ElectronicIraq.net Article: What A Death Threat Looks Like

This is taken from a website called ElectronicIraq.net , and it is all true, and there are even worse letters
What a death threat looks like...

Zeyad, Healing Iraq, 18 October 2006

Out of concern for the safety of our Iraqi contributors and their families and friends, Electronic Iraq does not reveal an Iraqi author's full identity unless the author gives us permission to do so.


Threat letters and fliers are a common everyday experience in Iraq these days. Below are several samples from different areas of the country, including one that was posted on the door of the health center I used to work at.

Some of them contain shameless spelling and grammatical mistakes and a few were even pointed out as obvious fakes. I cannot absolutely prove that these are authentic, but they were distributed in areas in which the threatening parties had no qualms about carrying out their threats.

The sample letters were collected from various Iraqi message boards. An interesting feature is the common language used in the fliers and the strong religious tone, even though they were issued by different groups, both Sunni and Shi'ite.

- - -

This one was distributed at Abu Al-Khasib, a largely Sunni town southeast of Basrah with a sizeable Salafi community, most of which have roots in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Many Sunnis were forced to leave the area, especially following the Samarra shrine bombing last February. The threat was issued by a group that calls itself the Revenge Squads.





Warning ... Warning ... Warning

All members of the Sunni community, Wahhabis and Takfiris, are required to leave the Abu Al-Khasib province immediately as a result of the killings and deportation suffered by the [Shia] followers of the Prophet’s household. We do not exclude anyone. You have destroyed holy sites and you have slaughtered the Shia based on their identity. We were patient but not any more. We will not be silent from now on. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, and the first transgressor is more unjust. We will take revenge for the Shia and the followers of the Prophet’s household. We will not stay silent in the face of injustice. Never. We will not tolerate humiliation. You do not have much time to leave. He who has warned is henceforth excused.

Saraya Al-Tha’r

- - -



The next was posted on a light pole near a Sunni mosque at Um Al-Ma'alif, a mixed district south of Baghdad, between Amiriya, Jihad and Saidiya. The area has recently witnessed fierce clashes between residents and raiding militias from the largely Shi'ite districts of Bayya', Shurta and Abu Dshir. It has also come under attack several times recently from the nearby rural Girtan area, inhabited by Sunni tribes. The flier is appropriately signed by the Death Squads. The anti-occupation tone of the flier suggests that it was put up by followers of Sadr.







Warning .. Warning .. Warning

To the worshippers of the Sajjad mosque: Beware of coming near this mosque, or your fate will be death. Woe to the unjust. Death to transgressors. Damn you, lackeys of the occupiers.

Saraya Al-Mawt

- - -



This one was sent to members of the Palestinian community in Baghdad. The majority of Palestinians in Baghdad have lived there since 1948. They are just as Iraqi as everyone else in the country. The largest group of Palestinians live in eastern Baghdad, just southeast of Sadr City, and have continuously suffered attacks and arrests over the last two years. Some have attempted to seek refuge in Jordan but claimed they were denied entry. There is a camp for them at the Iraqi-Jordanian border.







In the name of Allah, the most merciful...

Warning - Warning - Warning

To the Palestinian traitors who allied themselves with Wahhabis, Takfiris, Nawasib and Ba’athist Saddamists, especially those who inhabit the Dar Al-Shu’oun area: We warn you that we will eliminate you all if you do not leave this area entirely within 10 days.

He who has warned is henceforth excused.

Saraya Yawm Al-Hisab

- - -



This was sent to a Shi'ite family in Ghazaliya, a district which is all but officially under the control of Sunni extremists. Most Shi'ite families in the district have left but a few still remain because they have lived there for decades. Sources close to Al-Qaeda claimed on a message board that the letter was not authentic because of its wording and the lack of a seal. If true, this curiously suggests that some local militant groups are posing as members of Al-Qaeda, for some unknown purpose.







In the name of Allah, the most merciful...

Subject: Deportation

As a result of the criminal and sectarian behavior of what is called (the disgraceful) Jaish Al-Mahdi and (the treacherous) Badr forces by killing, kidnapping and deporting the Sunni community (at Mahmoudiya, Rashidiya, Sha’ab, Shu’la and Hurriya), as well as violating the honour of Sunnis and plundering their possessions, the organization has decided, Inshallah, to return the strike twofold and treat them the same (an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth). It has been decided to deport you from Sunni areas, including Ghazaliya, within 24 hours, or otherwise your heads will be cut off, the same as your militias act with members of the Sunni community. He who has warned is henceforth excused.

The Al-Qaeda in the Land of the Two Rivers Organisation
The Mujahideen Shura Council



- - -

The ominous letter below was posted on the door of the Adil District Internet Center, a main hub for the State Company for Internet Services, the sole dial-up internet provider in Iraq and part of the Iraqi Ministry of Telecommunications. The center closed immediately after they received the threat.

To: Director and employees of the Adil District [Internet] centre

Subject: Warning

We write down this warning for the employees of the Adil District center (particularly the rejectionists among them), and ask them: what is the purpose of this center? And what kind of department is it, where work is for 24 hours, uninterrupted not even by electricity outages? And what kind of department lacks a sign or notice that explains its purpose and under the authority of which ministry? Why do its employees sneak in and out through the back door, while the front entrance on the main street is locked? What is the need for such a large number of engineers and workers, even though the center is closed, with no contact with the public? And, and, and... many other questions that we have listed.

We clearly state here that we suspect this center is controlled by a certain party, and that it is being used for special surveillance operations, without mentioning further details.

If this matter is confirmed to us, then we inform you that you have openly renounced your religion and your faith, and that you have declared war against the Mujahadeen. We swear by Him, who has lifted the sky without pillars, that you will be legitimate targets for us to sacrifice for Allah, may He be praised. You should learn that killing you is easier to us than a drink of water. The American forces that you serve will not help you, let alone the helpless pagan guards or the forces of insurrection. We will follow you and deal with you at your department, or while you commute, or even at your houses and in your own bedrooms. And we stress ‘if confirmed’, for we will not shed the blood of Muslims with uncertainty; our Lord, religion and morals forbid that.

Since we are still at the stage of investigation and research, and since there has been no evidence against you so far, we have spared your lives. Therefore, we demand the following 3 requirements on your part:

1. Put up a public notice at the entrance of your department, mentioning its name, its specialty, and its jurisdiction (like other governmental departments).

2. Open the main entrance on the street. All employees, workers and vehicles should enter and leave solely through this entrance, and not like ‘thieves’ from the back door.

3. Stick a small note on the main entrance with answers to the following questions: What is the function of this department or center? Why is work for 24 hours? And why is such a large staff employed there, even though it is not open to the public? Be informed that specialists among the Mujahadeen will view your answers, so we advise you to remain truthful.

We will offer you one week -- no more -- from this date to carry out these demands. If one is not carried out then our suspicions will be confirmed and we will direct our patrols to apply practical steps with you. He who has warned is henceforth excused, and Allah is witness to what we say.

Peace be upon our prophet Mohammed and his companions.

Military Administrator of the Kata’ib

Kata’ib Al-Mujahideen
Saraya Al-Ghadhab

Copy to:
- The media department
- Commander of Al-Karkh sector
- Al-Adil District centre



- - -



Another from the Islamic Army in Iraq, one of the most organized insurgent groups in Iraq, issued to Shi'ite residents of the Dora district, south of Baghdad.







In the name of Allah, the most merciful

To the vile rejectionists, and the grandsons of Ibn Al-Alqami, and those who have sold their religion and people for earthly gains. It has been clear that you have betrayed the pact of Allah and His prophet, and that you fight the Mujahadeen with your beliefs and acts. Therefore, we offer you 24 hours to leave this untainted area or face punishment. He who has warned is henceforth excused.

Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. And praise be to Allah.

The Islamic Army in Iraq



- - -



And the last, which contains the worst spelling, was posted on the door of the health center where I worked for most of 2005. I quit in February 2006. This was when the Iraqi government decided to mark Saturday as an official holiday. A controversial decision at the time. It was signed by the Mujahadeen Brigades, a generic name used by many unknown militant groups in Iraq.







To the honorable residents of the ***** province: The traitorous government, as you know, has passed a law to mark Saturday as an official holiday for all governmental departments. And as we all know, the traitorous government decided not long ago to change the flag to an Israeli flag. Now, they have chosen to mark an Israeli holiday. This is all to achieve their scheme of Israel from the Nile to the Euphrates.

Therefore, we ask all governmental departments in the ***** province to defy this law and to continue to open on Saturday as usual in order to foil these traitorous plans.

To all directors of state departments in the province: You are to inform your employees to attend work on Saturdays, or you and your employees will be held responsible.

Kata’ib Allahu Akbar
Sariyat Al-Mujahidun





Read more at Zeyad's blog, Healing Iraq.

One Political Joke :)

One day George W. Bush went to visit the Queen of England, and while they were together, he asked her:

"Your Majesty, how come you have such a successful government? Do you have any advice or suggestions for me?"

She said: "Well, the most important thing is that you surround yourself with intelligent people."

He said: "But how can i identify the intelligent people around me?"

She said: "That's easy! Just give them a clever quiz! Watch me!"

She called the secretary and said: "Please bring Tony Blair over here right away."

Tony Blair came, and she asked him: "Tony, who is the son of both your father and mother, but is neither your sister nor your brother?!"

Blair answered right away: "That would be me!"

The Queen said: "Splendid! Very good!"

Bush went back to DC, and called for Dick Cheney right away.

"Dick, who is the son of both your father and mother, but is neither your sister nor your brother?!"

Cheney didn't know the answer, and neither did all the other officials. Cheney finally went to Colin Powell's office and asked him: "Colin, who is the son of both your father and mother, but is neither your sister nor your brother?!"

Powell said: "That's easy! It's me!"

Cheney said: "Oh thank you!"

Cheney went back to Bush and said: "Sir, i did a lot of research and found out that it's Colin Powell!"

"No, no, no!", exclaimed Bush: "It's Tony Blair, you idiot!"

:)

AP Article: The mad, perilous life of goalkeepers

By ROBERT MILLWARD, AP Soccer Writer

Mon Oct 16, 4:25 PM ET


LONDON - Television pictures of England's Paul Robinson flash around the world after the goalkeeper completely misses a kick and turns to see the ball rolling into an empty net.

Three days later, Chelsea's Petr Cech dives to reach the ball and winds up with a skull fracture after an opponent's knee thuds into his head.

In the same game, teammate Carlo Cudicini is rushed to the hospital unconscious after he collides with an opponent while jumping to catch the ball and crashes to the ground. Cudicini is back home; Cech is recovering in the hospital.

In the world of goalkeepers, embarrassment can rub shoulders with danger. And they don't have helmets to protect them or facemasks to hide the shame.

"Robinson Clousseau" was one headline that followed the England goalkeeper's blunder after his team lost 2-0 at Croatia in a Euro 2008 qualifying game. The same tabloids that likened Robinson to that fictional French detective made famous by Peter Sellers were horrified by the injuries to the Chelsea goalkeepers against Reading on Saturday.

It's said one has to be slightly mad to be a goalkeeper. Because goalkeepers alone can use their hands, teammates expect them to dive among the flying boots to grab the ball. Once there, they run the risk of being hurt.

Bert Trautmann was a German prisoner of war who stayed in England after World War II and played for Manchester City. At the 1956 FA Cup final at Wembley, Trautmann dived at the feet of Birmingham City's Peter Murphy and injured himself. He continued playing for the last 15 minutes of his team's 3-1 victory. He later discovered he had a broken neck.

In 1931, Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson dived at the feet of Rangers striker Sam English and his head smashed into his opponent's knee. Thomson never regained consciousness and died soon after.

The goalkeepers' arena is largely confined to the penalty area. For most of the game, the job involves watching the action in front of them.

Goalkeepers playing behind strong defenses usually have little do. They spend much of the game joining the banter from fans behind the goal or dodging the coins, cigarette lighters or cell phones hurled at them.

There are scores of examples of what happens when goalkeepers stray from the goal. Ask former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman of the time he left his line and watched the last kick of extra time from Zaragoza's Mohammed Nayim float over his head for the winner in the 1995 Cup Winners' Cup final.

Or the time Seaman was playing for England in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals and Ronaldinho floated a free kick over his head for Brazil's winner.

Embarrassment for one goalkeeper can lead to glory for another.

In 1967, Tottenham goalkeeper Pat Jennings scored with a huge punt from his own area that bounced over the head of Manchester United's Alex Stepney. More recently in a World Cup tuneup, Colombia's Luis Enrique Martinez scored a similar goal against Poland. The Polish goalkeeper was Tomasz Kuszczak, who now plays for Manchester United.

Sometimes goalkeepers overstep the mark.

West Germany's Harald Schumacher was lucky to avoid a long suspension at the 1982 World Cup when he raced off his line to halt France's Patrick Battiston with a blatant body check. The Frenchman wound up with a concussion and a few broken teeth. The referee didn't even award a free kick.

Although Reading striker Stephen Hunt has declared his innocence for the play put Cech in the hospital, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is demanding disciplinary action.

With his top two goalkeepers out, Mourinho will have to rely on an untried third choice against defending champion FC Barcelona on Wednesday in the Champions League.

His name? Hilario.

It may be a name that sums up the crazy world of goalkeepers.

Once he's back between the posts, even Petr Cech may find it funny.

The Guardian Article: Iraqi education system on brink of collapse

Peter Beaumont in Baghdad
Wednesday October 4, 2006
The Guardian


Iraq's school and university system is in danger of collapse in large areas of the country as pupils and teachers take flight in the face of threats of violence.
Professors and parents have told the Guardian they no longer feel safe to attend their educational institutions. In some schools and colleges, up to half the staff have fled abroad, resigned or applied to go on prolonged vacation, and class sizes have also dropped by up to half in the areas that are the worst affected.

Professionals in higher education, particularly those teaching the sciences and in health, have been targeted for assassination. Universities from Basra in the south to Kirkuk and Mosul in the north have been infiltrated by militia organisations, while the same militias from Islamic organisations regularly intimidate female students at the school and university gates for failing to wear the hijab. Women teachers too have been ordered by their ministry to adopt Islamic codes of clothing and behaviour. "The militias from all sides are in the universities. Classes are not happening because of the chaos, and colleagues are fleeing if they can," said Professor Saad Jawad, a lecturer in political science at Baghdad University.

"The whole situation is becoming completely unbearable. I decided to stay where many other professors have left. But I think it will reach the point where I will have to decide.

"A large number have simply left the country, while others have applied to go on prolonged sick leave. We are using recently graduated MA and PhD students to fill in the gaps."

"What has been happening with the murders of professors involved in the sciences is that a lot of those involved medicine, biology, maths have fled," says Wadh Nadhmi, who also teaches politics in Baghdad. "The people who have got the money are sending their children abroad to study. A lot - my daughter is one of them - are deciding to finish their higher education in Egypt."

It is not only in Baghdad that the universities are beginning to suffer from the security situation. In Mosul, too, professors complain of a system now approaching utter disarray.

Mohammed U a 60-year-old science professor who asked for his full name not to be disclosed, spoke to the Guardian after returning from the funeral of a colleague, a law professor and head of the law faculty, who died in an explosion.

"Education here is a complete shambles. Professors are leaving, and the situation - the closed roads and bridges - means that both students and teachers find it difficult to get in for classes. In some departments in my institute attendance is down to a third. In others we have instances of no students turning up at all.

"Students are really struggling. To get them through at all, we have had to lower academic levels. We have to go easy on them. The whole system is becoming rapidly degraded."

The situation is reflected in many of Iraq's schools. "Education in my area is collapsing," said a teacher from a high school in Amariyah, who quit four months ago.

"Children can't get to school because of road blocks. The parents of others have simply withdrawn them from the school because of the fear of kidnapping [a rampant problem with the widespread criminal gangs.]

"If children have to travel by car rather than making a short journey on foot, we are much less likely to see them. When I left, we had 50% attendance at the school. We see the parents when they come in to ask for the children to have a "vacation" - and they admit they are too scared to let them come.

"Between September 8 and 28 two members of the staff were murdered. The teaching staff was supposed to be 42. Now there are only 20. Some applied for early retirement or they asked to be transferred to other safer areas."

Ala Mohammed, a high school student from Zafaraniya, had hoped to be going to university this year having completed her high school diploma. But her college is in Adhamiya - a notorious neighbourhood for violence.

"The journey is too long and too unsafe. I don't know whether I will be going to college or stay jailed at home."