Penny's Computer

Google Earth finds Star of David on roof of Iran Air HQ

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:02:44 -0500

I can’t stop laughing. Thanks Alarabiya.

Italians cop 7 tons of Iranian explosives bound for Syria

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:41:23 -0400

Italy has taken time out from its busy schedule of eating, screwing and watching the Silvio Berlusconi comedy hour to commandeer 7 tons of T4 explosives headed from Iran to Syria. The weapons were hidden in shipping containers on a boat docked at the port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria.

Gotcha bitch!

Italian anti-mafia police, who made the seizure, are not sure whether or not the boat was stopped for technical reasons, or because part of the cargo was meant for Italy. As of now, that’s pretty all much anyone knows.

T4 explosives, also known as RDX explosives, are powerful weapons meant for military and industrial use. In the 90s the mafia used these to attack public officials. Now they will be used to embarrass Iran. Iran: If you’re going to send a present, try not to send it through a people whose culture has no understanding of personal bubbles or privacy. Everyone knows that no one gets through Italy without the paisanos copping a feel.

Dudes, this guy just burned us: Japan v. America Edition

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:10:26 -0400

This is what I live for. CBS News reports that former Japanese Democratic party leader Ichiro Ozawa just called us all morons. To put that in perspective to you, its like John McCain saying everyone in France walks like a gay duck.

“I like Americans, but they are somewhat monocellular, When I talk with Americans, I often wonder why they are so simple-minded…” Ozawa said.

Wait, there’s more. He was making a speech. It actually gets better.

“I don’t think Americans are very smart, but I give extremely high credit for democracy and choices by its people,” he said. “They chose a black president for the first time in U.S. history,” adding that he thought once that would never be possible.

France sacks up against al-Qaeda in Africa. World is tickled pink.

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:29:31 -0400

I like to keep an eye on the baddies of this world so that real Amuricanz can sleep well at night. Today we take a look at Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). They like to hang out in North African countries (like Mauritania, Mali and Algeria) and hold AQIM fund-raisers (kidnapping foreigners and running drugs)… because how else is Al-Qaeda going to by killings machines and what not?

The big deal recently is the fact that the French are getting involved in the fight against AQIM in Africa. Yes, those snail-eating, war-losing, “whatever, it doesn’t matter” mo-fos are sacking up because AQIM decided to kidnap some French people. According to Arab daily Alarabiya, French special forces recently staged an attack in Mali in search of one French national, and provided “technical and logistical support” to the Mauritanian army for one of their raids against AQIM as well.

Seriously, why does this matter? In February Defense Secretary Robert Gates dissed Europe hard at a NATO meeting by saying that the new peaceful Europe, while nice and all, is endangering the world:

“The demilitarization of Europe — where large swaths of the general public and political class are averse to military force and the risks that go with it — has gone from a blessing in the 20th century to an impediment to achieving real security and lasting peace in the 21st.”

In so many words, Gates asked Europe to help us out in our fight against Al-Qaeda and other various global goons. While, if I had to pick, I probably would not have asked the French to lend a hand (I’d pick Serbia…kidding, sorta) it’s better than nothing.

Italian PM Berlusconi says he is not a "play-boy" he is a "play-old"

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:34:01 -0400

Italian PM Berlusconi says he is not a "play-boy" he is a "play-old":

I’m not making fun of him, I’m just quoting. Not even my genius mind can make this nonsense up.

This during a speech to diplomats encouraging them to bring pretty women to Italy as Latin men know how to appreciate them. Again, this is hilarious, but its not a joke.

Check it: The New York Times interviews American hikers recently released from Iran.

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:25:00 -0400

Check it: The New York Times interviews American hikers recently released from Iran.

Hi! I'm a high school junior and I've been working on a documentary with a group of three others for the National History Day competition. The project requires us to research, analyze, and present an innovation in history, and we chose Al Qaeda's use of the internet as our innovation. I came across your blog one day when I was searching "jihad" on tumblr (I figured there was a possibility that jihadists use tumblr, too!) and that's when I started following you. I guess I was wondering what your connection to the Middle East is. Is it your job to specialize in the Middle East/Islamic terrorism? Thanks!

Mon, 10 May 2010 17:24:05 -0400

Hi Emily,

Your project sounds great! Its definitely something that I’ve been thinking about extensively.

In terms of connection to the Middle East, I don’t think mine is any closer than yours may be, but as Americans and citizens of the world its a connection close enough. Anyone concerned about security, global and domestic, should take an interest in the complexities of that region.

I’m a Columbia University Journalism School student, and to be honest, my specialization is not in any particular region, but in the way that states and global actors struggle for power, for better or for worse. It just so happens that when it comes to the US and the Middle East, its usually the worst, and as they say, “good news is good, bad news is better.”

In terms of al-Qaeda, power comes through violence and intimidation. For them, the internet isn’t just a way to recruit, its a place to exist… a location where they can show their stuff to the world (intimidate). An online presence is an amazing thing for them to have because a location is exactly what we are trying to deny them on the ground.

I hope that helps. Good luck on your project!

Times Square Bomber Analysis? Pakistani Taliban involved or no, those suckers need to be put down.

Fri, 07 May 2010 12:25:58 -0400

It is not yet clear whether the Pakistani Taliban had anything to do with Faisal Shahzad’s attempt to bomb Times Square, but either way, experts say the group is getting to big for its britches.

Let’s say that the Pakistani Taliban was, in fact, behind the plot. This would be a tremendous advancement for the group, once thought to have no capacity to do violence outside of its home country.

“It would be a game-changing development,” says Juan Zarate, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington. “You would now have a new, potential global actor coming out of western Pakistan to complement what Al Qaeda has been doing for 15 years.” (Christian Science Monitor)

Now let’s say the Pakistan Taliban had nothing to do with the bomb. Those in the know are still seeing a change on the ground. “The Pakistani Taliban have sustained themselves through alliances with any number of other militant groups, splinter cells, foot soldiers and guns-for-hire in the areas under their control.” One intelligence official said the group was becoming a “witch’s brew.” Times of India

What does this mean to us? It means that (shocker) there may be a downside to our increasingly global world of instant communication because NOW the baddies are getting together and making friends. Stankyouverymuch, internet.

Hakimullah Mehsud, the head of the Pakistani Taliban

On this day, Cinco de Mayo, lets honor all the wonderful things...

Wed, 05 May 2010 10:59:24 -0400

On this day, Cinco de Mayo, lets honor all the wonderful things our neighbor down South has given us… Cheech Marin, burritos, tequila etc. Today is a day to give back, so let’s learn about how we do that. Here is the Council on Foreign Relations’ podcast U.S. Security Assistance to Mexico: A View from the Hill

Kuwait is totally pissed at Iran

Mon, 03 May 2010 15:40:08 -0400

Kuwait is totally pissed at Iran:

And for good reason (allegedly)! This weekend Kuwait arrested a bunch of Iranians for spying all OVER them! One Kuwaiti politician, Mohammed Hayef, even wants to expel the Iranian ambassador.

“We hope that the government releases a statement on the issue and if it is true, the government must act decisively by asking the Iranian ambassador to leave Kuwait,” he said.

The two countries will exchange words through their diplomats in the coming days.

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah and Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi- this was when they were friends, see their friendly expressions!

"The international community went in together, and we will pull out together. If we do not then the..."

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:12:16 -0400

“The international community went in together, and we will pull out together. If we do not then the consequences, I am convinced, would be far more disastrous than the results of the September 11, 2001 attacks..Just looking at the map makes this clear. Right next door to Afghanistan is nuclear-armed Pakistan, and we have to assume that another neighbour, Iran, is also doing everything it can to become a nuclear power. If we fail to tackle nuclear disarmament properly, as we agreed to in Washington, and if we left Afghanistan without a plan, then the danger would increase a great deal that nuclear weapons and nuclear material could end up in the hands of extremist groups”

- German Chancellor Angela Merkel in an address to Parliament today. (Dawn.com)

Saudi Expert: Arabs Spend 5 Billion Dollars Annually on Magic and Sorcery

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:48:46 -0400

Saudi Expert: Arabs Spend 5 Billion Dollars Annually on Magic and Sorcery:

Which is probably about 1 trillion times less than Americans spend on junk food.

Al Jazeera coverage of the activities in of Al Qaeda in the...

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:38:44 -0400

Al Jazeera coverage of the activities in of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. My favorite is the fact that they point out that Al Qaeda is running drugs to raise money- not unusual, and not a bad idea.

Also FYI- In March, leaders of most of these countries met in Washington to discuss this whole mess with our State Department. Expect Algeria to have very cool new weapons and other such gear.

Chechen President Kadyrov celebrates the 1 year anniversary of end of terrorism in his republic.

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:54:59 -0400

Chechen President Kadyrov celebrates the 1 year anniversary of end of terrorism in his republic.:

Is this guy f***king serious?!

Russian Black Widows strike again: A woman blew herself up after killing a Dagestan policeman in an attempt to kill a police chief.

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:16:58 -0400

Russian Black Widows strike again: A woman blew herself up after killing a Dagestan policeman in an attempt to kill a police chief.

Somali Minister of Parliament says Al-Qaeda scouting for space to relocate bases to Somalia.

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:12:53 -0400

Somali Minister of Parliament says Al-Qaeda scouting for space to relocate bases to Somalia.:

Treasury Minister Abdirahman Omar Osman says that the Somali government has received credible information that 12 senior Al-Qaeda members arrived in the country through Yemen and Eritrea with the hope of relocating their bases, under pressure in Iraq and Afghanistan, to Somalia. While Somali media was not provided with information as to the national origin of these Al-Qaeda members, Yemen has confirmed that many members of the group have left for Somalia, fleeing government offensives in the north. (Garowe Online)

"Obama made these latest remarks because he is inexperienced and an amateur politician,”..."

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:44:03 -0400

““Obama made these latest remarks because he is inexperienced and an amateur politician,” Ahmadinejad said on Iranian television. “American politicians are like cowboys. Whenever they have legal shortcomings, their hands go to their guns.””

- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, being particularly catty because Obama included Iran and North Korea as exceptions to the new U.S. “nukes in defense only” rule.

Russia Today coverage of government protests in Kyrgysztan. 17...

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:35:11 -0400

Russia Today coverage of government protests in Kyrgysztan. 17 are dead after demonstrators converged at the capital during what was supposed to be a peaceful show of dissent against the government of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. Don’t worry though, the Kyrgysztanis are old hat at this. Bakiyev came into office this same way in 2005.

Oh, P.S. the U.S. uses this country as a fueling base on the way to Afghanistan. That’s why we care.

Former UN Envoy calls Hamid Karzai a heroine user on MSNBC....

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:00:53 -0400

Former UN Envoy calls Hamid Karzai a heroine user on MSNBC. US/UN + Afghanistan = Love!

Please sing: I am 16 going on 17, suicide bombing...

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:12:38 -0400

Please sing: I am 16 going on 17, suicide bombing sooooonnnn.

Dzhennet Abdurakhmanova (above) was 17 until she blew herself up in the Moscow subway system on Monday. She is a “Black Widow,” meaning her husband was an anti-government fighter, with suspected ties to Doku Umarov, killed by Russian forces. Click through for the Al Jazeera article.