Another great doco from Peter Taylors Generation Jihad series. Remember this? I wondered myself at the time. I never realised the ringleaders had enterd a guilty plea, nor the scope of their international contacts. I remember at the time I used to get loads of abuse in the comments sections of my youtube videos from hothead Muslim kids who happened to be from Toronto. These are all fascinating stories. I think they miss a more rounded explanation as to why these kids fall into terrorism but they are fascinating stories none the less.
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February 17, 2010
February 16, 2010
OSHO BOMB
I just caught up with news about the latest bombing of the German Bakery in Pune. I spent a bit of time in this place whilst I was looking into the Osho Ashram. To be honest, and I think I have said this before- I am surprised this sort of bombing against western tourists hasn't happened earlier. I was fully expecting a suicide bombing of the dancefloor in Goa years before the Mumbai attack.
If you just closed your eyes and sprayed an AK in a circle you'd hit x amount of Israelis in Goa, and probably kill off the sizeable amount of Israeli tourism to the area for years. Maybe they know that this would just make the Israeli government happy and they are reckoning a drug fucked, debauched Israeli is better than a fully functioning one.
"Abu Jindal" claims responsibility
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PRINCIPLES STUCK ON THE FENCE
I'm not sure if I am contradicting myself on this blog, but I feel like I should comment a bit more about this Moazzam Begg/Amnesty thing. I used to be totally anti torture. These days I am not so sure. How do you get a terrorist with a track record of attrocity to talk? I don't know. I am not saying I am pro torture, or that I think torture is a good idea. I'm saying I don't know. I would imagine the sort of person who is involved in torture would have a "they're all guilty" attitude. I probably wouldn't like them. But what if some information they got hold of prevented loss of innocent life? As I'm not in a position where my stances affect the day to day runnings of the war on terr-r I prefer not to take them.
I used to be a principled person. I used to think principles were valuable. These days I find myself almost annoyed at principled people from either side. Over the last few years I have shied away from too much opinion here, prefering just to link to subjects or items in the news which I found relevant. If I have an opinion on anything it usually ends up in the comments section of Pickled Politics or Rightwingsparkle (now Kathleen McKinley.com).
Do I miss being a principled person? Not really. Its very tempting to stick a flag in the ground or wave it about in the air. To "take a stand" on an issue or against another issue, but I question myself, things I read and things I see. Don't get me wrong- principles are important, until they become outmoded. But people always want you to take a side don't they. How can I if I don't have enough information on which to base an opinion?
For example, when I believed for a short while during the Hamza trial that I had some solid connections into another side of the story I took this to a major production company with a view to getting something made which was bigger than I could manage alone. I was asked my views on Hamza.
"I think he is either everything they say he is, or he is who he's saying he is at the trial." I said.
"You've got to come down of the fence a bit more than that." I was told.
Strange. Why? I visited Finsbury for years, but I wouldn't claim to know who Hamza is. Plenty of people with years less experience have made a lot of money saying who he is. How do they know? They are a fucking joke. I only know this because I was there. I never promised anyone I was fleetingly connected with that I would depict Hamza as innocent, just that my pride was such that if they would risk telling me their side of the story on camera, I was totally up for depicting what they said fairly and they were happy with that. Anyway none of that matters now.
Things in my life have encouraged me to take my time with my stances and opinions and if I don't know to say so, and to say so simply, with honesty and with as much pride as I used to take in any of the principles I used to stand on. I don't know. Simple.
Is Amnesty damaged by its relationship with Caged Prisoners? Possibly. Put it this way I am surprised the issue hasn't come up before. I would imagine a lot of Caged Prisoners readership believe Hamza was prosecuted for preaching Islam. This is an unacceptable view apparently, which in wider society leads people to believe Caged Prisoners supports terrorists.
As a bit of a barometer beyond my own comfortable perch on the fence, none of the journalists I have met have shown any concern about Moazzam Begg, though quite a few have questioned whether Caged Prisoners are supporting the right people. Amnesty is supposed to take a black and white view of torture, naughtiness, unacceptable behaviour. Connection with Caged Prisoners will be problematic. Of course it will. Moazaam and most of the people at AI are going to be quite righteously angry because for them torture should be top of the agenda and nothing else.
Speaking personally I have never had a problem with anyone from Caged Prisoners, and I don't think that anyone from that organisation I have met wants to threaten my way of life or the UK at all. I don't think they are campaigning for the loss of innocent life, but I fully understand that a lot of Muslims want a future that I don't want, and one that I would have quite a problem with. No one I have filmed with has any illusions about my personal beliefs. They just want fair representation of what they are saying. For the wider public to make informed opinions they need accurate information.
I can't see why Ghita Sahgal was sacked or why Amnesty should distance themselves from Moazzam Begg. Instutions should learn that there is nothing wrong with arguing in public. You are not a politician, you didn't want to be a politician. Relax. This is a live issue. We live in a world where thousands have died for "democracy" and many more thousnads as the victims of "democracy". Thousands have died for "jihad". Thousands have died as the victims of "jihad". It is important that I take a stand is it? OK then. I stand for everyone making peace.
Human rights are for all: Response to media article (Amnesty International)
The conscience stifled by Amnesty (Times)
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I used to be a principled person. I used to think principles were valuable. These days I find myself almost annoyed at principled people from either side. Over the last few years I have shied away from too much opinion here, prefering just to link to subjects or items in the news which I found relevant. If I have an opinion on anything it usually ends up in the comments section of Pickled Politics or Rightwingsparkle (now Kathleen McKinley.com).
Do I miss being a principled person? Not really. Its very tempting to stick a flag in the ground or wave it about in the air. To "take a stand" on an issue or against another issue, but I question myself, things I read and things I see. Don't get me wrong- principles are important, until they become outmoded. But people always want you to take a side don't they. How can I if I don't have enough information on which to base an opinion?
For example, when I believed for a short while during the Hamza trial that I had some solid connections into another side of the story I took this to a major production company with a view to getting something made which was bigger than I could manage alone. I was asked my views on Hamza.
"I think he is either everything they say he is, or he is who he's saying he is at the trial." I said.
"You've got to come down of the fence a bit more than that." I was told.
Strange. Why? I visited Finsbury for years, but I wouldn't claim to know who Hamza is. Plenty of people with years less experience have made a lot of money saying who he is. How do they know? They are a fucking joke. I only know this because I was there. I never promised anyone I was fleetingly connected with that I would depict Hamza as innocent, just that my pride was such that if they would risk telling me their side of the story on camera, I was totally up for depicting what they said fairly and they were happy with that. Anyway none of that matters now.
Things in my life have encouraged me to take my time with my stances and opinions and if I don't know to say so, and to say so simply, with honesty and with as much pride as I used to take in any of the principles I used to stand on. I don't know. Simple.
Is Amnesty damaged by its relationship with Caged Prisoners? Possibly. Put it this way I am surprised the issue hasn't come up before. I would imagine a lot of Caged Prisoners readership believe Hamza was prosecuted for preaching Islam. This is an unacceptable view apparently, which in wider society leads people to believe Caged Prisoners supports terrorists.
As a bit of a barometer beyond my own comfortable perch on the fence, none of the journalists I have met have shown any concern about Moazzam Begg, though quite a few have questioned whether Caged Prisoners are supporting the right people. Amnesty is supposed to take a black and white view of torture, naughtiness, unacceptable behaviour. Connection with Caged Prisoners will be problematic. Of course it will. Moazaam and most of the people at AI are going to be quite righteously angry because for them torture should be top of the agenda and nothing else.
Speaking personally I have never had a problem with anyone from Caged Prisoners, and I don't think that anyone from that organisation I have met wants to threaten my way of life or the UK at all. I don't think they are campaigning for the loss of innocent life, but I fully understand that a lot of Muslims want a future that I don't want, and one that I would have quite a problem with. No one I have filmed with has any illusions about my personal beliefs. They just want fair representation of what they are saying. For the wider public to make informed opinions they need accurate information.
I can't see why Ghita Sahgal was sacked or why Amnesty should distance themselves from Moazzam Begg. Instutions should learn that there is nothing wrong with arguing in public. You are not a politician, you didn't want to be a politician. Relax. This is a live issue. We live in a world where thousands have died for "democracy" and many more thousnads as the victims of "democracy". Thousands have died for "jihad". Thousands have died as the victims of "jihad". It is important that I take a stand is it? OK then. I stand for everyone making peace.
Human rights are for all: Response to media article (Amnesty International)
The conscience stifled by Amnesty (Times)
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February 13, 2010
BLOGGING
I missed a party- a rave in Dunravin st? How Ironic.
Obviously, whilst I have spent my time filming people with controversial views I haven't been that into sticking it to people of a different religious persuasion. One of my best bloggin mates is a Catholic. Having said that I do like and totally agree with what Stephen Fry is saying here at the The Intelligence² Debate. Christopher Hitchens speaks here. The Intelligence² site is here.
Otherwise I have been recording, or at least trying to. Its very hard to play my style of guitar along to a click but I'm glad I am finally giving it a go. Hopefully we'll be able to get some of the stuff we have been improvising for the last few years into some tracks along with a decent amount of synths and samples. Its heads down for the next coupla months.
Have I blogged about Baritones before? I think I have, but I never got round to buying one. I tried a Fernandes a long while back which was really deep and bell like in the lower tones and had an amazing sustain. There is a surprising amount of of choice when it comes to electrics, but virtually none for acoustics outside the expensive hand-made route. As my sound involves making loops and switching between acoustic and electric, I will probably need an acoustic baritone if I buy an electric. Who knows, I might end up exclusively playing baritones.
On this note I was wondering whether the guitar below might be the most convenient thing for me, as I could put in loops with the baritone and play along on the lead below. I can't imagine owning this guitar but it isn't that expensive and as its so obviously been such a labour of love for some Korean guy, I feel duty bound... Danelectro make a Baritone/Lead double neck as well but it isn't as pretty.
Obviously, whilst I have spent my time filming people with controversial views I haven't been that into sticking it to people of a different religious persuasion. One of my best bloggin mates is a Catholic. Having said that I do like and totally agree with what Stephen Fry is saying here at the The Intelligence² Debate. Christopher Hitchens speaks here. The Intelligence² site is here.
Otherwise I have been recording, or at least trying to. Its very hard to play my style of guitar along to a click but I'm glad I am finally giving it a go. Hopefully we'll be able to get some of the stuff we have been improvising for the last few years into some tracks along with a decent amount of synths and samples. Its heads down for the next coupla months.
Have I blogged about Baritones before? I think I have, but I never got round to buying one. I tried a Fernandes a long while back which was really deep and bell like in the lower tones and had an amazing sustain. There is a surprising amount of of choice when it comes to electrics, but virtually none for acoustics outside the expensive hand-made route. As my sound involves making loops and switching between acoustic and electric, I will probably need an acoustic baritone if I buy an electric. Who knows, I might end up exclusively playing baritones.
On this note I was wondering whether the guitar below might be the most convenient thing for me, as I could put in loops with the baritone and play along on the lead below. I can't imagine owning this guitar but it isn't that expensive and as its so obviously been such a labour of love for some Korean guy, I feel duty bound... Danelectro make a Baritone/Lead double neck as well but it isn't as pretty.
February 11, 2010
EXTREME MAH JONG
Middle-aged Shanghai residents are turning to ketamine, cocaine and methamphetamine to sustain them through marathon sessions of mahjong and cards, a state newspaper has warned...
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Charlie Wilson Dies
Former Texas congressman Charlie Wilson, the architect of the US support for anti-Soviet forces in Afghanistan and subject of the Hollywood movie Charlie Wilson's War, died today. He was 76.
If you haven't already do read George Criles book which is even more crazy than the film.
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February 10, 2010
MORE SCAG
Addicted in Afghanistan from Jawed Taiman on Vimeo.
This was filmed by Jason Brooks who did a music video for my band
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We Don't Torture: Update
David Miliband, Britain’s foreign secretary, on Wednesday lost his battle to prevent the publication of evidence relating to the alleged torture of a British resident at the behest of the American authorities eight years ago.
In a judgment that may test the intelligence sharing relationship between the US and UK, Britain’s Court of Appeal gave the green light for the publication of a seven paragraph summary of the alleged torture of Binyam Mohamed, a former Guantanamo detainee, in 2002...
Seven paragraphs on the FCO website
"The following seven paragraphs have been redacted
[It was reported that a new series of interviews was conducted by the United States authorities prior to 17 May 2001 as part of a new strategy designed by an expert interviewer.
v) It was reported that at some stage during that further interview process by the United States authorities, BM had been intentionally subjected to continuous sleep deprivation. The effects of the sleep deprivation were carefully observed.
vi) It was reported that combined with the sleep deprivation, threats and inducements were made to him. His fears of being removed from United States custody and “disappearing” were played upon.
vii) It was reported that the stress brought about by these deliberate tactics was increased by him being shackled in his interviews
viii) It was clear not only from the reports of the content of the interviews but also from the report that he was being kept under self-harm observation, that the inter views were having a marked effect upon him and causing him significant mental stress and suffering.
ix) We regret to have to conclude that the reports provide to the SyS made clear to anyone reading them that BM was being subjected to the treatment that we have described and the effect upon him of that intentional treatment.
x) The treatment reported, if had been administered on behalf of the United Kingdom, would clearly have been in breach of the undertakings given by the United Kingdom in 1972. Although it is not necessary for us to categorise the treatment reported, it could readily be contended to be at the very least cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by the United States authorities]"
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In a judgment that may test the intelligence sharing relationship between the US and UK, Britain’s Court of Appeal gave the green light for the publication of a seven paragraph summary of the alleged torture of Binyam Mohamed, a former Guantanamo detainee, in 2002...
Seven paragraphs on the FCO website
"The following seven paragraphs have been redacted
[It was reported that a new series of interviews was conducted by the United States authorities prior to 17 May 2001 as part of a new strategy designed by an expert interviewer.
v) It was reported that at some stage during that further interview process by the United States authorities, BM had been intentionally subjected to continuous sleep deprivation. The effects of the sleep deprivation were carefully observed.
vi) It was reported that combined with the sleep deprivation, threats and inducements were made to him. His fears of being removed from United States custody and “disappearing” were played upon.
vii) It was reported that the stress brought about by these deliberate tactics was increased by him being shackled in his interviews
viii) It was clear not only from the reports of the content of the interviews but also from the report that he was being kept under self-harm observation, that the inter views were having a marked effect upon him and causing him significant mental stress and suffering.
ix) We regret to have to conclude that the reports provide to the SyS made clear to anyone reading them that BM was being subjected to the treatment that we have described and the effect upon him of that intentional treatment.
x) The treatment reported, if had been administered on behalf of the United Kingdom, would clearly have been in breach of the undertakings given by the United Kingdom in 1972. Although it is not necessary for us to categorise the treatment reported, it could readily be contended to be at the very least cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by the United States authorities]"
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February 09, 2010
Also in The News...
An interesting follow up on the Amnesty/Caged prisoners story from David Aaronovitch in The Times How Amnesty Chose the Wrong Poster Boy
I have never spoken to Mozzam Begg, but others from Caged Prisoners who I have met on this journey come across as very nice people who don't threaten the UK. Would I like to live in an Islamic state? Noooo, but it doesn't shock or surprise me that Muslims want to live in one.
Dunrantin from my favourite Newspaper (who owe me money) "LEGAL aid chiefs have seized jailed hate preacher Abu Hamza's house in a massive victory for taxpayers"
Probably the most intriguing story via a comment on pickled politics here Declan Walsh's The mystery of Dr Aafia Siddiqui who I had heard about over the years but never knew she had been on trial in the States. A couple of things in Finsbury made me wonder whether the women weren't more extreme than the men, this women appears to have fought everyone the whole way.
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I have never spoken to Mozzam Begg, but others from Caged Prisoners who I have met on this journey come across as very nice people who don't threaten the UK. Would I like to live in an Islamic state? Noooo, but it doesn't shock or surprise me that Muslims want to live in one.
Dunrantin from my favourite Newspaper (who owe me money) "LEGAL aid chiefs have seized jailed hate preacher Abu Hamza's house in a massive victory for taxpayers"
Probably the most intriguing story via a comment on pickled politics here Declan Walsh's The mystery of Dr Aafia Siddiqui who I had heard about over the years but never knew she had been on trial in the States. A couple of things in Finsbury made me wonder whether the women weren't more extreme than the men, this women appears to have fought everyone the whole way.
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Generation Jihad
Some of the framework of the language around all this puzzles me still but I like Peter Taylors films. Do watch and see what you think. Generation Jihad
Also- How the Internet has taken over the world, or something like that- a new series. I think this chick is quite sexy. She has a really graceful walk which they film her doing all over the world and I like the way she nods at people when they are speaking to her. The Virtual Revolution
Also- How the Internet has taken over the world, or something like that- a new series. I think this chick is quite sexy. She has a really graceful walk which they film her doing all over the world and I like the way she nods at people when they are speaking to her. The Virtual Revolution
February 03, 2010
JIHAD
Finally read Omar Nasiris Inside The Global Jihad, which is probably the best book on the subject I have read in a while. An amazing and surprisingly amusing insight which I thought I'd better get round to reading, having heard about his impressions of Hamza and Qatada whist spying for the French and the British in London during the nineties. He manages to present the dichotomy of really enjoying training for jihad whilst secretly being a spy as a most natural thing.
"Omar" his last fake name of many, has a very clear definition of honourable jihad which he has held his whole life. In short, he believes in the Jihad of such people as Ahmad Shah Massoud. He is willing to work against Muslims he views as breaking these clear rules, whilst forming strong relationships with them at the same time.
Obviously I have read a bit around this subject but a few things still surprised me. For example I learnt that Al Qaeda (a name never heard by Omar whilst he was in the camps) were actually against the Taliban in principle because they thought their punishments were sadistic. Reading this book you feel for the young Chechens training in the camps in the nineties, and the parents who were trying to keep them out of the fight with the Russians.
All the usual questions are thrown up in this read. Has Bin Laden, in his global jihad directed against the "enemy far away" tarnished the ability of those who would fight a defensive war against invaders? Can the west accept no honourable jihad post 9/11? Does war and terror by its nature escalate beyond any honourable principles humans might try to subscribe to, culminating in events like Beslan? Is it possible to be an honourable jihadi or an honourable soldier for that matter?
"Omar" is probably the clearest authority I have read on this subject. He has formed his principles the hard way with no real help from anyone and his principles are compelling. Reading all this made me wonder whether peace in the "War on Terror" would be better pursued by ex soldiers and ex jihadis.
Omar articulates a really positive attitude as a Muslim in todays world. He knows better than most that the "War on Terr-r story" is not black and white. Neither Muslims who take to violence nor those who champion a military implementation of democracy should be judged on anything but the way they behave and Omar makes excuses for neither. An excellent, genuinely useful book, which I am sure would ecourage any Muslim contemplating a career as a spy to think twice!
Possibly related stuff I have been reading, may comment on later:-
Cage prisoners/Amnesty International trouble in The Sunday Times
and Mozzam Beggs response on Caged Prisoners here
Paula Newton on CNNs Security Files blog
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"Omar" his last fake name of many, has a very clear definition of honourable jihad which he has held his whole life. In short, he believes in the Jihad of such people as Ahmad Shah Massoud. He is willing to work against Muslims he views as breaking these clear rules, whilst forming strong relationships with them at the same time.
Obviously I have read a bit around this subject but a few things still surprised me. For example I learnt that Al Qaeda (a name never heard by Omar whilst he was in the camps) were actually against the Taliban in principle because they thought their punishments were sadistic. Reading this book you feel for the young Chechens training in the camps in the nineties, and the parents who were trying to keep them out of the fight with the Russians.
All the usual questions are thrown up in this read. Has Bin Laden, in his global jihad directed against the "enemy far away" tarnished the ability of those who would fight a defensive war against invaders? Can the west accept no honourable jihad post 9/11? Does war and terror by its nature escalate beyond any honourable principles humans might try to subscribe to, culminating in events like Beslan? Is it possible to be an honourable jihadi or an honourable soldier for that matter?
"Omar" is probably the clearest authority I have read on this subject. He has formed his principles the hard way with no real help from anyone and his principles are compelling. Reading all this made me wonder whether peace in the "War on Terror" would be better pursued by ex soldiers and ex jihadis.
Omar articulates a really positive attitude as a Muslim in todays world. He knows better than most that the "War on Terr-r story" is not black and white. Neither Muslims who take to violence nor those who champion a military implementation of democracy should be judged on anything but the way they behave and Omar makes excuses for neither. An excellent, genuinely useful book, which I am sure would ecourage any Muslim contemplating a career as a spy to think twice!
Possibly related stuff I have been reading, may comment on later:-
Cage prisoners/Amnesty International trouble in The Sunday Times
and Mozzam Beggs response on Caged Prisoners here
Paula Newton on CNNs Security Files blog
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February 02, 2010
TESTING TESTING
Nothing new to report as yet, still sorting out the technology :-)
Found some interesting links-
a Jamaican article about Sheikh Faisal being deported from Kenya
and an article in the Independent US waves white flag in disastrous 'war on drugs'
Also I have just finnished Edna Fernades' Holy Warriors which I thought was a really good book about the Political and religious struggles within India.
Review here
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Found some interesting links-
a Jamaican article about Sheikh Faisal being deported from Kenya
and an article in the Independent US waves white flag in disastrous 'war on drugs'
Also I have just finnished Edna Fernades' Holy Warriors which I thought was a really good book about the Political and religious struggles within India.
Review here
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January 27, 2010
THE MOTHERSHIP IS COMING
Finally getting round to recording which is good. Leaving the rum alone for a bit which is also good. I met up with Mr Waleed yesterday way out west. It was really nice to see Southall again as I haven't been over that way in ages.
"No one waits for the traffic lights to turn red before walking round here," he said as we crossed a road, "Everyone is driving illegal so they won't hit you!"
We had a really interesting chat over lunch about life "post ban". Saying that, although The London School of Shariah site which Mr Waleed's talks occasionally appeared on was banned, his own site slipped through the net, though he was telling me he thinks the whole situation is a good opportunity for a change in focus which he has felt brewing for a while. I'm not going into more detail yet as we filmed for about an hour and spoke about a whole range of stuff, so once I put a computer together I'll edit something so you can hear Mr Waleed speak for himself.
Although January is racing past I can feel a quiet determination to get things done this year. I'm in a good situation and I know what I want to do and what I need to change. I'm lucky to have health and opportunity.
I was chatting last weekend with an enthusiastic bunch of English raw foodists who have been living out in California. At 4 AM when my eyes were closing they were still full of energy so I have since armed myself with salad, nuts and grapefruit. I am taking it easy though. I ate some raw bread, raw butter and raw marmite last night and had a raw egg boiled in water for three minutes this morning. I tried eating salad every day before and I noticed I was happier so I will experiment carefully and see what happens.
Did I say I had turned veggie before Christmas? A Vegan Satanist friend of mine posted some video about how dairy cows are treated and I gave up milk, then he posted some stuff about fish having personalities so I stopped eating meat. There was thirteen different types of meat on the kitchen table Christmas day and I just ate nut roast and veg. I did cheat and have a bit of meat infused gravy which was the nicest thing I ate all day.
Ideologically I have been a vegetarian for a long while, I was just a hypocrite who ate meat. I couldn't kill anything, though we have unblocked the cat flap so these passing moggies can keep the mice down a bit. I think I am just getting my karma ready to hitch a ride on the mothership when it returns in 2012 innit.
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January 13, 2010
BAN DEM
So Mr Choudharys group has been banned under its current names. I heard that he and maybe twenty others had been interviewed by MI-5 for a number of months so maybe this isn't the knee jerk reaction to the Wooton Basset thing some news papers are touting it to be. I don't really want to stand up for Mr Choudhary as I don't agree with probably most of his views and he can speak for himself, that said I don't think a ban is a good idea, and I can't see it working.
Newsnight was vaguely interesting. I don't know why Mr Choudhary doesn't answer Majid Nawaz question about apostacy, if he is proud of Islamic law, and Islamic law says apostates should be killed why not say so? Majid's point about Choudhary receiving money from the government doesn't really mean a lot though does it? Surely this is two government sponsored people arguing with each other.
I do understand how "Moderate" Muslims might think Choudhary et al are causing them problems and I'm really not sure what the best thing is to do, but it is quite obvious from Paxman's body language that he doesn't find Mr Choudhary to be a scary person, and I never have done either. Their meetings aren't scary at all. People connected to terror have passed through his group? That is not a surprise. I am sure people passed through peaceful Irish Republican groups on their way to the IRA. Anyway lets see what happens.
As I have said before here, I did consider filming with Mr Choudhary a while back but I struggled with the concept of doing something useful which wouldn't end up rolling with the rest of the gravy. He suggested I make something about his work as judge of a Shariah court.
If you watch this edition to the end, thankfully there is something I would consider useful- Newsnight host a really interesting reunion between two of the "Tipton three" and one of their army jailors from Guantanamo
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Newsnight was vaguely interesting. I don't know why Mr Choudhary doesn't answer Majid Nawaz question about apostacy, if he is proud of Islamic law, and Islamic law says apostates should be killed why not say so? Majid's point about Choudhary receiving money from the government doesn't really mean a lot though does it? Surely this is two government sponsored people arguing with each other.
I do understand how "Moderate" Muslims might think Choudhary et al are causing them problems and I'm really not sure what the best thing is to do, but it is quite obvious from Paxman's body language that he doesn't find Mr Choudhary to be a scary person, and I never have done either. Their meetings aren't scary at all. People connected to terror have passed through his group? That is not a surprise. I am sure people passed through peaceful Irish Republican groups on their way to the IRA. Anyway lets see what happens.
As I have said before here, I did consider filming with Mr Choudhary a while back but I struggled with the concept of doing something useful which wouldn't end up rolling with the rest of the gravy. He suggested I make something about his work as judge of a Shariah court.
If you watch this edition to the end, thankfully there is something I would consider useful- Newsnight host a really interesting reunion between two of the "Tipton three" and one of their army jailors from Guantanamo
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January 09, 2010
NU YEAR
And a happy New Year one and all. Haven't written for ages I know. My computer blew up in a pretty spectacular fashion a month ago and I haven't been in a hurry to replace it. About six of the pins on the 20 pin connector between the motherboard and the power-pack actually fried themselves. I am not sure if the motherboard is bust or just the power-pack but I reckon its high time to upgrade anyway.
I spoke to Musa a while back who has recently lost his father. He was upset that the authorities didn't let Atilla out for his dads funeral. Hopefully he will come by soon and we can catch up. I am not sure if I am going to do any more filming this year, as I am concentrating a lot more on music. We did a really successful gig in Battersea for Acid Monkey, which was a really great party all round, heaving with 2 or 3 thousand people AND they got the bloody name right on the flyer! Probably our best audience ever, so thanks to all involved in getting us on the bill, and particularly to Orchid Star who it was really nice to hook up with again after many years.
I am recovering from xmas new year and my birthday which passed with lots of rum, so thanks to Wray and Nephews for that, and to the farmer for the knock out Calvados which is in the Pastis bottle on the right. I will be mainly focused on recording for the next coupla months but I will pop by.
Here is a really interesting chill mix for a mellow new year
Clifton's Cafeteria Winter '09 Mix by RandallRoberts
and just to pretend I am keeping my hand in here is an interesting article I found about division within Jihadi circles.
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I spoke to Musa a while back who has recently lost his father. He was upset that the authorities didn't let Atilla out for his dads funeral. Hopefully he will come by soon and we can catch up. I am not sure if I am going to do any more filming this year, as I am concentrating a lot more on music. We did a really successful gig in Battersea for Acid Monkey, which was a really great party all round, heaving with 2 or 3 thousand people AND they got the bloody name right on the flyer! Probably our best audience ever, so thanks to all involved in getting us on the bill, and particularly to Orchid Star who it was really nice to hook up with again after many years.
I am recovering from xmas new year and my birthday which passed with lots of rum, so thanks to Wray and Nephews for that, and to the farmer for the knock out Calvados which is in the Pastis bottle on the right. I will be mainly focused on recording for the next coupla months but I will pop by.
Here is a really interesting chill mix for a mellow new year
Clifton's Cafeteria Winter '09 Mix by RandallRoberts
and just to pretend I am keeping my hand in here is an interesting article I found about division within Jihadi circles.
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December 12, 2009
IS IT COLD OUTSIDE?
I don't really join in the Climate Change debate that much here, being a bit more War on terr-r based over the years but I do try and take an open minded interest in all sides and try to get my head round it all. I used to argue against climate change "Deniers" over on Sparkles blog. I felt quite justified just cos the US is a major polluter in anyone's book. I have never held a fully formed belief about the validity of the science, though I must admit I am wavering a bit. My point has always been a simple one- there are no pro pollution arguments. Its a good idea to reduce pollution.
I like going to Climate Camp, I like to experiment with ways of using less energy. I try not to drive if I can cycle or take public transport. If I get a van next year I will try to run it on waste vegetable oil. I am fairly anti-consumerism, I'm not really pro Capitalism in its current form.
Anyway do read Patrick James Henningsen's blog from Copenhagen: Copenhagen’s Climate Change Titanic Heading for An Iceberg which has become an item of debate over at Sparkles place here.
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I like going to Climate Camp, I like to experiment with ways of using less energy. I try not to drive if I can cycle or take public transport. If I get a van next year I will try to run it on waste vegetable oil. I am fairly anti-consumerism, I'm not really pro Capitalism in its current form.
Anyway do read Patrick James Henningsen's blog from Copenhagen: Copenhagen’s Climate Change Titanic Heading for An Iceberg which has become an item of debate over at Sparkles place here.
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ASWAT
..."A trial could be properly and fairly conducted without a breach of the defendant's ... rights," Judge Timothy Workman said in his ruling at Bow Street magistrates court.
The home secretary, Charles Clarke, now has two months to approve the extradition.
Defence lawyers argued that Mr Aswat should not be extradited becauses he faced an "overwhelming risk" of being held in solitary confinement without trial and cut off from his friends, family and legal representatives.
Mr Aswat did not comment as he watched the ruling from the back of the courtroom under police guard...
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The home secretary, Charles Clarke, now has two months to approve the extradition.
Defence lawyers argued that Mr Aswat should not be extradited becauses he faced an "overwhelming risk" of being held in solitary confinement without trial and cut off from his friends, family and legal representatives.
Mr Aswat did not comment as he watched the ruling from the back of the courtroom under police guard...
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December 11, 2009
PHONE IS CLICKING
I don't get this
A plan to allow phone tap evidence in courts was left in tatters today as a review said it was unworkable.
In a victory for MI5, Gordon Brown's proposal to introduce intercept evidence at criminal trials was quietly shelved as a report said it would cost billions. Critics said the decision marked another creeping extension of the Government's secret justice agenda.
It means that potentially important information gained via phone tap recordings and email interceptions will not be available to juries.
Surely if someone implicates themselves over the phone the bloody jury should hear about it. Why on earth not?
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A plan to allow phone tap evidence in courts was left in tatters today as a review said it was unworkable.
In a victory for MI5, Gordon Brown's proposal to introduce intercept evidence at criminal trials was quietly shelved as a report said it would cost billions. Critics said the decision marked another creeping extension of the Government's secret justice agenda.
It means that potentially important information gained via phone tap recordings and email interceptions will not be available to juries.
Surely if someone implicates themselves over the phone the bloody jury should hear about it. Why on earth not?
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