Asia Times - The War on Terrorism

<html> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://atimes.com:80/atimes/War_and_Terror.html","20030401195440","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1049226880"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <title>Asia Times - The War on Terrorism</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=windows-1250"> <meta name="keywords" content="Asia Times Asian news Online middle east southeast central china japan korea international daily terrorism war afghanistan iraq iran pakistan"> <meta name="description" content="Asia Times Online. The Asia News Hub providing the latest news and analysis regarding economics, events and trends in business, economy and politics throughout Asia."> <meta name="AUTHOR" content="Asia Time Online"> <meta name="COPYRIGHT" content="Asia Times Online"> <meta name="EXPIRES" content="0"> <meta name="Distribution" content="Global"> <meta name="Resource-Type" content="Document"> <meta name="Revisit-after" content="1 days"> <meta name="Robots" content="index, follow"> <meta name="Language" content="en-us"> <meta name="Rating" content="general"> <link href="/web/20030401195440cs_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/atimes.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <link rel="SHORTCUT ICON" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440im_/http://www.atimes.com/favicon.ico"> <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="/web/20030401195440js_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/atimes.js"></script> </head> <body vlink="#003399" alink="#003399" link="#003399" bgcolor="#ffffff" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="782" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" align="left" width="775"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td width="284" height="81"><img height="81" alt="Asia Times - Daily News" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/atime_logo1.gif" width="284"></td> <td valign="center" align="middle" height="81"> <table height="60" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="468" align="center" border="0"> <tr> <td width="468" height="60"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/advertise.html" target="_blank"><img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/direction-ad-2.gif" border="0"></a></td></tr></table></td></tr> <tr> <td width="284"><img height="53" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/atime_logo2.gif" width="284"></td> <td><img height="53" alt="Asia Times Online" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/mid_top.jpg" width="492" usemap="#Map" border="0"></td></tr></table></td> <td width="7" background="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/sha.gif"><img height="7" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="7"></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle" width="118" bgcolor="#003366"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="118" border="0"> <tr> <td><img height="7" alt="" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/main_links_01.gif" width="118"></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page.html"><img height="14" alt="" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/frintpage.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><img height="14" alt="" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/main_links_03.gif" width="118"></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/China.html"><img height="13" alt="People&amp;apos;s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/china.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia.html"><img height="14" alt="Southeast Asia - Myanmar, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/southeasta.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia.html"><img height="14" alt="South Asia - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/southa.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Japan.html"><img height="15" alt="Japan" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/japan.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Korea.html"><img height="13" alt="Korea" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/korea.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia.html"><img height="14" alt="Central Asia" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/cen_a.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><img height="15" alt="" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/main_links_10.gif" width="118"></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East.html"><img height="13" alt="Middle East" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/mideast.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror.html"><img height="14" alt="War on Terrorism" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/wandt.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><img height="15" alt="" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/main_links_13.gif" width="118"></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Business_in_Brief.html"><img height="14" alt="Business in Brief" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/binb.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Asian_Economy.html"><img height="14" alt="Asian Economy" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/asiane.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy.html"><img height="14" alt="Global Economy" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/globale.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><img height="14" alt="" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/main_links_17.gif" width="118"></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Letters.html"><img height="12" alt="Letters to the Editor" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/letters.gif" width="118" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td><img height="7" alt="" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/main_links_19.gif" width="118"></td></tr></table></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle" height="10"><img height="10" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="1"></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/others/newsletter.htm"><img height="49" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/register_button.gif" width="111" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle" height="10"><img height="10" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="1"></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/whatsnew.html"><img height="49" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/what_news.gif" width="111" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle" height="10"><img height="10" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="1"></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle"><a href="javascript:Currency();"><img height="49" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/currency-logo.gif" width="111" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle" height="10"><img height="10" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="1"></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/book_reviews.html"><img height="49" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/books_logo.gif" width="111" border="0"></a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> ATol Specials <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/DH17Ak03.html">Iraq: In all but name the war's on</a> (Aug 17) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/others/Getting_Saddam.html"><img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes/images/Saddam-small-2.gif" border="0"></a>   </div></td></tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/others/Osama.html"><img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/Osama-logo-small-4.gif" border="0"></a></div></td></tr> <tr> <td> 4<a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/others/Kabul_diary.html">Kabul Diary</a>     by Pepe Escobar     Nov-Dec 2001</td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td> <div align="center">  </div></td></tr> <tr> <td> <div align="left">4<a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/others/iran_diary.html">Iran Diary</a>     by Pepe Escobar     May-June 2002</div></td></tr> <tr> <td> 4<a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/others/iraq_diary.html">Iraq Diary</a>     by Pepe Escobar     March-April 2002</td></tr></table></td> <td valign="top"> <table height="31" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle" background="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/top_bg.gif"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr valign="top" align="middle"> <td width="25%"> <div align="center"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/archive.asp"><img height="18" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/archive.gif" width="110" border="0"></a></div></td> <td width="25%"> <div align="center"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/about.html"><img height="18" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/about.gif" width="110" border="0"></a></div></td> <td width="25%"> <div align="center"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/contact.html"><img height="18" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/contact.gif" width="110" border="0"></a></div></td> <td width="25%"> <div align="center"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/advertise.html"><img height="18" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/advertise.gif" width="110" border="0"></a></div></td></tr></table></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td width="10"> </td> <td valign="top" align="left" width="510"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="368"><img height="79" alt="War and Terror" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/war_top.gif" width="373"></td> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="center" align="middle" height="51"> <div align="right"> <script language="javascript"> function showDate(){ var monthArray=["Jan", "Feb", "Mar", "Apr", "May", "Jun", "Jul", "Aug", "Sep", "Oct", "Nov", "Dec"] var days=["Sunday", "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday"] var d=new Date(); var month=d.getMonth() var day=d.getDate() var year=d.getYear() // document.write("Today is " + days[d.getDay()] + " ") document.write(monthArray[month]) document.write(" ") document.write(day) document.write(", ") if(d.getYear()<2000){document.write(year+1900)} if(d.getYear()>2000){document.write(year)} } </script> <script language="javascript">showDate()</script> </div></td></tr></table></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="65%"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="left" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="74%"></td> <td valign="top" width="26%"></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="74%"> <table style="WIDTH: 356px; HEIGHT: 741px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="356" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="356"> By July-August 2001, it was clear that something dramatic was about to happen. Pepe Escobar, our "Roving Eye", was traveling in Afghanistan and the tribal areas of Pakistan. The rumor was that US forces were about to use Pakistan to launch a raid into Afghanistan. Escobar's article, published by Asia Times Online on August 30, 2001, was headlined  <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/CH30Df01.html" target="_blank">Get Osama! Now! Or else ...</a> Our Karachi correspondent, Syed Saleem Shazad, was meanwhile filing articles like<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/CH22Df02.html" target="_blank"> Osama bin Laden: The thorn in Pakistan's flesh</a> (August 22, 2001) ... <hr> March 2003 ANALYSIS <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC29Ak01.html">Could Saddam still win?</a> Saddam Hussein's strategy, as is now evident after more than a week of fighting, is to sacrifice open spaces but hold urban areas and conduct guerrilla-style harassment operations in coalition rearguard areas. This promises a long and bloody war. But defeat under such circumstances could turn out to be Saddam's ultimate victory. - Marc Erikson (Mar 28, '03) ANALYSIS <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC29Ak02.html">The make-believe and the real war </a>The possibility that the Iraqis might have learnt the right lessons from their humiliating defeat of 1991 and incorporated them into their self-defense strategy seem to have been overlooked by the coalition commanders (and a few commentators to boot). Overlooked also are the effects that demonizing Saddam Hussein and harping on about weapons of mass destruction have had on the Iraqi military. - B Raman (Mar 28, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC29Ak07.html ">The battle for Shi'ite hearts and minds</a> For Iraqi Shi'ites, Arab nationalism - and especially the Ba'ath Party version adapted by Saddam Hussein - is nothing but undisguised Sunni domination. But they do not trust the Americans to liberate them as they view Washington as hostile to Shi'ite Iran, to the Shi'ites in Syria and Lebanon, and only interested in oil in Shi'ite southern Iraq. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 28, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC29Ak06.html">Southern discomfort </a>Coalition forces are having a hard time of stamping their control over the Shi'ite south of Iraq, where resistance had been expected to be light. And even once they do gain control, foreign troops have been warned by the exiled leader of the main armed opposition group of Iraqi Shi'ites that they are not welcome in the post-Saddam era. The fight will be resumed. - Hooman Peimani (Mar 28, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC29Ak04.html">Temperature rises in the north</a> An increasing number of US troops, including some 1,000 paratroopers, are being airlifted into Iraq's effectively autonomous Kurdish north. At the same time, Iraqi forces positioned across the demarcation line that separates Kurdistan from the rest of the country are enduring continued air raids. A battle beyond Baghdad looms. (Mar 28, '03)  <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/EC29Ae03.html">'After Baghdad, Yangon'</a> Nearly everywhere outside the United States itself, ordinary people oppose America's "shock and awe" campaign to rid Iraq of Saddam Hussein. But in a small border town in Thailand, a motley collection of ethnic dissidents from Myanmar gathered to cheer George W Bush on. Said one, his face glued to the TV screen watching bombs rain on Baghdad: "I hope that when the US is finished with Iraq, it'll do the same in Burma." - Nelson Rand (Mar 28, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC28Ak05.html">For whom the Iraqi bell tolls </a> Young Hamad has every reason to despise Saddam Hussein, having lost his father and uncles to the Iraqi regime, and having been forced to seek exile in Jordan for fear of losing his own life. But, like thousands of others, he has chosen to return to his homeland to fight for Saddam. He tells Paul Belden why. (Mar 27, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC28Ak01.html ">A coalition of weakness </a> The recently renamed "Coalition to Disarm Iraq" is Washington's only opportunity to salvage a semblance of international legitimacy for war. A closer look at the coalition shows that the majority of the nations provide little diplomatic or economic strength or troops and many countries have human rights records that rival Saddam Hussein's. (Mar 27, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Japan/EC28Dh01.html">Japan plans for postwar Iraq </a> While the Japanese public, according to most polls, remains opposed to the US-led war in Iraq, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is forging ahead with plans to help Washington pay for the war and to deploy peacekeeping troops after Saddam Hussein is ousted. It's far from smooth sailing, though, as long as the United Nations is out of the picture. - Axel Berkofsky (Mar 27, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC27Ak05.html">The 'Palestinization' of Iraq </a> Palestinians have long been the torchbearers of Arab suffering in their struggles with Israel. But now, Arabs in other countries, fired by the on-going Iraqi resistance, are starting to ask serious questions about their own repressive and unenlightened governments. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 26, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC27Ak03.html">Politics and war, Iraqi style </a> When war becomes the purpose of a state, as is the case in the Iraq that Saddam Hussein built, only military action by some superior power can bring this situation to a close. The test comes, though, in ensuring that in creating a new state, war does not once again become an underlying force. - Stephen Blank (Mar 26, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC27Ak04.html">A showcase for Rumsfeld's vision of warfare </a> As the war unfolds in Iraq, despite mounting casualties and other setbacks, it bears all the hallmarks of the "revolution in military affairs" sought by US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. (Mar 26, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC27Ak01.html">'Silver bullets' that kill, and kill again </a> The US military is particularly fond of depleted uranium "silver bullets" that allow a tank to fire from a distance and achieve penetration while remaining out of reach of enemy fire. War veterans of the 1991 Gulf War and Iraq citizens are less convinced, though, blaming the munitions for lethal side effects. (Mar 26, '03) ANALYSIS <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC26Ak01.html">The Baghdad Goetterdaemmerung scenario</a> The headlong dash of US-led forces to Baghdad is nearly over, with battle for the capital soon to be joined. There can be no doubt as to the outcome. The question is, at what cost in human lives? The bloody battle of Berlin in the final days of World War II shows what can happen when a megalomaniac faces defeat. - Marc Erikson (Mar 25, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC26Ak06.html">Jihad in Mesopotamia</a> Beyond the elite Republican and Special Republican Guards, the paramilitary Fedayeen and a complex alliance of Bedouin tribes, Saddam Hussein can rely on support from separate commandos made up of Algerians, Palestinians and Afghan-Arabs mujahideen who have  taken up the cause of a new jihad in Iraq. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 25, '03) COMMENTARY <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC26Ak03.html">War and the 'deluge' of terror </a>Many have predicted that the war in Iraq will give rise to armies of anti-United States, anti-West,  extremists bent on a new wave of attacks around the world. This view, though, is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of terrorism in general, and of Islamist extremist terrorism in particular. (Mar 25, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC26Ak02.html">Kurds: Survival first, independence second </a>Kurdish separatism has long been a factor in Turkey's history and explains Ankara's concerns that the war in Iraq may once again stir a drive for independence. For many Kurds, however, the biggest concern is simple survival. (Mar 25, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC25Ak06.html">Free press and the face of war</a> As the war drags on and the fighting begins to take its deadly toll, television stations are right on hand to record the pain and anguish and the real news as it breaks. Arab television stations, that is. - Paul Belden (Mar 24, '03) ANALYSIS <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC25Ak01.html">High-risk dash - Baghdad by Wednesday?</a> The US-led forces' high-speed advance on Baghdad is on target, while Iraqi plans to mount principal defenses around and in Baghdad are well known. Marc Erikson looks at a snippet of history as a guide to how the expected battle for Baghdad may play out. (Mar 24, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC25Ak06.html">Free press and the face of war</a> As the war drags on and the fighting begins to take its deadly toll, television stations are right on hand to record the pain and anguish and the real news as it breaks. Arab television stations, that is. - Paul Belden (Mar 24, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC25Ak02.html">Iran's neutrality on the line</a> If Iraqis continue to use Iranian soil as a safe haven and if the Turks carry through with their saber-rattling in northern Iraq, Tehran, despite its stated neutrality in the conflict on its border, will unlikely be able to remain on the fence for too long. - Hooman Peimani (Mar 24, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC25Ak03.html">US ignores Turkey's grey wolves at its peril</a> Viewed from Washington's perspective, Turkey has proved, at best, a very reluctant partner of limited value in the current war. But the worst thing that the United States could do would be to disregard Ankara, especially with regard to the future of northern Iraq and US interests there. - K Gajendra Singh (Mar 24, '03) <table class="" id="table1" style="WIDTH: 355px; HEIGHT: 304px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="355" border="3"> <tr> <td class="" valign="top" bordercolor="orangered" align="left" bgcolor="gainsboro" height="0">BUSINESS BOOMS, FOR SOME (Mar 24, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/China/EC25Ad04.html ">'Prince of Darkness' in the spotlight</a> Richard Perle, the most powerful neo-conservative outside the Bush administration, is coming under increasing scrutiny for deals in which there is the distinct odor of conflict of interest. The latest controversy revolves around Perle lobbying for Hutchison Whampoa - the "enemy". - Jim Lobe <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC25Ak04.html">Sharing the spoils of war</a> Plans for economic and humanitarian aid for post-Saddam Hussein Iraq are well advanced, with multibillion contracts and relief programs drawn up. What is not as clear, and a sticking point among those lining up to help, is when - if at all - the US will transfer its interim control of the country to an agency of the United Nations. - David Isenberg</td></tr></table> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC23Ak01.html ">US races against time and sandstorms</a> Little about this war has gone according to predictions, with US-led ground forces in action right from the start. Now they are racing to occupy Baghdad before the great unpredictable, the weather, intervenes. - B Raman (Mar 22, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak08.html">Jordan opens up Iraq's western front </a> Jordan is being pulled in opposite directions. On the one hand it relies heavily on Baghdad for vital oil supplies and trade. On the other hand it will need massive US largesse to recoup war losses. A huge and "unofficial" buildup of US tanks and troops in eastern Jordan, then, provides a strong clue as to how the Jordanians are handling the dilemma. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 21, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak07.html ">Iraqi exiles in Jordan: Hopes and fears </a>In a small hotel in Amman, Iraqis gathered to watch the war in their homeland unfold on al-Jazeera and CNN, anxiously awaiting news from loved ones. Paul Belden watched and waited with them. (Mar 21, '03) ANALYSIS <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak01.html ">So far, so odd</a> Talk about a low-key start to a war: certainly no "shock and awe", more like "aw-shucks". So, what's going on? The clues, writes Marc Erikson, add up to a high-profile combined psy-war/diplomatic offensive, while "shock and awe" are temporarily held in check. (Mar 21, '03) <table class="" id="table1" style="WIDTH: 354px; HEIGHT: 92px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="354" border="2"> <tr> <td class="" valign="top" bordercolor="black" align="left" height="0">FOLLOW THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak02.html "><img hspace="3" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/target-thumb.gif" align="left" vspace="3" border="0"></a>ATol keeps you abreast of events in Iraq in graphic detail. <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak02.html ">Click here</a> for our interactive map and summaries.</td></tr></table> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak03.html">Splits emerge over post-Saddam plan</a> The neo-conservatives in the US administration favor a full-scale invasion and occupation of Iraq that will destroy the Ba'ath Party once and for all and allow other hostile "dominoes" in the region to be knocked over. Taking out Saddam Hussein with the first salvo of the war could have spoiled those plans. Luckily, the cruise missiles seem to have missed him. - Jim Lobe (Mar 21, '03) COMMENTARY <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak04.html">The battle for the Arab mind</a> The United States, having failed in earlier attempts to muzzle the Qatar-based al-Jazeera television network, has adopted a "softly-softly" approach in which damage control rather than confrontation is the order of the day. - Ehsan Ahrari (Mar 21, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/China/EC22Ad01.html">Beijing nurtures its regional influence</a> China is now beginning to feel comfortable speaking on behalf of East Asia, especially when opposing the US-led invasion of Iraq. Phar Kim Beng argues that Beijing's increasingly audible moral arguments are aimed at keeping Southeast Asia thinking of China as a dove and the US as a hawk, thus keeping Washington out of China's sphere of influence. (Mar 21, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/China/EC21Ad01.html">China goes down with UN defeat</a> By going to war without the blessing of the United Nations, the United States has severely diluted the power of the UN, power on which China - with its permanent Security Council seat and veto power - had relied on to restrain the US. Too late, it has become apparent that this reliance on a 50-year-old institution, while real power has shifted to the G7, has left China out in the cold. - Francesco Sisci (Mar 20, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC21Ak02.html">A new war beyond the war</a> The war in Iraq is a non-contest in the sense that the US has the undisputed military muscle to get its way. The war that comes next, though, will be harder to win, as Afghanistan is already proving. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Mar 20, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC21Ak01.html ">D Day and after</a> In the immediate and short terms following the start of the war, there is a strong possibility of anti-US demonstrations and terrorist attacks in a number of regions, with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Egypt of particular concern. - B Raman (Mar 20, '03)  <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC21Ak06.html">Costs of war by far outweigh benefits</a> America may enjoy a quick victory in Iraq, but it will still be a major loss for the future of American foreign policy. President George W Bush's decision to abandon international organizations and valuable alliances has thrown both American influence and global security into the rubbish bin. - Jim Lobe (Mar 20, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC21Ak03.html ">Vulnerability fears and the hubris of victory</a> The United States' world leadership role is entirely uncontested in the realms of military prowess and economic strength. If the hubris stemming from "liberating" Iraq becomes a driving force of US foreign policy, then there is no stopping for the lone superpower. - Ehsan Ahrari (Mar 20, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC21Ak04.html ">Terrorism and proliferation: The new threats</a> The nexus between terrorism and weapons of mass destruction is not new, but the increasingly rapid development and diffusion of technology have created a world in which anyone can threaten or attack anything from anywhere. Hence, it is crucial to sever the ties between terrorist organizations and proliferating states. - Stephen Blank (Mar 20, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC20Ak06.html ">Another Gulf War, another al-Qaeda</a> In a fulfillment of the law of unintended consequences, the second Gulf War may well spawn a second generation of terrorists even more determined than al-Qaeda to evict US forces from the Middle East, thus defeating the very purposes for which it is about to be fought. - Ahmad Faruqui (Mar 19, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC20Ak07.html">This war is brought to you by ...</a> The war on Iraq is about global preeminence for the United States, if not world domination - military, economic, political and cultural. This is the agenda that the influential Washington neoconservatives have pushed for some years, with September 11 providing the trigger that they needed to justify their attack on Afghanistan, and then Iraq. Other countries will follow, consequences be damned. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 19, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Japan/EC20Dh01.html ">Koizumi: US ties beat out public opinion</a> More fearful of an angry Bush administration than an angry Japanese public, President Junichiro Koizumi has officially supported the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq - but sorry, no logistical support. Oh, and don't ask Japan to help foot the bill this time, he has told the US. Axel Berkofsky doubts Washington will listen. (Mar 19, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC20Ak05.html">Israel at the ready</a> Having taken some hits from Saddam Hussein last time around in 1991, and not responding, Israel is better prepared now for the war in Iraq. Some might even say too prepared. (Mar 19, '03) COMMENT <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC20Ak04.html ">Now we're all ugly Americans</a> As an expatriate, Gary LaMoshi often felt compelled to defend America's core values. But Washjington's decision to attack Iraq undermines those values of democracy, responsibility and working for a peaceful and just world. (Mar 19, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC20Ak02.html">Lessons from Libya </a>Seventeen years ago the United States bombed Libya in retaliation for a series of terror attacks linked to that country and its leader, Muammar Gaddafi. The attack failed miserably in achieving any of Washington's goals. Now, for Libya and Gaddafi, read Iraq and Saddam. (Mar 19, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/EC20Ae01.html">Indonesia braces for economic battle </a>Baghdad won't be the only casualty when the United States launches its war on Iraq. In predominantly Muslim Indonesia, business is already dreading the fallout: possible political upheaval, rising anti-Americanism, and boycotts of and pullouts by badly needed foreign investors. - Tony Sitathan (Mar 19, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/EC20Dj01.html">French fear US 'payback' </a>They aren't getting on very well in the diplomatic arena, but the fact remains that the US is France's biggest commercial partner. Now French businesses fear that they will be the ones to feel the sting of US anger over everything French. (Mar 19, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC20Ak01.html">OPEC prevails in the short term</a> The oil market has been calmed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' latest reassurances, but in the aftermath of war in Iraq, neighboring countries could be dragged into crises, conflicts and instability with long-term effects on their oil exports, and consequently on the global price of oil. - Hooman Peimani (Mar 19, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC19Ak04.html">US to win a Pyrrhic victory</a> The question is not whether the US will win the war in Iraq, but how soon. Victory, though, will not contribute to enhanced peace and security for the US, Israel or the rest of the international community as long as the aspirations of the region's people are ignored. - B Raman (Mar 18, '03) COMMENTARY <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC19Ak03.html">Contradictory visions of American power</a> There is little doubt that many Americans have been persuaded into viewing the invasion of Iraq as a necessary aspect of ridding the world of the scourge of global terrorism. There is also little doubt that many in the international community see the war as the start of an American imperium. Both sides can't be right. - Ehsan Ahrari (Mar 18, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC18Ak03.html">The moment of truth - and lies</a> After all the months of guessing and second-guessing, argument and counter-argument, the United States-led showdown with Saddam Hussein has entered its final and deadly phase, with debate on the legality and morality or otherwise of war of academic interest alone. History alone will be the judge. -Pepe Escobar (Mar 17, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC18Ak04.html"> </a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC18Ak05.html">A star-spangled flag to the bull </a>One of the express goals of the "war on terror" was to find a way to end the phenomenon of anti-Americanism being used in the Muslim world as a "safety valve" for people's anger and frustration over the failings of their own governments. The weekend's protests in Jordan made clear that this phenomenon has never been so strong. - Paul Belden (Mar 17, '03)<a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC18Ak01.html "> <table class="" id="table1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" width="100%" border="1"> <tr> <td class="" valign="top" bordercolor="red" align="left" height="0">IRAQ BEYOND SADDAM <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC18Ak01.html ">Upheaval, any upheaval, will do </a>Should Washington's oft-expressed conviction that Iraq will be the first "domino" to fall in what will become a democratic revolution across the Arab Middle East not materialize, the alternative - fragmentation and disintegration of Arab states - might be just as desirable. - Jim Lobe (Mar 17, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC18Ak02.html ">Short-term gain, long-term pain </a>Given the US's record, reform of Iraq's governing structures will receive little US attention, leaving the country as a potential source of violence, instability and weapons of mass destruction procurement in the medium to long term. - David Isenberg (Mar 17, '03)</td></tr></table></a> JAPAN'S GRAND GAME About 80 percent of Japanese oppose war in Iraq, but about 100 percent are worried about North Korea. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is hoping to turn those numbers to his advantage, by siding with US policy in both areas. While Purnendra Jain reports that Tokyo is missing an opportunity to enhance its status as a diplomatic force in the region, J Sean Curtin notes that while Koizumi has indeed bought into a high-stakes poker game, the Japanese PM is a shrewd and seasoned player. (Mar 17, '03)     <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Japan/EC18Dh01.html">Japan's wrong-headed Korea move</a>     <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Japan/EC18Dh02.html">Koizumi trades Baghdad for Pyongyang</a> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Korea/EC15Dg01.html">Miscalculation the greatest Korea war risk</a> Numerous, perhaps most, wars in history have started as the result of misestimation of enemy intentions and strength, uncontrolled and reckless escalation of tension, or sheer accident. Should war break out again on the Korean Peninsula, it will be no different. In the conclusion of a two-part series, Marc Erikson debunks the myth that North Korea is a military paper tiger. (Mar 14, '03)    <bullet>   <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes/images/french2.gif" align="left" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC15Ak01.html"> rench fried</a> Anti-French sentiment is running pretty high in the US at present as Paris dares to cross Washington at the UN. Beyond the ribald jokes and cheap shots, though, there is concern that the spat could do permanent damage to the North Atlantic-dominated multilateral system created after World War II. - Jim Lobe (Mar 14, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC15Ak02.html">Military buildup, by the numbers</a> <img hspace="3" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/ME-map-thumb.gif" align="right" vspace="3" border="0"> In terms of sheer numbers, the air, ground and sea forces of the United States and the United Kingdom that are closing in on Iraq are by far the biggest ever assembled in the region. Iraq's military, by contrast, is a shadow of its former self. - Ian Urbina (Mar 14, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC14Ak05.html">Inside Saddam's mind </a>Saddam Hussein has visions of leaving his imprint on the coming centuries. He wants to be a King Gilgamesh who, 26 centuries before Christ, ruled over the city of Uruk - the superpower of the time. He wants to be a Saladin, the 12th century liberator of Jerusalem. He wants to be enshrined forever in Arab mythology. He will more likely get betrayal, and an ignominious death. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 13, '03) <table class="" id="table1" style="WIDTH: 355px; HEIGHT: 404px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="355" border="1"> <tr> <td class="" valign="top" bordercolor="black" align="left" height="0">IRAQ BEYOND SADDAM (Mar 13, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC14Ak03.html">The search for regional security </a>One important and neglected issue in any post-Saddam Hussein scenario is how an altered Iraq could make the region more stable and secure. This essay discusses past US policy<img hspace="3" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes/images/tiles.gif" align="right" vspace="3" border="0"> toward the area, and ideas for future efforts to promote regional peace and prosperity. <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC14Ak02.html">Bush's 'morning after' headache</a> The Bush administration will not be drawn into debate on just how much war on Iraq and subsequent nation-building will cost. Which makes many on Capitol Hill wonder just what it is, then, that the administration has to hide. <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC14Ak01.html ">Ba'ath Party will need a role</a> Political power in Iraq is concentrated in a one-party apparatus dominated by Saddam Hussein and the Ba'ath Party, which has more than 2 million supporters. The role of the party, therefore, even with its history of brutal intolerance, cannot be ignored once its leader leaves the scene.</td></tr></table> SPEAKING FREELY <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EC14Df04.html">The Muslim problem in India</a> The Indian constitution provides a sound framework for the complete integration of Muslims into society, yet this has not happened, and will not happen as long as people insist on looking to the past rather than to the future. Satyabrata Rai Chowdhuri (Mar 13, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC14Ak04.html ">Convers(at)ions on the road to Jordan</a> Iraqis are good people. Americans are good people. It's just that they have lousy governments. Quite a few people across the world might agree with these sentiments, expressed by an Iraqi truck driver named Omar on the road to Jordan with Paul Belden. But it's Omar and his countrymen who have to face the bombs and the bullets. (Mar 13, '03)  <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EC13Df02.html ">Musharraf tightens his grip </a>Faced with a dangerous combination of widespread anti-US protests and increasing US complaints of a "double game" along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, President General Pervez Musharraf is considering a risky reshuffle of the top leadership of both the Pakistani army and the Inter-Services Intelligence. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Mar 12, '03) Winds of change in Afghanistan After 23 years of civil war, Afghanistan suffers from psychological and physical scars that will take decades to heal - yet the international community has so far failed to make a sustained commitment to the country's future. Part of the problem, writes Mark Sedra, lies in the lack of a coherent strategy for long-term Afghan security and reconstruction. Ramtanu Maitra argues that for the sake of peace, the time may have come to rethink at least one relic of 19th-century imperialism, the arbitrarily-imposed border known as the Durand Line. (Mar 12, '03)      <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EC13Ag01.html ">Reconstructing Afghanistan </a>     <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EC13Ag02.html ">Dangerous line in the sand</a> <table class="" id="table1" style="WIDTH: 355px; HEIGHT: 323px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="355" border="1"> <tr> <td class="" valign="top" bordercolor="black" align="left" height="0">'Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold' <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/EC12Aa01.html ">America's Eurasian reshuffle</a> With a US-led war in Iraq on the horizon, Washington's economic and political ties with Western European countries such as France and Germany and East Asian countries such as China and Japan are poised for a major shift that has been developing for a decade. Francesco Sisci and Lu Xiang examine the ramifications of a weakened trans-Atlantic alliance and a strengthened trans-Pacific relationship. (Mar 11, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC12Ak02.html ">Why the US can go it alone </a> Many reasons are adduced as to why European governments and populations oppose war in Iraq. They are all wrong. Washington, for its part, convinced of its rectitude and of being under threat, wants to determine on its own how to confront the threat, and as the supreme power,  will do so. - Stephen Blank (Mar 11, '03)</td></tr></table> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/EC12Aa02.html">SUVs set off Hummer of a row </a><img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes/images/hummer.gif" align="right" border="0">With Iraq and oil uppermost in the minds of many in America, it was inevitable that the monster gas-guzzling sports utility vehicles, especially the Hummer, which now dominate the market, should come under attack - and the fight promises to be a dirty one. - Ian Urbina and Zachary Roth (Mar 11, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC11Ak06.html ">Beating the African drum</a> Rivals Washington and Paris are using the best of their persuasive powers to win over Guinea, Cameroon and Angola - the three African non-permanent members of the Security Council - ahead of the crucial UN vote on a possible resolution sanctioning war on Iraq. And the arguments have a lot more to do with pragmatism than they do with morality. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 10, '03)  <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/EC11Aa01.html">UN relevance faces historic test </a>Half a century ago, the machinations of world powers conspired to destroy the League of Nations, despite that body's record of success - now largely forgotten - in international diplomacy. Now, with the Iraq crisis focusing attention on the UN Security Council, most of what the United Nations accomplishes is being similarly ignored. Phar Kim Beng examines the UN's past, present, and future. (Mar 10, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC11Ak05.html">Turkish military in step with US</a> Despite what the politicians say about not wanting US troops on their soil, top Turkish military brass take a different view - and they could have their way sooner than expected with the imminent elevation of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the country's premiership. (Mar 10, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC11Ak03.html">Cost estimates for war keep rising</a> The question of how much a war in Iraq will cost is being asked with increasing urgency. The cost in human lives cannot be calculated. But number crunchers are trying to tote up the money that the US and Britain will need to spend. Their estimates are high - and rising. (Mar 10, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC08Ak02.html ">Enter the Shi'ites: Iraqi quagmire deepens</a> Iranian-backed Shi'ite forces have not waited for the first bombs to fall - they have already started taking up positions in northern Iraq. Not as clear, though, are their true intentions. As if Turkey-Kurdish-Iraq-Iran-US tensions weren't complicated enough already. - Ian Urbina (Mar 7, '03)    <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC08Ak03.html ">A test for tribal loyalty</a>  <table class="" id="table1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%" border="1"> <tr> <td class="" valign="top" bordercolor="black" align="left" height="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC08Ak01.html "><img hspace="3" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440im_/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/images/baghdad-lips.gif" align="right" vspace="5" border="0">The Baghdad beat</a> (photo-essay) Their lives are in limbo as they wait for something out of their control to happen. The outcome is a question mark, but meanwhile life must go on. - Jason Florio (Mar 7, '03)</td></tr></table> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Korea/EC08Dg04.html ">Can catastrophic Korean war be avoided? </a>The signs are all there: Provocation to the point of recklessness by a paranoid regime that cares only about its own survival; a long-standing ability to produce weapons of mass destruction, including nukes; and a dangerous failure by the main players to understand what is really at stake. This is the first of two articles in which Marc Erikson examines the scenario for the next Korean War. (Mar 7, '03) Al-Qaeda back in the firing line Apparently acting on information from the recently-arrested Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, a senior al-Qaeda figure, US and Pakistani troops have mounted a large military operation in Pakistan, in which further important arrests are said to have been made, including that of Osama bin Laden himself. Syed Saleem Shahzad explains the significance of this operation, while B Raman looks at the unnaturally cozy relations between al-Qaeda and some sections of the Pakistani army and intelligence apparatus. (Mar 7, '03)    <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EC08Df05.html">The net spreads in Pakistan </a>    <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EC08Df03.html">The army's blue-eyed mullahs </a>   <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC07Ak01.html">Jordan's Islamic Front rallies Muslims</a> The Islamic Action Front, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, is the only force to openly challenge the leadership of that country over its ties with Israel and its role in the US-led war on Iraq. Syed Saleem Shahzad speaks to the head of the Front, who explains the motivation and goals of the movement, and how it can act as a catalyst for Arabs across the region. (Mar 6, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC07Ak02.html">Out with the US, in with the Turks </a> With the United States most likely having to adopt "Plan B" for its attack on Iraq, the way will be clear for Turkish troops - barring another hiccup in parliament - to pour into northern Iraq, where they will inevitably clash with the Kurds. And the US will be helpless to intervene. - Robert M Cutler (Mar 6, '03)    <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC07Ak03.html">Post-war Japan a poor role model </a> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/EC07Aa01.html">US media: Telling it like it isn't</a> As the saying goes, you can't believe everything you read in the newspaper. And especially so in the US, according to a group of professors, journalists and authors who are taking the media to task for blatantly toeing the official line, especially in regard to Iraq. The solution: read the foreign media. (Mar 6, '03) COMMENTARY <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EC07Ag01.html">Afghanistan drops off US radar screen</a> Without long-term commitment and a bag full of money, Afghanistan will quickly become the playground for the likes of the Taliban, whom the US went to so much effort and expense to remove from power. Yet Washington appears not to care any longer. - Ehsan Ahrari (Mar 6, '03)    <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EC07Ag02.html ">Hamid? Hamid who?</a> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Korea/EC07Dg03.html ">Why war in Iraq will be good for Seoul</a> Despite what anti-American demonstrators waving their "no blood for oil" banners want to believe, a US-led war against Iraq could benefit South Korea, given the alternatives. That is, of course, if Pyongyang behaves. - David M Lenard (Mar 6, '03)  <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EC06Df04.html">Khalid: A test for US credibility</a> With the United States claiming that it now has Khalid Shaikh Mohammad in its custody, one should expect increased activity against the al-Qaeda network, of which he is said to be a linchpin. Or should one? - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Mar 5, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC06Ak02.html">Coercion, all in the name of democracy </a>According to a new report, 34 nations support the US war against Iraq, which boils down to about 3 percent of the world's population. And of these countries, the report says, most of them have been recruited through "coercion, bullying and bribery". - Pepe Escobar (Mar 5, '03) <table class="" id="table1" style="WIDTH: 347px; HEIGHT: 390px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" width="347" border="1"> <tr> <td class="" valign="top" bordercolor="black" align="left" height="0">TERROR IN THE PHILIPPINES The southern Philippines has been the epicenter of an Islamic separatist movement for many years, a movement that has been marked by violence - most recently Tuesday's deadly bombing of Davao airport. B Raman examines the background of this movement and how its violent elements have been tackled, while Phar Kim Beng examines the thorny issue of jihad in the Southeast Asian context. (Mar 5, '03)    <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/EC06Ae02.html">A recipe for violence</a>     <img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/arrow.gif" border="0"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/EC06Ae01.html ">Why thugs can hijack 'jihad'</a> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/EC06Ae03.html">Evolution of Philippine Muslim insurgency</a> When nearly 2,000 US troops land in the Philippines next month, they will find themselves with an opportunity to help Filipinos combat a plague of banditry and terror posing as Muslim activism. Or, if the Americans fail to appreciate the complex origins of the troubles in the southern Philippines - and the United States' own history in the region - they will make matters even worse. - Marco Garrido (Mar 5, '03)</td></tr></table> <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EC05Df01.html ">Khalid capture: Truths and half truths</a> Just as they did in the case of slain US journalist Daniel Pearl last year, Pakistani authorities appear to be playing a double game over the apprehension of alleged al-Qaeda kingpin Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, in the process raising more questions than they are prepared to answer. - B Raman (Mar 4, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC05Ak05.html">Turkish parliament's double-fisted knockout</a> In failing to approve the deployment of US troops in Turkey, the Turkish parliament has effectively scuttled any idea of an advance on northern Iraq. In the process, though, parliament has also dealt a potentially crippling blow to the plans of its own military, Robert M Cutler reports in the first article of a two-part series. (Mar 4, '03) COMMENTARY <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC05Ak03.html">Democracy pricks imperial balloon </a>The Turkish rebuff to Washington may indicate that America's imperial worldview that comes with such moral certitude makes it impossible for it to appreciate the sensitivities of foreign public opinion, particularly in countries with democratic institutions, such as the Philippines and South Korea. - Jim Lobe (Mar 4, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC05Ak02.html">Problems with a 'painless' war </a>Those cheering George W Bush on to make war against Iraq shrug off the "war is hell" lessons learned during centuries of combat, including the 1990-91 Gulf War itself, and portray this conflict as having no downside, either for the West or for the Iraqis languishing under Saddam Hussein. Ahmad Faruqui explodes the myth of the anodyne war. (Mar 4, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC05Ak04.html ">Gambles and gambits in the UN </a>As the date draws closer for a UN Security Council vote on a Washington-London proposal that would endorse intervention in Iraq, behind-the-scenes lobbying is intensifying, with the key countries increasingly likely to put their own self-interest first, which will play right into the hands of the US. - Alexander Casella (Mar 4, '03) PYONGYANG WATCH <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Korea/EC05Dg04.html ">Castro and Kim: Ill-suited comrades</a> In a recent stop in Japan, Cuban President Fidel Castro offered his mediating services with regards to the North Korean nuclear crisis. On the surface, Castro and North Korea's Kim Jong-il may appear to have similar agendas, but as Aidan Foster-Carter reveals, their differences have increased steadily over time. (Mar 4, '03) SPENGLER <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC04Ak01.html ">Bush's nerve is going to snap </a> Thanks to the cupidity of Hans Blix and Turkey's decision to refuse US troops the use of the country to invade Iraq, the world looks uncannily different to President George W Bush than it did a week ago. His choices now boil down to backing down or acting alone upon a stage crafted to place American motives in the worst possible light. (Mar 3, '03) <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/EC04Df01.html">Arrest of Khalid: Another of Hydra's heads? </a> The arrest in Pakistan of Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, described by the US as "the kingpin of al-Qaeda", has been jubilantly welcomed in both Islamabad and Washington as a major blow against terrorism. As past arrests of high al-Qaeda officials have shown, though, others are ready to step into their shoes. - B Raman (Mar 3, '03) THE ROVING EYE <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC04Ak02.html">Arab impotence and misguided anger</a> The anger that nearly boiled over into physical confrontation between leading members of the Arab League at the weekend's abortive summit in Egypt is a sad example of misdirected passion at a time when ordinary citizens in the Arab world, indeed the world at large, so desperately need cool-headed leadership. - Pepe Escobar (Mar 3, '03) <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" align="right" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror7.html">February 2003</a>  <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html"></a></td></tr></table></td></tr></table> </td> <td valign="top" width="26%"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EC22Ak02.html" target="_blank"><img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/map-text-thumb.gif" border="0"></a>   For earlier articles,   please go to: <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror7.html">February 2003 </a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html"></a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror6.html">January 2003 </a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror2.html"></a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html"></a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror5.html">Dec 24-Nov 11, '02 </a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html"></a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror4.html">Nov 10-Oct 11, '02 </a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror2.html"></a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html"></a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror3.html">Oct 10-Sep 10, '02 </a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html"></a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror2.html">Sep 9-Jul 20, '02 </a><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html"></a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/War_and_Terror1.html">Jul 19-Jun 21, '02 </a></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="133" border="0"> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html"></a></td> <td width="95"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror.html">Jun 20-Apr 9, '02 </a></td></tr> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"></td> <td width="95"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/terror/terror2002_1.html">Apr 9-Jan 2, '02</a></td></tr> <tr> <td width="38"> <img height="27" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/arrow_button.gif" width="28"></td> <td width="95"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.atimes.com/terror/terror2001.html">Dec 31-Jul 26, '01</a></td></tr> <tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td width="95"> </td></tr></table></td></tr></table> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="65%"> </td></tr></table></td> <td valign="top" width="10" background="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/line.gif"><img height="1" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="9"></td> <td valign="top" align="left" width="130"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="117" align="center" border="0"> <tr> <td><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://192.168.9.94/atimes/advertise.html" target="_blank"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td height="5"><img height="5" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="5"></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.wsicorporate.com/business.asp?id=5292" target="_blank"><img hspace="0" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/atimes//images/Big-Button-new.gif" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td height="10"><img height="10" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="5"></td></tr> <tr> <td><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://192.168.9.94/atimes/advertise.html" target="_blank"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td height="10"><img height="10" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="1"></td></tr></table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" width="117" align="center" border="0"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#000000">Affiliates <a href="/web/20030401195440/http://atimes.com/atimes/advertise.html#AF">Click here to be one</a>) </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="middle" bgcolor="#000000"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td valign="center" align="middle"><div align="center"></div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="center" align="middle" height="10"><img height="10" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="1"></td></tr></table></td></tr></table>  </td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td> <td background="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/sha.gif"><img height="7" src="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/1pix.gif" width="7"></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="center" align="middle" bgcolor="#003366" height="50"> <div align="center"> <table class="table-text" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td height="17"> <div align="center"></div></td></tr> <tr> <td height="17"> <div align="center">No material from Asia Times Online may be republished in any form without written permission.</div></td></tr> <tr> <td height="13"> <div align="center">Copyright Asia Times Online, 6306 The Center, Queen抯 Road, Central, Hong Kong.</div></td></tr></table> </div></td> <td background="/web/20030401195440im_/http://atimes.com/images/f_images/sha.gif"> </td></tr></table><map name="Map"><area shape="RECT" target="_blank" coords="347,3,488,47" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030401195440/http://www.asiatimes-chinese.com/"></map> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Asia Times - The War on Terrorism