1. It is June 12, my birthday. I celebrated it by going up to the lush Golan Heights in northern Israel. Or, as some in the readership may call, "occupied Syria." Great view!
(And yes, somewhere out in that far haze is the Syrian city of Damascus. And in that close bush, a landmine. Oh, the Middle East.)2. It is June 12, the day of the Iranian election. And whom--as I have been constantly asked--do I think will win? My reply: How the hell should I know! But really, it looks like it will be a tight race. I remember talking to an Iranian friend a while ago who told me: "Though I don't like Ahmadinejad, he was democratically elected in the first place. All those flashy Persians who hate his guts in LA are not his base; rather, they are the poor and forgotten who live in the slums of south Tehran." That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if he won.
3. Somalia and Yemen. Yes, Somalia and Yemen were the words uttered out of many in the CIA after the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2002. Why? Because that is where they thought al-Qaeda would relocate too. And now, according to the NY Times, "some" are starting too...
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3 comments:
Happy Birthday!
Great to celebrate it travelling to the places that fascinate you.
I raise my glass to you, toasting you as you celebrate in the Golan Heights.
Happy Birthday schlomo!
Looks like you may have to wish for a recount for your birthday...
I go with the Rooster - haven't heard a lot from the bird lately - not a peep, let alone a Cock-A-Doodle-Do.
Saying that, however, I join the red headed bird in wishing you, Abu, a happy birthday --
I think you may marry a jewish girl -- one who knows how to shoot a rifle. No worries, it could be worse . . . a woman who shoots from the hip.
Beware of the seduction of the sirens of the sands.
On second thought, enjoy. It's your b-day.
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