I Went To Syria And All I Got Was This Lousy Scarf

Ouch! From The Washington Post:

Pratfall in Damascus

In other words, Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were mere propaganda.

Ms. Pelosi responded by pointing out that Republican congressmen had visited Syria without drawing presidential censure. That's true enough -- but those other congressmen didn't try to introduce a new U.S. diplomatic initiative in the Middle East. "We came in friendship, hope, and determined that the road to Damascus is a road to peace," Ms. Pelosi grandly declared.

Never mind that that statement is ludicrous: As any diplomat with knowledge of the region could have told Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Assad is a corrupt thug whose overriding priority at the moment is not peace with Israel but heading off U.N. charges that he orchestrated the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri. The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president. Two weeks ago Ms. Pelosi rammed legislation through the House of Representatives that would strip Mr. Bush of his authority as commander in chief to manage troop movements in Iraq. Now she is attempting to introduce a new Middle East policy that directly conflicts with that of the president. We have found much to criticize in Mr. Bush's military strategy and regional diplomacy. But Ms. Pelosi's attempt to establish a shadow presidency is not only counterproductive, it is foolish.

I already said it, but it's worth reiterating ... stick a fork in her, she's dumb.

Comments

[vetter]

The left's historical love of tyrants, thugs and dictators will make this add up to a big "Zzzzzz" from the MSM, but it is fun for us to kick around. I await the leftard comments defending this shrew with baited breath! Let's see...Zifknob will toss in some of his famous racism and/or homophobia, BobbiinStamford will wade in with one of his meaningful "surge on" comments...what else...

[Yahoo]

Washington Post EDITORIALS are usually right-wing.

I'm not surprised. The editorial staff has a seven year record of Bush ass kissing. They
have a lot invested in him - and they do not represent the people
of Washington.

[Phoenix]

Yahoo,

Nor do they represent the people who are capable of thinking on their own without the talking points of another's opinion.

[Zifnab]

WHAAAAAAAAA~! She's wearing a headscarf!

Oh no! Now Laura Bush is wearing a headscarf too!
http://focusonjerusalem.com/052305.jpg

"Ms. Pelosi responded by pointing out that Republican congressmen had visited Syria without drawing presidential censure. That's true enough -- but those other congressmen didn't try to introduce a new U.S. diplomatic initiative in the Middle East. "We came in friendship, hope, and determined that the road to Damascus is a road to peace," Ms. Pelosi grandly declared."

Where as the Presidential diplomatic initative was... ? Despair, hatred, and war? I fail to see how Pelosi's visit deviated horribly from the goals of the Republican Congressmen. In fact, it seems like the real reason Bush has fallen into a state of apoplexy over Pelosi's visit is because Pelosi got some TV time that Bush did not approve of. So like a spoiled child, the frat-boy-in-chief starts slinging mud till he can get back in the limelight again.

[vetter]

Isn't it great that EVERYTHING that isn't radically pro-dimocratic is an obviation of "the conspiracy?" Yahoo: "They have a lot invested in him" = pure paranoid idiocy, or dimocratic "thought," take ur pick...

[vetter]

WTF are you talking about, ZipKnob? Where is the evidence of President Bush's "apoplexy" about Piglosi's ill-advised and blundered visit? I mean, I know you think ur winning combo of low IQ and severe BDS makes you insightful but really now, why are you straight making shit up? Surely your sock-puppet back up singers will be here to take ur BS meme forward but holy cats and dogs, ya'll are a maroon.

[Victor]

"Piglosi", "ya'll". I'm very thankful that the GOP is now a regional party based in redneck land.

[vetter]

Yes, Victoria, I inhabit the redneck haven of Portland, Oregon! oh thou art so smarteth & insightful!

[Victor]

Oh, you just talk like a redneck to impress the rest of the cons on here. Got it. You cons rock!

[vetter]

Vickie I kinda feel bad picking on you because I suspect you are mildly retarded...So if I hurt ur feelers I apologize forthrightly. So...are you MR or just really really dumb and a product of a lack of a DesCartian ability for introspection and logic analysis?

[southdakotaboy]

No Victor we talk like this to jerk your chain.

[Zifnab]

"WTF are you talking about, ZipKnob? Where is the evidence of President Bush's "apoplexy" about Piglosi's ill-advised and blundered visit?"

Try turning on a TV. Or a radio. Hell, try opening a window. I can hear him bawling his eyes out over the big mean grandmother Pelosi talking to Assad like a civilized human being, when Bush just wanted to drive down there in a Humvee and knock over mailboxes with baseball bats until Syria caved.

[Victor]

Hmm, the feminization of my name coupled with the term "DesCartian". I would assume that you capitalize the D and the C to impress the simpletons on here. Its like when your 'president' drives his truck and clears brush - he wants to relate to the simpletons. I get it now. You're a smart one!

[Hard Right]

Again Zif, you cite something that does not support your POV. Ziftard-Barbara was in ISRAEL!!!! You know, where women ARE NOT CATTLE. Her scarf had no religious connotations. The so called feminist Pelosi bowed to the represive view of how women should appear. What next? Will she appear in a burka?

[Cynic]

"Pelosi talking to Assad like a civilized human being, ..."

and the Israeli govt., issuing a correction on what she said:
PMO: Pelosi did not carry any message from Israel to Assad
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=845618&contrassID=2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0

"The Prime Minister's Office has strongly denied that Israel relayed a message to Syria, accepting its calls to renew peace negotiations."

[Victor]

Barbara? In a burka? Anything to make that woman look less like the Quaker Oats guy! I vote yes!

[Zifnab]

"Her scarf had no religious connotations."

Bullshit, HR. She was wearing a scarf in the Middle East. Clearly, the scarf was loaded with religious connotations. Why else do people wear scarves?

Do you think there would be a single covered head from Afganistan to Morocco if Islamic Law did not firmly dictate heads must be covered?

What do you think a headscarf is? A piece of clothing? Screw you and your islamo-appeasement, HR. You just let the terrorists win.

[Zifnab]

http://www.jonesreport.com/images/191106_bush_putin_hu.jpg

And look at that! Bush in a dress! Catering the homophalic tendencies of the Russian Empire. Like a pussy.

When will you conservatives learn the evils of dressing in native garb? Useless, vile little commu-peasers.

[southdakotaboy]

As I have said many times before the Dems have decided to throw the Jewish people to the wolves. I hope they wake up now that Pelosi has openly lied.
You would think that with all the anti-semetic rants on the Kos site and others that maybe the Jewish people would be starting to ask some rather pointed questions. You used to be able to spot a bigot when they started talking about the Jews running all the banks and secretly running the government. Now a days you are most likely talking to a member of the Democratic base.
As the old saying goes "Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it."

[LOL]

"Her scarf had no religious connotations."

she was in a mosque when she was wearing it dude

get a clue

[old trooper]

I don`t care if she was wearing a lampshade.

She is in clear violation of the Logan Act.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_Act

[old trooper]

Queen of Pork Barrel Bribery Appoints Self Commander-in-Chief

http://www.canadafreepress.com/2007/williams040507.htm

"The Speaker of the House has no power to make such a trip or hold such discussions unless "authorized" by the elected Commander-in-Chief. In this case, the real Commander-in-Chief specifically demanded that the Speaker respect her very limited role as a simple "legislator", and refrain from engaging the enemy directly, at odds with ongoing Administration foreign policy initiatives. A demand obviously ignored.

As I said, not long ago, Pelosi's ignorance and outright traitorous act of circumventing formal U.S. policy despite the president's condemnation of her actions would have meant she had handcuffs and a lynch mob awaiting her return to U.S. soil."

[Zifnab]

Old Trooper, you still haven't addressed American traitors Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and the delegation led by Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA).
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/05/africa/ME-GEN-Syria-US.php

" Commenting on Bush's criticism, California Republican Darrell Issa said the president had failed to promote the necessary dialogue to resolve disagreements between the U.S. and Syria.

"That's an important message to realize: We have tensions, but we have two functioning embassies."
"

Remember, undermining the President and visiting Syria is a big no-no if you're a Democrat. But IOKIARDI!

[Victor]

Lynch mob? Handcuffs? I think old trooper is ready for the glue factory. Thank you for your service.

[LOL]

as i posted in a previous thread but no cons seemed to want to reply to it:

"outright traitorous act of circumventing formal U.S. policy"

http://www.gwu.edu/%7Ensarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB69/part3.html
" One example of this was a congressional delegation led by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) which met with Colombian military officials, promising to “remove conditions on assistance” and complaining about “leftist-dominated” U.S. congresses of years past that “used human rights as an excuse to aid the left in other countries.” Hastert said he would to correct this situation and expedite aid to countries allied in the war on drugs and also encouraged Colombian military officials to “bypass the U.S. executive branch and communicate directly with Congress.” "

It's okay when hastert does it though, because he was fighting leftists. This is the warbloggers logic in a nutshell: Anything is permitted if you're fighting leftists.

[micah]

If Pelosi was suddenly faced with a mass rat infestation in her home, she wouldn't call an exterminator - she would sit down with the king of the rats and have a diplomatic dialogue about her desired evacuation procedures.

"I have been in talks with the king rat, simply explaining that I don't want troops of furry creatures running rampant through my home. I feel sure he understood and will respect my wishes."

Once Bubonic Plague breaks out, a quick call to Orkin will be too late!

[Hard Right]

LOL, you left out other info. Even Bill Clinto was trying to figure out ways to do some of the things they were. Not to mention I didn't hear where Bill asked them not to go and they did anyway.
Lastly, they were trying to help them fight Narco-terrorists and not appease terrorists like Nancy.

[LOL]

got a source for your nonsense HR?

u never seem to

[LOL]

hey guys

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/05/africa/ME-GEN-Syria-US.php

"A U.S. Republican congressman met President Bashar Assad on Thursday ... "That's an important message to realize: We have tensions, but we have two functioning embassies," Issa told reporters after separate meetings with Assad and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem."

[BobInStamford]

Looks like the concept of 'evil-doers' doesn't always apply. You flip-flopping cons should be proud.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/04/05/protected.terrorists/index.html

Surge on, brave 30%ers.

[vetter]

So Bobbi, what are u ariund here, a 4%? Surge on wit ur ashole self? Does it bug u that girls don't like you?

[old trooper]

http://users2.wsj.com/lmda/do/checkLogin?mg=evo-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB117582330980561775.html%3Fmod%3Dopinion_main_commentaries

Illegal Diplomacy
By Robert F. Turner
Word Count: 854
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may well have committed a felony in traveling to Damascus this week, against the wishes of the president, to communicate on foreign-policy issues with Syrian President Bashar Assad. The administration isn't going to want to touch this political hot potato, nor should it become a partisan issue. Maybe special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, whose aggressive prosecution of Lewis Libby establishes his independence from White House influence, should be called back.

The "Logan Act" makes it a felony and provides for a prison sentence of up to three years for any American, "without authority of the United

[Nth]

OT is correct on the Logan Act.

She has commenced in policy issues and acted as a medium between Syria and Israel and then bothced a message from Olmert to Assad. Her actions were against the foriegn policy of the president and her trip was advised against by the Administration.

When she interfered between Syria and Israel she overstepped her roles and tried to play secretary of state and her actions deliberatly crossed the administrations policy of not negotiating with terrorists (thats what they are in case you havent figured that out) and under the Logan Act that is a felony.

She should be handcuffed and thrown under the jail.

Oh, and this goes for any idiotic republicans who decided to act in the same way *cough*ArlinSpecter*cough*

[Hard Right]

LOL, California congressmen Darryl "Jihad" Issa is a HUGE RINO (aka really a Dem) and should also be prosecuted under the Logan act.

as for Nancy here's what terrorist leaders and supporters had to say about her visit.

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Syria Wednesday – in which she called for dialogue with Damascus – was “brave” and “very appreciated” and could bring about “important changes” to America’s foreign policy, including talks with “Middle East resistance groups,” according to members of Palestinian terror organizations whose top leaders live in Syria.

One terror leader, Khaled Al-Batch, a militant and spokesman for Islamic Jihad, expressed hope Pelosi would continue winning elections, explaining the House speaker’s Damascus visit demonstrated she understands the Middle East.

“Nancy Pelosi understands the area (Middle East) well, more than Bush and Dr. (Condoleezza) Rice,” said Al-Batch, speaking to WND from Gaza. “If the Democrats want to make negotiations with Syria, Hamas, and Hizbullah, this means the Democratic Party understands well what happens in this area and I think Pelosi will succeed. ... I hope she wins the next elections.” ...

Ramadan Shallah, overall chief of Islamic Jihad, lives in Syria, as does Hamas chieftain Khaled Mashaal. Israel has accused the Syrian-based Hamas and Islamic Jihad leadership of ordering militants in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to carry out terror attacks.

Al-Batch expressed hope Pelosi and the Democratic Party will pressure Bush to create dialogue with Syria and Middle East “resistance movements” and prompt an American withdrawal from Iraq.

“Bush and Dr. Rice made so many mistakes in the Middle East. Just look at Palestinian clashes and Iraq. But I think some changes are happening for the Bush administration’s foreign policy because of the hand of Nancy Pelosi. I think the Democratic Party can do things the best. ... Pelosi is going down a good road by this policy of dialogue,” he said.

Abu Abdullah, a leader of Hamas’ military wing in the Gaza Strip, said the willingness by some lawmakers to talk with Syria “is proof of the importance of the resistance against the US. ”The Americans know and understand they are losing in Iraq and the Middle East and that their only chance to survive is to reduce hostilities with Arab countries and with Islam. Islam is the new giant of the world,“ he said.

”Pelosi’s visit to Syria was very brave. She is a brave woman,“ Jihad Jaara, a senior member of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group and the infamous leader of the 2002 siege of Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, told WND.

”I think it’s very nice and I think it’s much better when you sit face to face and talk to (Syrian President Bashar) Assad. It’s a very good idea. I think she is brave and hope all the people will support her. All the American people must make peace with Syria and Iran and with Hamas. Why not?" Jaara said."

Yes, Nancy did so much good. Surrender on Dems!

[rolltide]

Madame Traitor

An Arab-American's Perspective on Pelosi in Damascus By Emilio Karim Dabul

Madame Traitor:

Nancy Pelosi is to world diplomacy what Michael Jordan was to baseball: completely forgettable and unnecessary. But unlike Michael's slightly amusing foray into the Babe's world, there's nothing funny about Pelosi in Damascus. The terrorists and their supporters, who are always looking for weak links and signs that the US does not have the will or backbone to win the war we're fighting with them, just found a great ally in Madame Speaker.
Among the older members of my extended Syrian family, there was a general attitude that kindness equaled weakness. It wasn't that they didn't believe in charity, but that it must be parceled out carefully, because those of ill intent can be quick to take advantage of those they perceive to be gullible and soft. This is what Nancy Pelosi either doesn't understand, or doesn't care about: she's being used by the very people who want to destroy us in another round of window dressing, subterfuge, and deceit. I suspect that Pelosi knows this, but is more intent on trying to undermine the President than in looking at how she could best support national security.
Let's look at the record. Syria has admitted that it has financially supported Hezbollah and Hamas, but says that it doesn't supply them with arms. What's the difference? What do you think these groups buy with the money? How many Israeli and Lebanese men, women and children have been slaughtered because of Syrian backing of these groups? And who do you think Syria supports across the border in Iraq: our troops or the terrorists some blithely refer to as "insurgents"? Without the direct involvement of Syria and Iran, the current terrorism movement in Iraq would have considerably less groundswell.

Pelosi might respond that she's aware of all that, but that she's simply taking James Baker's advice to talk with your enemies. Well, here's the problem: Baker's wrong. Talking to the Syrians has never accomplished anything. They correctly read the signs a long time ago that there would be no real consequences for continuing to support Arab and Islamic terrorist groups. And Pelosi has proven them right again: bend us and we will break.
This needs to stop. Syria and Iran need to know in a very real way that if they continue to support terrorism, they will experience the full wrath of the United States. And there cannot be any negotiating when it comes to this.

Moammar Gadhafi-remember that boogeyman?-backed off when we bombed his palace in Libya. Gadhafi's two-year-old adopted daughter died in that raid, which was a terrible tragedy, particularly since he was the one with blood on his hands, not her. Still, Gadhafi crawled back into his hole, and retreated even further when we invaded Iraq, making a public show of acquiescence to the US. He may be crazy, but he's not stupid.
Syria and Iran need to be given fair warning to cease and desist all support of terrorist activities, prove they're doing so, and if they don't, be held to account.
Damascus and Tehran will continue to taunt and undermine us, and the UK, until they know they can't. Assad would be a lot less likely to cut checks for terrorists if he knew it could cost him his job or his life. And the same is true of the little guy in the leisure suit over in Iran. This is what they both understand and respect: force, not treaties and tea.
And Pelosi would probably be adverse to hang out with these guys if she knew F-18s might be approaching. Charging her with treason in the meantime would be appropriate. If the Speaker of the House during the Vietnam War had broken bread with Cambodian leaders, the public would have demanded his resignation and the most severe punishment possible for such a crime. And yet when Nancy Pelosi sits down with our enemies' collaborators, she's given a pass, even praised by those who cheer on any action that goes against the President. Al Jazerra is probably her biggest fan right now, next to the New York Times.
The problem is she's not just hurting the President, she's betraying our troops, and everyone around the world at risk to terrorist attacks, which is most of us.
We should not let her get away with it. We need to hold Pelosi responsible for her actions, as well as Syria and Iran. The three of them have more than proven their status as enemies of the United States.

Emilio Dabul is a Contributing Editor for American Congress for Truth.com. He is a Syrian-American of Muslim heritage and a Middle East commentator.