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Gates, French Defense Minister Reaffirm Defense Ties
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 5, 2007 – Meeting here today on the eve of the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and French Defense Minister Herve Morin agreed to work toward strengthening their two countries' historic ties. Morin told reporters after a 45-minute session with Gates that he considers it "a great honor" that Gates is the first foreign defense leader to visit since Morin took office two weeks ago.
Gates called today's meeting "a good introductory conversation" that covered a full range of defense issues.
Morin said he and Gates shared many common views during their discussions and agreed that they want to work together and collaborate on a variety of issues.
He reiterated France's support for the NATO International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo, and the Darfur, Sudan, peacekeeping effort.
Asked about France's commitment to Afghanistan, Morin said: "Our role is not to remain forever." Rather, he said, the goal is to develop and reinforce Afghanistan's own institutions so it can stand on its own. He called training of Afghanistan's security forces a priority.
Both leaders said they look forward to visiting Normandy together tomorrow, the 63rd anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Americans died storming the beaches. Gates is slated to speak at the American Cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer during ceremonies marking the anniversary.
"At the same time we will memorialize those who gave their lives on D-Day, we will also acknowledge and celebrate the long ties that have bound both the United States and France," Gates said.
Morin told reporters his father reminded him often "how much we owe to all the Allied soldiers, especially the young Americans who came to die on our beaches."
"The American graveyards have a great and deep significance," he said.
Gates' visit follows Nicolas Sarkozy's recent election as France's new president. Sarkozy, who has advocated closer relations with the United States, will meet this week with President Bush and other European, Canadian, Japanese and Russian leaders during the G8 conference in Germany.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
And today begins - another saga.
sometimes we idolize the people that make this world a good place, and
sometimes we get warped along the way and our since of loyalty gets
misguided and divided.
When I woke uptoday, this was the first thing I read about:
Over 35 Dead, more then 700 injured, many in critical and serious condition. This on the day that begins the talks for the G8 summit which was supposed to deal with the Foregin aid talks with a strong focus on Africa. Climate change was also supposed to be a key issue. Now with British PM Tony Blair being called back to Britian to recieve reports on the terrorist activities the summit although still going ahead has lost the prespective it had prior to rush hour this morning.
This "terrorist" attack wasn't aimed at any political enitity, it was aimed as cilivian people. Innocent people. Although the timing conincides with that of the G8 summit, they didnt attack embassy's, the didnt attack government offices, they attacked bus's with children, men and women. Thats something thats hard for me to grasp. Terrorism if it ever had an agenda or a goal surly cannot believe that public attacks will win them any sympathy? It's in that stance similar to The Munich Olympics of 1972, and the terrorist organization Black September, who many terrorist organizations felt jepordized the goals and agenda that many of those linked to groups such as Hamas, Fatah and Al-queda. These other organizations became avid against the organization Black september because they took public opinion and altered it for the duration.
Statements from Eyewitnesses:
G8: PROGRESS SO FAR
G8 nations agreed to full debt cancellation for 18 countries, while African countries call for debt relief for all Africa
EU members have pledged to reach a collective aid target of 0.56% of GDP by 2010, and 0.7% by 2015
President Bush proposed doubling US aid to Africa over the next five years to $8.6bn (£4.8bn)
No deal yet made on lifting trade barriers
No progress made on climate change yet - the US has said it won't cut emissions but will look at clean technologies
"There were flashes of light, people were screaming and smoke began to billow into the carriage. People prayed to God … We were trapped like sardines waiting to die. I honestly thought I was going to die."
"I turned round and half the double-decker bus was in the air. It was a massive explosion and there were papers and half a bus flying through the air. I think it was the number 205. There must be a lot of people dead as all the buses were packed; they had been turning people away from the tube stops. We were about 20 metres away, that was all."
"The scene afterwards was horrible: pieces of body on the ground. I saw three bodies on the ground and three just hanging out of the bus. I just mithe only thing that changed on 2001, was that the americans found out, that they are a part of the worldssed it myself. If there are any survivors they will have very serious injuries."
"There was smoke everywhere. There was no fire but the smoke was quite oppressive. Thehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4659243.stmre were a lot of serious injuries down there as well – a lot of serious head injuries. A guy by me thought he was going to die, I'm hoping he got out OK."
"A big blast, a big bomb," he said. "People were running this way, panicked. They knew it was a bomb. Debris flying all over, mostly glass." He said the top deck of the bus had collapsed, sending people tumbling to the floor.
"Loads of glass showered down over everyone, the glass in the doors in between all the carriages shattered. There was a lot of smoke and a lot of dust, there were some areas of panic, I could hear screams. People were trying to work out what happened.
"A lot of people were covered in blood. I started walking towards Russell Square then I saw the bus. Police were running from the scene and waving people away.
I had to walk to work because I had to try and do something normal. It was all so chaotic. It wasn't till I got to work that I realized I had a cut on my head and my clothes were covered in dust."
Mr Clarke said: "The aim of the terrorists to try and stop us leading our lives as we best can and I think our responsibility is to try and get on and live our lives as we can."
I for one agree with him. Living in fear will not make anything easier, but much worse. And is exactly what terrorists want.
Terrorism afterall is : The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.
Eyewitness Accounts.
Somedays I wish I were still a kid, where most of this didn't register, at least not at full impact. The G8 summit was supposed to be a good thing, a marker of the push for change in many countries. Now however, it will be associated with the london bombings. A terrorist act. Instead of a group of nations hashing out details and discussing global issues. Although I realize terrorism is a global issue so is proverty, climate change, generic aid drugs. The Doha however is said to not be postponed and is believe that it will be finished by the end of trade talks in 2006.
Olympic celebrations to mark the homecoming from Singapore of the successful London bid team have been cancelled.
Despite the American/British "war on terror" Al-queda if proved to be in connection with the bombings in London has proved that they are alive, well and thriving on the fear that they can instill and the chaos that they can create in simplistic nature. How would one government, a security task force, prepare for attacks that take such little preperation and skill to achieve? That is the question many security councils/the un and country leaders are asking themselves, and the constiunents today. And in the after math of september 11. But still no one has come up with a soild way to fight terrorism, and todays attacks were proof that the "war on terroism" has not done much good in diluting that infaltraion of terrorism in the global community. After the Munich Olympics of 72 security measures changed around the Olympic events, and all other large public events, however it has not been enough to side step, or even stay ahead of those who plan such evil means of recognized and destruction.
I apologize to many american's for what I am about to say, I know many of you do not agree with the "war on terrorism" as it currently stands, and some do not believe at all, and others think its the best thing we could be doing to counteract terrorism, however a friend of mine said something today that truly rings home for me. He said that Britian has been the only other open target for terrorism other then the US post and prior to 9/11. I would like to ask him where he has been. What about Madrid? Bali? Lebanon? Syria? Egypt? They all have suffered from the acts of terrorism in the past 5 years. Hell in the past 2 years.
Another friend said something that rang home and honest and true about many americans -"the only thing that changed on 2001, was that the americans found out, that they are a part of the world." I apologize if this offends some viewers but to me its proven its point in the fact that I have american friends who have said terrorism only affects or surrounds the US. Which of course is untrue. However misguided your political avenues are, you have to realize that it is not isolated to September 11th. It is a global problem with global ramifications.
Other Terrorism attacks.
BBC
The 2002 attack on night clubs in Bali, claiming 202 lives, was blamed on a Indonesian extremist group Jemaah Islamiah, which is allegedly linked to al-Qaeda.
In November 2003, Istanbul was hit by two co-ordinated attacks in 10 days, the first against synagogues and the second targeting UK interests.
Western Europe was struck in March 2004 with the train bombings in Madrid that left 191 dead.
There have also been multiple attacks in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Morocco causing extensive casualties and disruption. Pakistan, Yemen and other Indonesian targets have also been hit.
_____________________________
Madrid was the first
big al-Qaeda attack on
mainland Europe-
Terrorism
Attack
in Bali -2003 -Terrorism
Both photos are taken from BBC/American Press
sometimes we idolize the people that make this world a good place, and
sometimes we get warped along the way and our since of loyalty gets
misguided and divided.
When I woke uptoday, this was the first thing I read about:
Over 35 Dead, more then 700 injured, many in critical and serious condition. This on the day that begins the talks for the G8 summit which was supposed to deal with the Foregin aid talks with a strong focus on Africa. Climate change was also supposed to be a key issue. Now with British PM Tony Blair being called back to Britian to recieve reports on the terrorist activities the summit although still going ahead has lost the prespective it had prior to rush hour this morning.
This "terrorist" attack wasn't aimed at any political enitity, it was aimed as cilivian people. Innocent people. Although the timing conincides with that of the G8 summit, they didnt attack embassy's, the didnt attack government offices, they attacked bus's with children, men and women. Thats something thats hard for me to grasp. Terrorism if it ever had an agenda or a goal surly cannot believe that public attacks will win them any sympathy? It's in that stance similar to The Munich Olympics of 1972, and the terrorist organization Black September, who many terrorist organizations felt jepordized the goals and agenda that many of those linked to groups such as Hamas, Fatah and Al-queda. These other organizations became avid against the organization Black september because they took public opinion and altered it for the duration.
Statements from Eyewitnesses:
G8: PROGRESS SO FAR
G8 nations agreed to full debt cancellation for 18 countries, while African countries call for debt relief for all Africa
EU members have pledged to reach a collective aid target of 0.56% of GDP by 2010, and 0.7% by 2015
President Bush proposed doubling US aid to Africa over the next five years to $8.6bn (£4.8bn)
No deal yet made on lifting trade barriers
No progress made on climate change yet - the US has said it won't cut emissions but will look at clean technologies
"There were flashes of light, people were screaming and smoke began to billow into the carriage. People prayed to God … We were trapped like sardines waiting to die. I honestly thought I was going to die."
"I turned round and half the double-decker bus was in the air. It was a massive explosion and there were papers and half a bus flying through the air. I think it was the number 205. There must be a lot of people dead as all the buses were packed; they had been turning people away from the tube stops. We were about 20 metres away, that was all."
"The scene afterwards was horrible: pieces of body on the ground. I saw three bodies on the ground and three just hanging out of the bus. I just mithe only thing that changed on 2001, was that the americans found out, that they are a part of the worldssed it myself. If there are any survivors they will have very serious injuries."
"There was smoke everywhere. There was no fire but the smoke was quite oppressive. Thehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4659243.stmre were a lot of serious injuries down there as well – a lot of serious head injuries. A guy by me thought he was going to die, I'm hoping he got out OK."
"A big blast, a big bomb," he said. "People were running this way, panicked. They knew it was a bomb. Debris flying all over, mostly glass." He said the top deck of the bus had collapsed, sending people tumbling to the floor.
"Loads of glass showered down over everyone, the glass in the doors in between all the carriages shattered. There was a lot of smoke and a lot of dust, there were some areas of panic, I could hear screams. People were trying to work out what happened.
"A lot of people were covered in blood. I started walking towards Russell Square then I saw the bus. Police were running from the scene and waving people away.
I had to walk to work because I had to try and do something normal. It was all so chaotic. It wasn't till I got to work that I realized I had a cut on my head and my clothes were covered in dust."
Mr Clarke said: "The aim of the terrorists to try and stop us leading our lives as we best can and I think our responsibility is to try and get on and live our lives as we can."
I for one agree with him. Living in fear will not make anything easier, but much worse. And is exactly what terrorists want.
Terrorism afterall is : The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.
Eyewitness Accounts.
Somedays I wish I were still a kid, where most of this didn't register, at least not at full impact. The G8 summit was supposed to be a good thing, a marker of the push for change in many countries. Now however, it will be associated with the london bombings. A terrorist act. Instead of a group of nations hashing out details and discussing global issues. Although I realize terrorism is a global issue so is proverty, climate change, generic aid drugs. The Doha however is said to not be postponed and is believe that it will be finished by the end of trade talks in 2006.
Olympic celebrations to mark the homecoming from Singapore of the successful London bid team have been cancelled.
Despite the American/British "war on terror" Al-queda if proved to be in connection with the bombings in London has proved that they are alive, well and thriving on the fear that they can instill and the chaos that they can create in simplistic nature. How would one government, a security task force, prepare for attacks that take such little preperation and skill to achieve? That is the question many security councils/the un and country leaders are asking themselves, and the constiunents today. And in the after math of september 11. But still no one has come up with a soild way to fight terrorism, and todays attacks were proof that the "war on terroism" has not done much good in diluting that infaltraion of terrorism in the global community. After the Munich Olympics of 72 security measures changed around the Olympic events, and all other large public events, however it has not been enough to side step, or even stay ahead of those who plan such evil means of recognized and destruction.
I apologize to many american's for what I am about to say, I know many of you do not agree with the "war on terrorism" as it currently stands, and some do not believe at all, and others think its the best thing we could be doing to counteract terrorism, however a friend of mine said something today that truly rings home for me. He said that Britian has been the only other open target for terrorism other then the US post and prior to 9/11. I would like to ask him where he has been. What about Madrid? Bali? Lebanon? Syria? Egypt? They all have suffered from the acts of terrorism in the past 5 years. Hell in the past 2 years.
Another friend said something that rang home and honest and true about many americans -"the only thing that changed on 2001, was that the americans found out, that they are a part of the world." I apologize if this offends some viewers but to me its proven its point in the fact that I have american friends who have said terrorism only affects or surrounds the US. Which of course is untrue. However misguided your political avenues are, you have to realize that it is not isolated to September 11th. It is a global problem with global ramifications.
Other Terrorism attacks.
BBC
The 2002 attack on night clubs in Bali, claiming 202 lives, was blamed on a Indonesian extremist group Jemaah Islamiah, which is allegedly linked to al-Qaeda.
In November 2003, Istanbul was hit by two co-ordinated attacks in 10 days, the first against synagogues and the second targeting UK interests.
Western Europe was struck in March 2004 with the train bombings in Madrid that left 191 dead.
There have also been multiple attacks in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Morocco causing extensive casualties and disruption. Pakistan, Yemen and other Indonesian targets have also been hit.
_____________________________
Madrid was the first
big al-Qaeda attack on
mainland Europe-
Terrorism
Attack
in Bali -2003 -Terrorism
Both photos are taken from BBC/American Press
Who has power? Who has freedom?
"For more than a century, ideological extremists at either end of the political spectrum have seized upon well-publicized incidents to attack the Rockefeller family for the inordinate influence they claim we wield over American political and economic institutions. Some even believe we are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as 'internationalists' and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure - one world, if you will. If that's the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it."
David Rockefeller, Memoirs, 2002
So, secret societies do exist and they are attempting to assert more control both politically and economically around the world. Whether it is a true original secret society or a bunch of like-minded wealthy elite, it really makes no difference. They both amount to the same disastrous potential. I also wonder how much this has to do with tragic events, government policy (land-grab?), loss of freedoms, homeland security, and so on. Remember this: Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Who has power? You? Who has freedom? You?
Soon, I will be posting something related to much of my studies, experiences, and growth in the spiritual realm of metaphysics and physics. It will attempt to bridge the gap from just some esoteric spiritual knowledge to real tangible science that supports the intrinsyc power that a human being has in relationship with the divine source of abundance. I believe that our knowledge and understanding of this relationship, along with continued exploration and exercise of our natural abilities will realize more change for peace and love in the world. These are the only forces that will free the world from any undue influence for solitary gains by those who hunger after power and control.
See What Happens When I Go on Holiday?
So, I've just got home from some time in Cornwall. With the help of some steroids (for my asthma and hayfever) I was actually able to get out. Had a nice time, although I had to resign myself to watching the world collapse around us on TV.
Live8: Great stuff... Missed the start though, I had a crappy portable radio (free gift sort). Highlights had to be the Who and Pink Floyd! Rock on...
Olympics: Great that London won the bid, but I'm sceptical. The Olympics have harmed a number of hosts in the past, and I am not sure that London can really take the extra strain... anyone been on a tube train in summer? Crikey!
London Bombings: It was going to happen sometime, and what was pulled off was shockingly sophisticated, 3 almost simultaneous train bombs and a visible symbol with a bus bomb. This is a very good sign of al Qaida affliates' media savvy. My condolensces to all who lost someone. My immediate impression was that the bus bomb must have been relatively low yield with the bomb near the front (note how the front is relatively intact). Going by suicide bus bombings in Israel, it's a miracle anyone survived, luckily it would appear that the design of the lower floor of the double decker actually funnelled the blast rearwards and up the stairs, the paths of least resistance.
G8: Disappointing, but what can you expect? The US won't budge on climate change, it has too much at stake, and agricultural subsidies are hardly going to be abolished outside EU meetings (issues with UK rebate). We need less of this aid-mentality too. Sure, we can relieve the short-term hunger pangs, but we need to build up the intellectual and skilled infrastructure in the continent (see last week's New Scientist).
That's all for now, almost finished sifting through my email... too many!
James
Live8: Great stuff... Missed the start though, I had a crappy portable radio (free gift sort). Highlights had to be the Who and Pink Floyd! Rock on...
Olympics: Great that London won the bid, but I'm sceptical. The Olympics have harmed a number of hosts in the past, and I am not sure that London can really take the extra strain... anyone been on a tube train in summer? Crikey!
London Bombings: It was going to happen sometime, and what was pulled off was shockingly sophisticated, 3 almost simultaneous train bombs and a visible symbol with a bus bomb. This is a very good sign of al Qaida affliates' media savvy. My condolensces to all who lost someone. My immediate impression was that the bus bomb must have been relatively low yield with the bomb near the front (note how the front is relatively intact). Going by suicide bus bombings in Israel, it's a miracle anyone survived, luckily it would appear that the design of the lower floor of the double decker actually funnelled the blast rearwards and up the stairs, the paths of least resistance.
G8: Disappointing, but what can you expect? The US won't budge on climate change, it has too much at stake, and agricultural subsidies are hardly going to be abolished outside EU meetings (issues with UK rebate). We need less of this aid-mentality too. Sure, we can relieve the short-term hunger pangs, but we need to build up the intellectual and skilled infrastructure in the continent (see last week's New Scientist).
That's all for now, almost finished sifting through my email... too many!
James
I love London
I love London.
I spent a semester there my junior year of college and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Although there are any number of things one could love about the city, my favorite was the fact that I could start out walking in any direction and walk by wonderful old buildings, amazing statues, and other such gems. In a word, I love the atmosphere of London.
Aside from the city itself, I also love the people. Being a generally reserved person myself, I found it refreshing to be among others who were reserved and didn't look amiss at my lack of bouncy gaiety. I found the different worldviews of those I met fascinating, and I loved the outward focus of Londoners. London was the first truly international and multicultural place I had ever been for more than a couple days and it opened my eyes to realities I had never considered before.
I love London because of articles like this.
And I love London because when I emailed my one friend that lives there to see if he and his friends were safe and unharmed his response was, yes, everyone he knew was fine although his one flatmate had been traveling along the path of two the explosions earlier in the morning. Yes they were fine, he said, and he certainly hoped that this wouldn't interfere with the G8 agenda.
I love London.
I spent a semester there my junior year of college and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Although there are any number of things one could love about the city, my favorite was the fact that I could start out walking in any direction and walk by wonderful old buildings, amazing statues, and other such gems. In a word, I love the atmosphere of London.
Aside from the city itself, I also love the people. Being a generally reserved person myself, I found it refreshing to be among others who were reserved and didn't look amiss at my lack of bouncy gaiety. I found the different worldviews of those I met fascinating, and I loved the outward focus of Londoners. London was the first truly international and multicultural place I had ever been for more than a couple days and it opened my eyes to realities I had never considered before.
I love London because of articles like this.
And I love London because when I emailed my one friend that lives there to see if he and his friends were safe and unharmed his response was, yes, everyone he knew was fine although his one flatmate had been traveling along the path of two the explosions earlier in the morning. Yes they were fine, he said, and he certainly hoped that this wouldn't interfere with the G8 agenda.
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