Asharq Al-Awsat Reveals Details behind the Attack on Arms Smugglers in Sudan

London, Washington, Asharq Al-Awsat- At a time of continued uncertainty surrounding the details of the attacks which targeted an arms-smuggled operation – described as Iranian – to the Palestinian Hamas movement via Sudan, credible sources have revealed new information to Asharq Al-Awsat regarding this attack. The sources revealed that the Sudanese government received a warning from the US prior to the attack; the warning stated that a third-party was monitoring the operation which aimed at smuggling weapons from Sudan to the Gaza Strip through the Sinai Desert, and warned the Sudanese authorities to cease any such operations. One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that an American official had telephoned a Sudanese official and delivered a warning, stressing the importance of this warning reaching the highest authorities in Khartoum, and stressing that any [arms smuggling] operation cease immediately. According to Asharq Al-Awsat sources, the [smuggled] arms were flown from Khartoum to Port Sudan, where they were transferred onto 4 boats which would smuggle them via sea, while the rest where placed upon the 17 vehicle convoy which would travel by land. The "unknown" aircrafts, which were later described as being Israeli, attacked the boats sinking them; while the convoy of vehicles was attacked by laser-guided missiles destroying them completely. Dozens of people were killed in the attacks. There is still uncertainly regarding the actual death toll of the attacks, with some estimating the death toll at around 39, while others indicating that the number is much larger than this. A Sudanese official last week claimed that the true figure lay at more than 100 dead, although Asharq Al-Awsat sources ruled out the death-toll being more than 100.

Inauguration 2009

Election Reaction

Good Morning Everyone,

Most of you will be waking up to the news that Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th President of the United States. This is a historic moment for our country considering the fact that we have elected the first African American President. People here and elsewhere in Africa are ecstatic, especially in Kenya where Obama still has relatives.

I know that this news is exciting for some of you and disappointing for others. Regardless of how you voted or how you feel about the outcome, one thing that this election did was get Americans involved again in our political process and that's something to be proud of. I remember election day in Iraq when scores of people lined up to vote, many for the first time, at the risk of being killed or seriously injured. Their turn out was far bigger than any election that we've had in recent times, which is pretty sad considering we are supposed to be the role model for democracy in the world.

The American people have been apathetic and uninvolved in our political process for too long. We've allowed our politicians to inflect their will on us and get us into some very troubling situations. I know that it's very easy to go about our daily lives and not worry too much about what the folks are doing in Washington, but people it's about time we start holding our politicians accountable for their actions. We put them there and we can easily oust them only if we stay involved.

Our country is facing some very tough times and no doubt, Senator Obama and his administration have some big challenges ahead. We will be experiencing changes in our country over the next four years. I ask that each of you, regardless of your political party, do the following: Pray for our country and it's leadership. I've seen first hand the toll that running our great country has on its leaders. It's no easy task and our leaders can use all the help that they can get. Get involved and stay involved. If there is something being done in our government that you don't agree with, do something, don't just sit on your butt and whine about it. The beauty of our democracy is that we have the right to speak out against things we disagree with.

We as Americans take so much for granted. We are so fortunate to live in a place where we have the freedom to choose the people that govern us. Sudan is ruled by a military dictator. Syria "elects" their President only because he's the only one on the ballot and jails his opposition. I am just glad to have had the chance to cast my vote for the candidate of my choice. Many in the world aren't afforded such a precious opportunity.

So while some of you are toasting and others are roasting, just remember this is our country and each of us has a duty to stand up for what we believe in and fight for what is right. Even to this day it gives me goose bumps when I see a blue/white airplane with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA land in a foreign place because I know that I live in the greatest country in the world.

Never Forget 9-11-01

I just wanted to share this picture of the stadium at Texas A&M on September 22, 2001. For one game every year, we do a maroon out of the stadium. Someone came up with this idea after 9/11. This entire event was organized by students in just 11 days. They printed over 100,000 t-shirts and raised over $150,000 for the victims of the attacks. I was working EMS and standing on the field most of this game. It was an amazing sight and experience. Never forget!!!

Around town...

My new home....

My bedroom, living room, office, and a view from my bed. So far, only one mosquito has made it past the defenses and lost his life as a result.

Olympics in Beijing.....A BIG mistake

I hope the International Olympic Committee comes to the realization that granting the 2008 Olympic games to China was a big mistake. China pledged in 2001 that the games would promote the development of "democracy and human rights." The Chinese government is miserably failing this pledge and is further abusing the rights of its citizens (if they have any) and those of the international community.

Many are blaming China for the problems in Darfur. Steven Spielberg resigned his advisory position in protest of their role in the crisis in Sudan. I don't blame China for the atrocities that are being committed in Darfur, but they are protecting the Sudanese government from any action by the United Nations. The Chinese government has blocked measures in the security council while it continues to buy oil and provide loads of military weapons to the Sudanese government.

China is, however, directly responsible for the complete disregard of the very principles that the Olympics are supposed to stand for. Rather than show the world that it can adhere to the “fundamental ethical values” outlined in the Olympic Charter, China has chosen to brutally crack down on freedom of expression under the auspice of security. Just recently the Chinese government announced that it would censor the Internet used by foreign media during the games. Par for the course if you ask me. I would expect more things like this to occur as opening day comes closer. It would not surprise me one bit if China was manufacturing this terrorist threat so they have an excuse to further abuse the human rights of its citizens and others. How will we ever know since China censors everything that comes out of their country?

While I hope that nothing bad happens at the Olympics, I do hope that the Chinese government ends up with egg on its face. I hope that athletes, sponsors, and attendees use this opportunity to highlight to the world the atrocities committed and facilitated by China.