-25T08:41:00.000+08:002006-07-25T08:45:33.660+08:00

As a result of the US-lead invasion of 2003, religious extremism has become prominent in Iraq. Under Saddam Hussein religions were oppressed and all voices of opposition silenced. Religious extremism did not have a chance to receive the popular support it claims today (2006). Under the Coalition occupation much of Baghdad has fallen under the control of religious extremists, as has much of the

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1153784255456013582006-07-25T07:18:00.000+08:002006-07-25T07:37:35.483+08:00

So 6 months ago today the Olivebranch Network had it's first post published. Six months on and the project is a huge success both for me personally and for all the other contributors involved. As a result of this project (which, in itself is due to the kind generosity of one Antony Loewenstein) I have now been offered a position on the blogcritics team.Today I will publish my first post on

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1153636986085933692006-07-23T14:20:00.000+08:002006-07-23T14:48:07.933+08:00

So Lebanon is being invaded by Israel, or should I say bombed? Or should I say "turned backward by 20 years"? Yet who really gives a rats ass? Who here in Perth, Western Australia could give even 1/10th of a shit? Other than our large Lebanese population, or someone whose' relatives are stuck there on a holiday- absolutely no one (except me of course).The news here consentrates on the evacuation

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1150416493211163252006-06-16T08:03:00.000+08:002006-07-05T23:18:43.613+08:00

Blogs have impacted people’s lives in many different ways for many different reasons. Although some people may never have heard of a blog and indeed not knowingly have been affected by them; others have had their lives completely changed or even taken away as a result of participating in the “blogosphere”. The blogosphere is what bloggers (blog authors) call their ever expanding cyber-community.

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1150189459377098422006-06-13T16:42:00.000+08:002006-07-04T02:04:17.176+08:00

A long time since I published anything of my own analysis, so the time has come.Iraq is now 3 years down the track of an unsuccessfull occupation and the questions still remain:Who is in control of this country?When will the reconstruction begin?When will electricity and clean water be available for everyone?Exactly what is in the "Green Zone" and when can Iraqi's begin to use it?Who the hell was

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1149399754134573872006-06-04T13:30:00.000+08:002006-06-04T13:42:40.283+08:00

So it's been a long road and I finished my university studies for this semester. Now I need to complete my re-enrolment, book tickets for Queensland at the end of the year and start saving money for books, car registration, etc etc etc. I have been reading still so much but have not managed to write much in the way of commentary or blogs since Jill Caroll's release really... University suddenly

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1148863079517906162006-05-29T08:35:00.000+08:002006-05-29T08:37:59.536+08:00

It's about time. I finally can end the hiatus this blog (and my other blogs) have been experience for nearly 3 months now. I finished all my uni assignments except for one- which is also a perfect piece for this blog and even for the Olivebranch Network.The hypothesis of my 1500 word essay (due friday) will be as follows: Religious extremism has become prominant in Iraq as a result of the 2003

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1148288907016338892006-05-22T17:07:00.000+08:002006-05-27T00:41:42.510+08:00

A man sits behind a bar,strumming his fingers;in order. Thinking of the past,strumming his fingers;he orders. One beer goes down,he prays for his sins;and orders. Two beers now empty,he stands up straight;and thinks. His money on the table,his pains concealed;he stumbles. Into the darkness,un-armed and alone;he walks.

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1145004827671383482006-04-14T16:44:00.000+08:002006-05-02T11:30:51.206+08:00

A Fly on the wall (explosions in the street)There’s a boom!There’s a smash.The man falls.There is glass.There is screaming.The man bleeds.There was TV.There was couch.The man cries.There was son.There was daughter.Both died.TV playing,in the front room.The front window,the mans wife.Their children.A bomb.The glass window.The man’s life.By [olivebranch](inspired by riverbend)

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1144733461204936392006-04-11T13:25:00.000+08:002006-04-27T05:06:48.736+08:00

The Weary ManThe weary man sits outside his house,a newspaper spread across his lap.In the background sounds a radio,as he awaits the latest news.He's barely 30- yet he's all alone.Everyone left him years ago.Yet noise comes from the telephone,so he jumps up and runs to answer.It's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,no phone call- he's all alone.He sits back down again,as he reads the news he

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1143723840922498142006-03-30T20:55:00.000+08:002006-04-01T16:06:30.466+08:00

THANK GOD! PRAISE ALLAH! WHAT EVER RELIGION YOU SUPPORT THANK GOD THERE IS HEART AMONGST THOSE WHO WERE HOLDING JILL CAROLL.Jill Caroll is alive and well after 3 months of being held captive by her abductors in Baghdad. The centre of much media attention, particularly in the blogosphere Jill Caroll has become significant figure in the fight for freedom in Iraq. The freedom of this woman shows

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1142865614679285592006-03-20T22:38:00.000+08:002006-03-20T22:40:14.700+08:00

WARNING: this is an opinion piece with no references (as was required by the University since it is also an assignment) enjoy the read but don't assume it is irrelevant because of its lack of sources.The rise of religious extremism in Iraq is a result of the US-lead invasion in 2003. In dire times it is not uncommon for people to turn to religion and extremist groups who knew this used Anti-US

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1142764545804576432006-03-19T17:56:00.000+08:002006-03-19T18:35:45.876+08:00

The "Free Iraqi Women Prisoners, Free Jill Carrol! Petition" created by Toufic Haddad( http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?freejill) calls for the speedy release of female detainees in Iraq. The release is a precondition to the release of Jill Caroll and should have been seriously considered even if Caroll was not an issue.The Olivebranch Network calls for a speedy

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1142316759398493482006-03-14T13:37:00.000+08:002006-03-18T05:26:03.723+08:00

The Olivebranch Network has been alive as an idea for a little under two months today- and has already started to grow and has the potential to reach people. Today I was informed of an article about bloggers and Jill Caroll in which the Olivebranch Network was used as a source!Excellent :) here is the link: "Bloggers Try To Reach Journalist's Captors In Iraq"here is the mention: The Olivebranch

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1142158474026662672006-03-12T14:54:00.000+08:002006-03-12T18:14:35.293+08:00

Iraq has never experienced a campaign with such local, national and international determination to help an individual as the campaign for Jill Caroll's safe release.Two well known Baghdadi bloggers Baghdad Treasure and 24 steps to liberty (both are contributors here at the Olivebranch Network) were very close to Jill and played an important role in this campaign by inspiring other bloggers to

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1141955561001523762006-03-10T09:38:00.000+08:002006-03-17T00:55:19.243+08:00

A friend today told me a missile had fallen in her school. Two girls were injured and the library and another building majorly damaged. This was one of the top school's in the Northern city of Mosul.Where did this missile come from? A question I will answer for you in my next post.For now I want you to ponder this question: Why bomb a school library?And why stop a bus full of college girls and

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1141868060676175482006-03-09T09:28:00.000+08:002006-03-09T09:34:20.700+08:00

--- Cross posted from the Olivebranch NetworkThough some members of the network have yet to post it's time to pay thanks and say a little tribute to the wonderful Olivebranch Network contributors.Though not yet two months old the network now includes prominant Iraqi bloggers (Baghdad Treasure, 24 Steps to Liberty, Majed Jarrarand Hassan (from Average Iraqi).Other excellent if not so prominant

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1141604074164631482006-03-06T08:08:00.000+08:002006-03-11T13:17:40.726+08:00

I recently left home and I remember how it feels for siblings to lose their brothers or sisters who are older. I remember when my brother left the first time, oh how I cried. I remember the piece of me which felt betrayed inside. I remember the pain which I feel about now, but I know my little sister will survive somehow.This poem reflects the way I feel about "The Brat", better known as CazzaThe

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1141016326737787622006-02-27T12:46:00.000+08:002006-03-04T18:47:42.606+08:00

Iraqi's will get through this all-out war between the extremist elements who will fight one another to their mutual deaths. This is the extremists and outsiders pushing with their entire influence to take power over one another. It is an all-out fight for Baghdad (note that other area's like Mosul are still in comparative calm).The Interior Ministry forces are towing one line, who knows how to

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1140884384054899902006-02-26T00:15:00.000+08:002006-02-26T10:45:43.046+08:00

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while.Trouble at home... Have to look for a new place somewhere in kelmscott, I can't leave. It's my home. I love it.Why must it end this way?anyone from kelmscott read this?? give me an email ;)anyway- blog will return soon

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1140342979707883522006-02-19T17:25:00.000+08:002006-02-20T23:57:11.886+08:00

So we finally reach some conclusions regarding the Mohammed Cartoons: the world now understands what freedom of speech is about. The term “You reap what you sew” comes to mind. In some sense it is good to see even conservative Muslim’s speaking out vocally against the series of cartoon’s in which the Prophet Mohammed was portrayed as a suicide bomber, among other historically

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1140054666906727152006-02-16T09:39:00.000+08:002006-02-16T09:56:29.453+08:00

I have just fininshed reading a brilliant post I found at "The Mesopotamian", relating to the insulting cartoons of Mohammed displayed by newspapers across the globe. The timing of these pictures being re-printed, let alone the ferocity of the response even amongst usually somewhat quiet Muslim communities has a suspicious feel about it, and in this post Alaa expresses similar concern and

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139992342952020272006-02-15T17:17:00.000+08:002006-02-15T22:58:48.576+08:00

The images below prove claims US soldiers had forced Abu Ghraib detainees into rape and homosexuality. Writing "I am a rapeist" on the leg of one victim, and you can decide for yourself what is oozing from the mouth of one detainee (saliva isn't THAT white, or THAT thick, is it?): - - - More Abu Ghraib photos released straight after the video of UK soldiers beating 4 Iraqi teenagers to a pulp is

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139975115687494112006-02-15T11:44:00.000+08:002006-02-15T11:45:15.686+08:00

Want to get in the top 10 on a technorati search??? this little trick will get you past the A-List bloggers! time for the masses of intelligent people to prevent the internet ever being held by one particular view or group Nerds are just too smart!type brrreeeport in your blog for extra hits today!! :D

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139891970658807092006-02-14T12:30:00.000+08:002006-02-25T16:50:24.910+08:00

May I ask you a question?Do you remember what you are celebrating on valentines day?Valentines day is a day commemorating the sorrowfull sacrifice of a man's life- for the woman he loves. The commemoration of a suicide- not of the giving of a gift, but of the breaking of ones heart.It's a reminder of love for all yes, that is true- infact it even reminds me to do something special for Gee , but

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139818625085949592006-02-13T16:15:00.000+08:002006-02-16T01:42:46.136+08:00

Recently a video was released showing the horrible work-over given to 4 Iraqi teenagers who had been involved in stone-throwing riots. They were beaten senseless in a fashion beyond the terms "human rights abuse" or "war crimes"--- by 8 professional, trained and fully clad UK soldiers. (see this ARTICLE)These violent aggrevated bashings were not crimes related to "war" but rather were crimes

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139535962940172052006-02-10T09:26:00.000+08:002006-02-10T09:46:03.060+08:00

Jill Caroll was abducted nearly a month ago and sadly the all attempts to negotiate her release have been obstructed by the refusal of the US adminitstration and military to quickly release female prisoners. In fact no effort to appease the requirements set for Jill's release have been made by the military or the Iraqi Interior Ministry.CNN had the first article I was directed too:Captive

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139534392768539942006-02-10T09:14:00.000+08:002006-02-11T15:35:12.146+08:00

The Olivebranch Network is looking for writers or professionals with knowledge about or experience living in Iran//Iraq to research and present a wide range of important cultural, political and economical topics. The Network's blog can be found here: http://olivebranchoptimism.netThe network aims to build a broad, realistic picture of the internal and international aspects of Iraqi and Irani

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139370757391756412006-02-08T10:15:00.000+08:002006-02-08T12:28:46.243+08:00

On March 28 the US administration has plans to strike targets inside Iran according to an official from the Russian Parliament. March 28 marks the Israeli election and I for one believe the US//Israel will try and bait Ahmadinejad (hope I spelt it right!) into saying or doing something stupid should Kadima win the 17th Knesset (Israeli parliament), so as to domestically justify a "pre-emptive

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139214144719563852006-02-06T12:53:00.000+08:002006-02-15T17:30:41.333+08:00

A good friend of mine, an Iraqi girl living in New Zealand said something which really struck a chord with me today and to begin this post please read what she said:"I don't enjoy seeing muslims with banners held up 'behead those who insulted islam'", and then go read her blog post(s) here (to understand better where she sits on this): http://iraqiblogger.blogspot.comThis friend (Z), pointed out

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1139197069617657592006-02-06T11:18:00.000+08:002006-02-06T11:37:49.830+08:00

For some reason I just can't get my mind off Jill.I never met this lady nor knew a word about her until the day Baghdad Treasure returned home to find she had been abducted. But now it feels like she is a part of me of my own body.And the part I imagine her as is my heart.Since the day I heard about Jill I lost a small piece of my heart into a backwater part of Baghdad wherever she may be being

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1138696429919014022006-01-31T14:54:00.000+08:002006-01-31T16:33:50.026+08:00

JILL CAROLL VIDEO #2 [a response to the strong global support for Jill???]http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0113/carroll_update.htmlThe video they again call for the release of all female prisoners in Iraq just two days after the release of 5 women (and 414 men). http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0126/p25s01-woiq.htmlThe question is, with these video's and the huge response from across the globe- will

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1138603794949816332006-01-30T14:35:00.000+08:002006-01-30T14:49:55.113+08:00

I finally got the second post finished for the Olivebranch Network, and have so far had some great successes in regard to recruiting educated and motivated people.Two new members were recruited yesterday.John will be writing about issues//opinions//thoughts and feelings of the Coalition soldiers and the struggles faced by the developing Iraqi Security forces.Shahram will hopefully help decide

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1138602618745379652006-01-30T14:27:00.000+08:002006-01-30T14:30:18.790+08:00

I recently began doing volunteer work for the Committee to Protect Bloggers and my First POST is completed and should be up on the site very soon, here's a copy!: On May 15, 2004 French blogger Christophe Grébert (MONPUTEAUX.COM) from the wealthy city of Puteaux was arrested by local police under direct order of the Puteaux Mayor; but National Police intervened and released Christophe as soon

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1138198115795938112006-01-25T21:58:00.000+08:002006-01-25T22:08:43.483+08:00

A long term project of mine has just had its first kick-in-the-ass to get it going, the first post.I am looking for someone with CSS experience to help me administer the site and play with the template to make it fit what we require, I have very little experience with CSS myself.- here's the first post, no point me re-typing what it says. The Olivebranch Network stems from the desire to help

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1138082430866943582006-01-24T12:52:00.000+08:002006-01-24T14:00:30.973+08:00

The Saudi king today became the first OPEC leader, and first Saudi leader ever to travel to Beijing. Last year Saudi oil sales to Beijing rocketed 59% higher than in previous years and with growing Chinese demand for oil are set to continue to rise.China has been agressively seeking oil-contracts to feed its ever-increasing energy demand, a situation which could cause further strain on US-Chinese

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1138002289872847192006-01-23T15:39:00.000+08:002006-01-23T15:47:39.916+08:00

Now I know that you are captiveand that your veins are full of fear-but let me make sure you know,you will get out my dear.This prayer fills up your mind and heart,the strength of the millions enters you.As the world watches your face become famous,those who truely love you pray.Please dear lord, dear god, dear allah- buddahwhom ever you may truely be,Help Jill Caroll survive tonight; survive

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137998221777994432006-01-23T10:49:00.000+08:002006-01-23T14:44:03.540+08:00

French Nuclear Doctrine & Iran Recent changes to French nuclear doctrine and the timing of Jacquez Chirac's comments- despite the carefully chosen language which according to the media was “directed at Iran”- suggests a realistic French view on international relations. (Oh and by the way Chirac did not mention ANY countries in his speech: http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/20/news/

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137931983911148452006-01-22T20:32:00.000+08:002006-01-22T20:43:47.386+08:00

I posted a few days ago that the Resistance and citizens of Anbar province had risen up against the oppressive Salafi Terrorists using their lands as a base of operation for Al-Qaeda in Iraq and others similar.Now there is an official decleration from the militia's themselves, a virtual decleration of war and the Al-Qaeda men are on their toes sprinting as far and wide as possible. This time the

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137929426420843842006-01-22T19:30:00.000+08:002006-01-22T19:30:26.550+08:00

Iraq is a place full of questions. There is a recovery of Iraqi nationalism amongst its civilian population, and by that I mean the pride of the Iraqi people is returning. The new Iraqi Government is in the process of being formed and it seems (as I had hinted may happen) the UIA having won the majority of votes, but not enough to take government has met some internal strife. (How long can this

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137754089475501692006-01-20T18:45:00.000+08:002006-01-22T15:13:52.536+08:00

So I was looking around the net for an old date from the Impeach Bush campaign when I accidentally stumbled across this recent article (posted at bottom). It is a "Zogby" Poll which finds that the majority of American's support impeaching Bush, in this case for "illegal wiretapping". The continual abuse of the US constitution by this government has been an imbarressment to Washington, to the USA

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137547665798950032006-01-18T08:37:00.000+08:002006-01-18T09:40:00.086+08:00

A few days ago I posted a story about Jill, an American freelance journalist who has been working in Iraq since 2003 and loves the country and its people dearly. Jill was well respected and much loved by some of my Iraqi blogger friends, including 24 Steps to Liberty and Treasure of Baghdad .According to Al-Jazeera the thugs who abducted Jill identified themselves as members of an unknown armed

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137398717541269632006-01-16T15:58:00.000+08:002006-01-16T16:05:17.606+08:00

For the last few years I have always hoped that one day Geoff Gallop would resign from state parliament and run for federal elections. Dr Gallop has been Western Australia's chosen premier since 2001, was re-elected last year but facing depression and trouble within the family after the death of his father recently has chosen to temporarily resign from politics.He in no way eliminated the chance

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137389326247124572006-01-16T13:28:00.000+08:002006-01-17T16:08:50.423+08:00

[April 2005][olivebranch] appears for the first time in his post “First Blog” on the 24th, nice and original hey? [olivebranch] introduces himself as an 18year old from Perth, Western Australia (the most isolated city in the entire world?), a writer, poet and lazy bastard who only expects to post to the blog once a week.Inspired by Riverbend and the Jarrar family [olivebranch] is quickly sucked

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137309420837738582006-01-15T15:00:00.000+08:002006-01-15T15:17:02.833+08:00

You may not know, or you may know depending on how interested you are; that one of the biggest and most concerning issues facing the average Iraqi citizens is the wave of assasinations taking out intellectuals across the whole of Iraq.There are many blogposts to confirm this, I point to Khalid's blog Secrets In Baghdad (somewhere in the archives, or you can email him for more details) about

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137308011735662282006-01-15T14:13:00.000+08:002006-01-15T14:53:56.830+08:00

It looks like Al-Qaeda and other such international terror organisations operating in Iraq out of Ramadi & Sammara and other such hotbed areas have finally met their match. Sunni participation in the political process and elections in spite of warnings by terror groups resulted in the targetting of prominant Sunni supporters//participants. In Anbar province it seems the citizens have had enough

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137150021160949162006-01-13T18:54:00.000+08:002006-01-13T19:00:22.116+08:00

24 Steps To Liberty posts about his American friend who was kidnapped one week ago at http://twentyfourstepstoliberty.blogspot.com/ This is a very sad occurance, this woman who loves Iraqi's though is not one herself, a freelancer who does not work for a pro-occupation paper has been kidnapped. I pray that she (Jill) may be safe and return safely to her friends arms. Please my friends say a

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1137148386461654332006-01-13T18:20:00.000+08:002006-01-13T18:33:06.633+08:00

This article is in line with what I have previously said about the rise of the left in South America and inside the USA itself. The problem for the USA now is that it has lost its economic domination in the Americas, and particularly in the south- at a time where their economy is shaky, oil supply hanging on by a thread (Iran tensions could break this thread at any moment, hurting the global

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1136785612342449392006-01-09T13:11:00.000+08:002006-01-09T13:46:52.506+08:00

Isn't it strange how sometimes you don't know anything about someone, except what they have said or what you have read, but you feel you should get to know them? That is what I truely love and truely hate about the blogosphere. I feel like I love some of these people. And love is not a word I use lightly. Love is a word that means I would give my life for them. I would trade my existance for

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1136333143764034522006-01-04T07:44:00.000+08:002006-01-04T08:05:43.856+08:00

Well by now everyone in the world is settled into the new year, some with optimism and others pessimism, still others don't really care what happens as long as they can cruise along through their lives.Some peopele decide on new years resolutions before new years, this year I waited until long after before I finally decided on a reacheable goal for this year. Then I decided that it wasn't enough.

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1136257173460749882006-01-03T10:54:00.000+08:002006-01-03T10:59:33.480+08:00

THE FIX Go download this fix an install it! NOW!Any IMAGE file on the ENTIRE INTERNET COULD CONTAIN A VIRUS. YOUR SYSTEM IF YOU ARE RUNNING ANY WINDOWS VERSION FROM 3.0 UPWARD IS VULNERABLE (until you install said patch). Here is the story courtesty of http://www.hexblog.com/ - thank god for independant coders *gets on his Knee's and says a prayer thanking Ilfak Guilfanov for his quick

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1135924585172229152005-12-30T14:33:00.000+08:002006-01-02T10:04:32.213+08:00

This post was inspired by a discussion I have been having with a reader AC blue eagle . I decided I needed to post something about Global Warming and its effects, so here is the best I can think of- a run down of 2005 from the perspective of a New Scientist expert on the environment.Natural disaster was a running theme in 2005 - a year marked by more North Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1135906908820724392005-12-30T09:08:00.001+08:002005-12-30T10:48:27.950+08:00

While I Live While I fight away the pains,you shall survive.Despite the omnipresent fearyou are safe, we are far but oh so near.Our hearts reach out and wrap you and yours,like a neat little family bubble,protecting you, protecting yours.Harm may come while I'm alive,while we live, but we are here my dear.We will protect your. Help you. In the face of painful oppression, when your feelings are

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1135899699366982142005-12-30T07:37:00.000+08:002005-12-30T07:41:39.390+08:00

That'd be right, I decide to break and what happens?The blairwatch group I joined to keep an eye on developments in regard to the "Al-Jazeera memo"- the discussion in which Bush outlined his desire to blow Al-Jazeera headquaters in Doha, QATAR off the face of the earth- they sent me an email.It's not the Al-Jazeera memo, but it does need publishing before the UK Government squelch it. Well they

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1135814004649235542005-12-29T07:48:00.000+08:002005-12-29T07:53:24.673+08:00

You know the best thing about blogs?When you want a break, you take one.This blog has been put on temporary hiatus for the new years holiday,unless something so important comes up that I must write about it, this blog will probably not have any more posts this year. It has been a wonderful first 9 months in the blogosphere and I thank my readers and friends in the blogosphere from the deepest

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1135431188621082502005-12-24T21:26:00.000+08:002005-12-24T21:33:08.763+08:00

If I had one wish for christmas, I would make it realistic.So lets assume that in his jolly good mood on this festivous occasion God has granted me a wish.Here goes.I wish for the family of Sunshine , including but not limited to her siblings, parents, grandparents and cousins (Hassan, HNK, Najma.... you've seen the list before, its too big to type out in full) would be able to experience safe

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1135295650567267762005-12-23T07:49:00.000+08:002005-12-23T07:54:10.670+08:00

So I thought my readers and more particularly those who have just come to this blog would like to learn a little about who I am and where these views all came from, I decided after seeing it on a few other blogs that I would add an "About Olive" section. I have also decided to add a "blogography", a basic run down on what has happened since this blog began, and what important steps the blog has

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1134714121074031552005-12-16T13:47:00.000+08:002005-12-17T16:08:29.033+08:00

The Iraqi election seems to have been a major success in regard to voter turnout and the peacefull atmosphere in which the voting took place, and even here in Perth - the most isolated city in the world we had our own little voting centre.There were 4 polling booths on site at Curtin University (of which I proudly announce I am a student!), and the counting of the votes finished today at roughly

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1134461687585408262005-12-13T16:04:00.000+08:002005-12-13T16:14:47.606+08:00

So your interested in reading obviously, and since your reading this site you probably spend a portion of your time thinking about war and its outcomes.So you should go and order from your nearest library or book stores the Australian author John Marsden's "Tommorow When The War Began" series, and when you finish those- like I have, read the follow on books (I just finished the first) "The Ellie

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1134377607086060812005-12-12T16:00:00.000+08:002005-12-12T16:53:27.186+08:00

------------------Freedom is writing------------------Freedom is writing,and knowing your heard.Freedom is the truth,no matter how absurd.Freedom is reading,what they don't want you to know.Freedom is not found,on some mainstreem reality show.A blog brings you freedom,when your silent and oppressed.A blog feels like freedom,when your sick of the press.A blog helps you in times,when life is full

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1134333215782990122005-12-12T04:29:00.000+08:002005-12-12T04:33:35.800+08:00

Poem written by Attawie after she read some of my own!very good :) go check out her blog http://attawie.blogspot.com/ Wednesday, December 07, 2005What a BLOG means to me?B is the blog if you wanted to see.L is the letter blogs convey.O is owing inspiration to thee.G is getting closer to others community.Blog is the thoughts of someone who wants to fleeLearning from others lives, manners and

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1134105344413548072005-12-09T13:12:00.000+08:002005-12-09T13:42:22.453+08:00

I wrote these today inspired by a few different thoughts, the second one "Sad Statue" was obviously inspired by System of a Down....Hope you like them! Tell me what you think by e-mailing me or leaving comments!The Soldier-Sphere(the march begins today)The soldiers of the blogosphere begin to march todaySo I pause and take this moment to reflect,when did we get this way?As the truth lets loose

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133856825937520732005-12-06T16:06:00.000+08:002005-12-15T10:13:03.970+08:00

Shit! There is nothing worse than another one of my own, someone who just wants to help such as a member of the Christian Peacemakers Teams, taken captive or silenced or threatened.First before my rant, Get on your email client and fire up that media contact list again. Then go sign this petition: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/freethecptI will provide an e-mail list at the end of this

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133829212501654512005-12-06T08:09:00.000+08:002005-12-06T08:33:34.690+08:00

Yesterday I recieved an e-mail. Well actually it was a comment on this blog that was then forwarded to my email address, anyway I though I would like to share it with you.---------hey, nice guy stay the nice guy and don't put yourself in this. listen to me , you can say your opinion about war or that stuff but to decided who should win or try to promote a list that is exactly what you shouldn't

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133681207699164892005-12-04T15:06:00.000+08:002005-12-04T15:26:47.766+08:00

According to the most recent post on Iraq the Model , and in line with prior history of fraud and corruption the militias owned by the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRi), DA'AWA militia's and Ahmed Chalabi's Badr Brigade have been infiltrating election offices in Iraq's south to ensure votes go their way.These militia have been known to press Iraqi's to conform to their more

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133503869998326172005-12-02T14:06:00.000+08:002005-12-03T11:50:17.693+08:00

READ THIS!Another story of Inspectors in Sunshine's house... Last time, if you are a regular reader you may remember Sunshine's house was inspected. The unit that did the inspection was vey nice, and the whole thing was conducted well and politely, except for one soldier.That soldier happened to be the one who went into Mama (sunshine's mother)'s bedroom. That asshole tipped baby-powder all over

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133397902849312422005-12-01T08:40:00.000+08:002005-12-02T13:59:17.810+08:00

-------------------Your dream, A smile-------------------You will change the world,with your very own smile.Others worlds will change too,If they can hold a smile like you.A bit of confidence and inspiration, and a bit of love and determination,will let your reach this goal.Love your friends and family,and the others who deserve humility.Keep your smile and not a frown,and that way you'll be

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133396787007066462005-12-01T08:10:00.000+08:002005-12-01T08:26:27.456+08:00

OK, so I wan't some words to write into poems- words with real meaning that seem to have been changed over time. I started this with RESPECT, after seing a few questions about what respect means.Now I am going to move on to the next. WAR------------------------------------------WAR, is not for poets.No.War is for haters, not soldiers.Not for honour and not for glory,No.War is not for lovers.No,

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133229780817224752005-11-29T10:01:00.000+08:002005-11-30T12:16:25.763+08:00

----------------------Where's the respect?----------------------Respect your peers and parents,and all those younger than you.Respect your elders and respect the wise,respect religion and respect your pride.Respect is given not taken,so you better give if you want to respect.RESPECTWhat does it mean to me?Reality over fantasy and friends over fictionEternal trust and inspirationsSometimes love

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133154466101250912005-11-28T13:01:00.000+08:002005-11-28T13:07:46.123+08:00

Was surfing the blogosphere when I found this new blog "Iraqi Rebel" posted on Iraq Blog Count.The author (rebel) says he doesn't deal with politics, but will be telling things from his view, the rumours he hears's, the things that happen, his stories etc. So far he has only posted twice, but the second post was quite enjoyable to read- containing a lot of Iraqi jokes.... they were all pretty

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1133085578115772122005-11-27T17:44:00.000+08:002005-11-27T17:59:38.173+08:00

Oooh yeah. It feels good to know your hard work and efforts to help other people have not gone unnoticed. A friend of mine, Ibrahim Al-Absawi was one of those campaigning to have a voting centre in Perth in the January elections- but they were unsuccessfull and he had to fly to the eastern states to vote. This time for the December elections, they were successfull in campaigning for a voting

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12373756.post-1132886483055531632005-11-25T10:11:00.000+08:002005-11-25T10:41:23.123+08:00

So I have been reading my way around the Iraqi blogosphere lately, which is why you may have found a lot of comments from me around but very little activity on the blog itself. Anyway, alot is going on with regard to the use of White Phosphorus and other such should-be-banned chemical weapons.The White House claims these weapons are used for "Conventional Uses" much like flashbangs- to blind

olivebranchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953450996626873865noreply@blogger.com2