Friday, May 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
FRENCH ELECTION COVERAGE FROM NEWSWEEK & THE DAILY BEAST
First, just for the atmosphere, take a look at these pictures Tracy McNicoll shot at the François Hollande victory celebration in Place de la Bastille that went on from late night May 6 to early morning May 7: http://ruesdeparadis.
Apr 23, 2012 1:15 PM EDT
THE DSK SIDESHOW:
TV APPEARANCES:
The Dylan Ratigan Show video: Victory for Hollande signals extreme shift in France - http://video.msnbc.msn.com/@msnbc
Video: NOW with Alex Wagner discussing French and Greek elections http://video.msnbc.msn.com/
The Anti-Sarkozy
May 7, 2012 2:43 PM EDTHollande will govern as a deliberate response to Sarko’s five exhausting years. By Tracy McNicoll. MORESarkozy Gets the Boot
May 6, 2012 2:00 PM EDTHow the Socialist Francois Hollande won—and why his anti-austerity mandate may not hold up. MORECan Sarkozy Pull Off a Win?
May 4, 2012 1:29 PM EDTHe trails Hollande ahead of Sunday’s vote, but many believe the incumbent can’t lose.... MORE
France’s Woman in the Wings
Apr 23, 2012 1:15 PM EDT
Marine Le Pen is well positioned to emerge even stronger in the 2017 elections. MORE
Four Ways Sarko Got Screwed
Apr 22, 2012 9:58 AM EDTThe French president survived Sunday’s vote.... MOREDoes Sarko Miss DSK?
Apr 16, 2012 12:00 AM EDTWhy the libertine would have been an ideal opponent. MOREThe Usual (Islamist) Suspects
Apr 4, 2012 1:37 PM EDTIn a crackdown after Toulouse, France arrested 10 suspected Islamic radicals. By Christopher Dickey.... MORETHE DSK SIDESHOW:
The Maid Will Have Her Day in Court
May 1, 2012 1:29 PM EDTNafissatou Diallo will again have a chance to fight for her dignity. By Christopher Dickey. MOREA Wrench in the DSK Conspiracy Theory
Apr 29, 2012 1:26 PM EDTEdward Jay Epstein suggested it—but now he’s backpedaling. Christopher Dickey reports. MOREDSK Battles New Charges
Mar 26, 2012 11:40 PM EDTWill his third scandal, in a French prostitution case, finally sink him? Tracy McNicoll reports. MORETV APPEARANCES:
The Dylan Ratigan Show video: Victory for Hollande signals extreme shift in France - http://video.msnbc.msn.com/
Video: NOW with Alex Wagner discussing French and Greek elections http://video.msnbc.msn.com/
Friday, May 04, 2012
JUST HOW "LIBERAL" IS EGYPTIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ABUL FOTOUH?
The New Republic has published an interesting critique of the way the Western press is covering Egyptian presidential contender Abdul Monem Abul Fotouh, suggesting it is being duped by his supposed "moderation" since he broke with other leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood. In response, entrepreneur and democratic activist Ahmed Alfi tweeted a PDF of this interesting position statement written by Abul Fotouh back in 2006. It shows AF's views have changed little since then. I am re-posting the document here so those who are interested can have easier access:
Tweet
Following is the full text of comments by Abdul Monem Abul Futouh, Member of the
Guidance Bureau of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, on “Islamist Movements andthe Democratic Process in the Arab World: Exploring the Gray Zones,” by Nathan
Brown, Amr Hamzawy, and Marina Ottaway (Carnegie Paper No. 67, March 2006):
I read carefully your study of the six areas that continue to puzzle researchers in the West
with regard to reformist Islamist movements. I would like to commend you for your
efforts and your exceptional study of reformist Islam, of which the Muslim Brotherhood
is a strong advocate. To my mind, the term “reformist Islam” represents a more accurate
description of the activities of Islamist movements than “political Islam.” The latter
inaccurately limits the movement’s activities to political participation and excludes the
movement’s engagement in social, educational, cultural, and developmental issues.
Before I present my view—as a member of the Guidance Bureau—I would like to note
that we have previously attempted to clarify the issues brought up in this study in several
forums including the Supreme Guide’s initiative, a study that I published entitled The
Islamic Understanding of Comprehensive Reform (Al Mafhum al islami li al Islah al
shamil) and several interviews and articles compiled in a volume entitled Reformers, not
Spoilers (Mujaddidun la mubaddidun). I hope that these might provide some insight to
your research and understanding of the concept of reform, be it in relation to current
affairs or to the ideal condition that human beings should have reached in this era, in
which they are still confused and suffering in their quest for the happiness, peace, and
prosperity they deserve.
It is also important to note that the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamic
association, not just a religious organization or a conventional political party. There is a
debate within the movement about the possibility of transformation to a political party
that carries out the movement’s reform agenda. Another possibility is establishing a
separate political party, with a clear delineation of responsibilities between party and
movement. We differentiate clearly between political and religious activities, although
repressive state practices have often led to conflation of the two, which would not happen
in a free society.
A distinction must be made between religion and political life. The affairs of the latter
should be administered in a modern fashion. Religion involves spirituality and
cooperation between believers. It is noteworthy that the moral individual, who can
distinguish between right and wrong and derives his/her judgments from free will,
constitutes the core of Islam. These values are the cornerstone of Islamic culture, the full
depth of which cannot be appreciated by those who have not experienced Islam closely.
In this paper, I will clarify the six issues raised in the study and attempt to remove the
ambiguity, which seems to exist in researchers’ interpretations rather than in the Muslim
Brotherhood’s thinking. It appears that most readings of the reformist Islamist project
begin with initial rejection based on pre-conceived ideas springing from historical and
cultural details that highlight the need for further discussion between the Muslim
Brotherhood and outside observers.
1) Islamic Sharia
Mercy crowns all Islamic virtues; the holy Quran says “we sent you only as a mercy to
the world.” Islamic sharia is a translation of this virtue. Islamic tenets assert three values,
all of which stem from mercy. First is religious worship to discipline the soul; second is
establishing justice among people without distinction; and third is achieving social
welfare.
A religious scholar argues that where welfare exists, sharia exists; that all sharia’s
commandments are intended to bring welfare to the individual. Religious scholars
classify the goals of sharia into essentials that preserve the soul, religion, wealth,
offspring, and others that protect the five core goals and preserve individual dignity as
ordained by God (who said “and we have honored sons of Adam”). These goals
encompass all of human life; they shape a Muslim individual who has allegiance to
humanity, interacts with freedom and dignity with others, and who lives in peace with
others. A conscious understanding and correct application of these goals is a safety valve
for society; it protects it against extremism, fundamentalism, and violence.
Despite the fact that criminal penalties constitute only ten percent of all Islamic law, they
have drawn the most attention among scholars of Muslim societies, leading some to
mistakenly equate the sharia with punishments. Penalties stipulated in the sharia serve
primarily as deterrents. The more powerful the deterrent is, the more effective the law is
at preserving social stability and rehabilitating criminals. We recall the saying of the
Prophet, “avert penalties through legal arguments,” encouraging the presentation of any
evidence that can be used to avert application of the penalties. Some religious scholars
have argued that judges are allowed to cancel penalties if the suspect repents.
It is noteworthy that developments achieved by humanity are accounted for in Islamic
law. In Islam, everything is allowed except what has been definitively prohibited, and
these prohibitions are known and limited. The important dialogue among Imam
Muhammad Abduh (one of the founding fathers of Islamic reform), Ernest Renan, and
Farah Anton may assist in illuminating these gray zones. This dialogue splendidly and
objectively linked the whole of Islamic civilization with Islamic law and its aims.
2) The Use of Violence
In addition to conflicting with our principles and programs, violence is against our
interests and those of our nations. Our understanding of Islam leads us to trust wholly in
human nature, and in the ability of Islam to deal creatively with this nature in an
atmosphere of democratic competition that respects diversity and practices tolerance. I
believe that discussions about the position of reformist Islamist movements on violence
have become pointless. The fundamental distinction between resistance to oppression and
occupation on one hand, and intimidation and bloodshed on the other should be clear to
all.
In truth, it is the West that must be cleansed of violence. According to one historian’s
study, during the past two centuries all of the tragedies and acts of violence visited upon
mankind have come from the west: the vicious religious wars between the Catholics and
the Orthodox and between both of them and the Protestants; and the Hundred Years War
(1337-1453 CE) between England and France. Then from the West came the idea of
colonialism, which produced capitalism, and then communism as an opposing ideology.
They were followed by fascism and Nazism, ideologies of superiority and racism. Nor
does human memory forget the two world wars, the vilest in human history. The Middle
East now is a clear example of Western violence. Even today we hear the voices of
religious fundamentalism, a political dogma believed in and cultivated by the kings and
presidents of the West. It is our hope that the West will, in word and deed, have greater
respect for tolerance, and perhaps produce a leader like the German Emperor Frederick II
(1212-1250 CE), considered a model in his concern for cultural interconnectedness and
for the true application of great human values such as tolerance.
3) Political Pluralism
To accept diversity among human beings is to accept the right to disagree. Diversity in
ideas and methods is both natural and logical. Islam considers this diversity and
difference of opinion a positive trait that enriches human understanding and gives it
breadth and depth. In politics, leftist parties put forth ideas on social justice that are
worthwhile considering while liberals offers compelling views on freedom. Societies are
broad enough to encompass all of these ideas so long as they do not conflict with the
highest values anchored in the constitution.
The right of like-minded individuals to meet and assemble freely has become a necessity
in our times, in which the modern state has grown dominant due to tremendous
technological advances. The individual in opposition is extremely weak when he resists
or differs with the state. Within parties, associations, or other groupings, however, it
becomes possible to confront the state. Freedom of association enables those who stand
in the opposition to exert pressure on the authorities and helps create a balanced political
life. Also necessary is freedom of the media, in all their wide-ranging, modern means,
which provide to opinion makers important tools for expressing their views.
4) Civil and Political Rights
Democracy remains the most effective means available for achieving human rights.
Reformist Islamist movements understand democracy as coexistence among all elements
of society, peaceful and constitutional alternation of power, the rule of law, and the
protection of individual rights and freedoms. Freedom itself is a central Islamic value. It
is even more important when the issue is connected to political freedom and freedom of
opinion, because among the key principles of Islam is freedom of choice.
5) Women’s Rights
Islam affirms the rights of women to administer family matters along with men, through
compromise and consultation. The holy Quran mentions that women in public life have
equal rights of participation in guiding society and in the policies of the state. They have
the right to hold any position. As political institutions develop and governance improves,
it will be wholly legitimate for a woman to assume the presidency, just as a man would
do.
It is worth mentioning that the issue of women’s rights is by no means confined to
Muslim societies. Women in France did not win the right to vote until 1945, after
showing courage and strength in resisting the German occupation! In my opinion, the
problem lies in a long human heritage in which women were devalued and considered
deficient beings! Greek civilization asserted this faulty concept when Aristotle said that
he praised God for making him a man, a Greek, and a philosopher.
Reformist Islam assigns a large role to women in the national awakening. Women are
half of society and they raise the other half. Women are doctors, teachers, and engineers;
they produce and work according to what they choose to do and can do. The veiling of
women in Islam accords with modesty and morality; the veil does not cover a woman’s
mind, personality, or humanity. Perhaps it is the Western view of the woman that is in
need of correction and improvement. It has reached the point where all limits have been
exceeded in the degradation of women in fashion, cosmetics, and sex. This is
incompatible with human and religious values, and detracts from women as mothers,
sisters, and wives—half of this world.
6) Religious Minorities
Freedom of worship is the most basic of all human rights, governed by the Islamic
principle that “there is no compulsion in religion.” Reformist Islamist movements
consider the citizen the foundation of society, regardless of religion or color. Belief in a
religion or doctrine is through acceptance of the soul, and it is logically impossible for
this to occur through compulsion; therefore, in Islam, religious belief flows from
complete freedom free from any pressure or incentives. The holy Quran says “Will you
compel people against their will to believe?”
It is important to stress that Muslims cannot practice their beliefs except by protecting the
non-Muslims among them and preserving their right to difference in religion. In
reformist Islam the citizen is considered the foundation of society, regardless of his
religion or color. Justice for all people is an Islamic value, as the Quran says “God
commands justice.” The foundation on which the treatment of non-Muslims is built is
that the individual is for society and society for the individual, with all that this entails in
terms of cooperation, mutual understanding, love, and respect. We praise God that our
society has never experienced the likes of what happened to Rosa Parks in Montgomery,
Alabama in 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on the bus to an American who
was just like her, only white, as the law at that time stipulated that the seats at the front of
the bus were for white citizens, not black.
The jizya (tax on non-Muslims) and dhimma (protected non-Muslims) are historical
terms only, which have been replaced by the concept of citizenship-based democracy in a
nation of justice and law. This is the model that reformist Islam, with the Muslim
Brotherhood at the forefront, strives to envision and to build.
Dr. Abdul Monem Abul Futouh
Member, Guidance Bureau
The Muslim Brotherhood
Translated from Arabic by Kevin Burnham and Dina Bishara.
Tweet
Following is the full text of comments by Abdul Monem Abul Futouh, Member of the
Guidance Bureau of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, on “Islamist Movements andthe Democratic Process in the Arab World: Exploring the Gray Zones,” by Nathan
Brown, Amr Hamzawy, and Marina Ottaway (Carnegie Paper No. 67, March 2006):
I read carefully your study of the six areas that continue to puzzle researchers in the West
with regard to reformist Islamist movements. I would like to commend you for your
efforts and your exceptional study of reformist Islam, of which the Muslim Brotherhood
is a strong advocate. To my mind, the term “reformist Islam” represents a more accurate
description of the activities of Islamist movements than “political Islam.” The latter
inaccurately limits the movement’s activities to political participation and excludes the
movement’s engagement in social, educational, cultural, and developmental issues.
Before I present my view—as a member of the Guidance Bureau—I would like to note
that we have previously attempted to clarify the issues brought up in this study in several
forums including the Supreme Guide’s initiative, a study that I published entitled The
Islamic Understanding of Comprehensive Reform (Al Mafhum al islami li al Islah al
shamil) and several interviews and articles compiled in a volume entitled Reformers, not
Spoilers (Mujaddidun la mubaddidun). I hope that these might provide some insight to
your research and understanding of the concept of reform, be it in relation to current
affairs or to the ideal condition that human beings should have reached in this era, in
which they are still confused and suffering in their quest for the happiness, peace, and
prosperity they deserve.
It is also important to note that the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamic
association, not just a religious organization or a conventional political party. There is a
debate within the movement about the possibility of transformation to a political party
that carries out the movement’s reform agenda. Another possibility is establishing a
separate political party, with a clear delineation of responsibilities between party and
movement. We differentiate clearly between political and religious activities, although
repressive state practices have often led to conflation of the two, which would not happen
in a free society.
A distinction must be made between religion and political life. The affairs of the latter
should be administered in a modern fashion. Religion involves spirituality and
cooperation between believers. It is noteworthy that the moral individual, who can
distinguish between right and wrong and derives his/her judgments from free will,
constitutes the core of Islam. These values are the cornerstone of Islamic culture, the full
depth of which cannot be appreciated by those who have not experienced Islam closely.
In this paper, I will clarify the six issues raised in the study and attempt to remove the
ambiguity, which seems to exist in researchers’ interpretations rather than in the Muslim
Brotherhood’s thinking. It appears that most readings of the reformist Islamist project
begin with initial rejection based on pre-conceived ideas springing from historical and
cultural details that highlight the need for further discussion between the Muslim
Brotherhood and outside observers.
1) Islamic Sharia
Mercy crowns all Islamic virtues; the holy Quran says “we sent you only as a mercy to
the world.” Islamic sharia is a translation of this virtue. Islamic tenets assert three values,
all of which stem from mercy. First is religious worship to discipline the soul; second is
establishing justice among people without distinction; and third is achieving social
welfare.
A religious scholar argues that where welfare exists, sharia exists; that all sharia’s
commandments are intended to bring welfare to the individual. Religious scholars
classify the goals of sharia into essentials that preserve the soul, religion, wealth,
offspring, and others that protect the five core goals and preserve individual dignity as
ordained by God (who said “and we have honored sons of Adam”). These goals
encompass all of human life; they shape a Muslim individual who has allegiance to
humanity, interacts with freedom and dignity with others, and who lives in peace with
others. A conscious understanding and correct application of these goals is a safety valve
for society; it protects it against extremism, fundamentalism, and violence.
Despite the fact that criminal penalties constitute only ten percent of all Islamic law, they
have drawn the most attention among scholars of Muslim societies, leading some to
mistakenly equate the sharia with punishments. Penalties stipulated in the sharia serve
primarily as deterrents. The more powerful the deterrent is, the more effective the law is
at preserving social stability and rehabilitating criminals. We recall the saying of the
Prophet, “avert penalties through legal arguments,” encouraging the presentation of any
evidence that can be used to avert application of the penalties. Some religious scholars
have argued that judges are allowed to cancel penalties if the suspect repents.
It is noteworthy that developments achieved by humanity are accounted for in Islamic
law. In Islam, everything is allowed except what has been definitively prohibited, and
these prohibitions are known and limited. The important dialogue among Imam
Muhammad Abduh (one of the founding fathers of Islamic reform), Ernest Renan, and
Farah Anton may assist in illuminating these gray zones. This dialogue splendidly and
objectively linked the whole of Islamic civilization with Islamic law and its aims.
2) The Use of Violence
In addition to conflicting with our principles and programs, violence is against our
interests and those of our nations. Our understanding of Islam leads us to trust wholly in
human nature, and in the ability of Islam to deal creatively with this nature in an
atmosphere of democratic competition that respects diversity and practices tolerance. I
believe that discussions about the position of reformist Islamist movements on violence
have become pointless. The fundamental distinction between resistance to oppression and
occupation on one hand, and intimidation and bloodshed on the other should be clear to
all.
In truth, it is the West that must be cleansed of violence. According to one historian’s
study, during the past two centuries all of the tragedies and acts of violence visited upon
mankind have come from the west: the vicious religious wars between the Catholics and
the Orthodox and between both of them and the Protestants; and the Hundred Years War
(1337-1453 CE) between England and France. Then from the West came the idea of
colonialism, which produced capitalism, and then communism as an opposing ideology.
They were followed by fascism and Nazism, ideologies of superiority and racism. Nor
does human memory forget the two world wars, the vilest in human history. The Middle
East now is a clear example of Western violence. Even today we hear the voices of
religious fundamentalism, a political dogma believed in and cultivated by the kings and
presidents of the West. It is our hope that the West will, in word and deed, have greater
respect for tolerance, and perhaps produce a leader like the German Emperor Frederick II
(1212-1250 CE), considered a model in his concern for cultural interconnectedness and
for the true application of great human values such as tolerance.
3) Political Pluralism
To accept diversity among human beings is to accept the right to disagree. Diversity in
ideas and methods is both natural and logical. Islam considers this diversity and
difference of opinion a positive trait that enriches human understanding and gives it
breadth and depth. In politics, leftist parties put forth ideas on social justice that are
worthwhile considering while liberals offers compelling views on freedom. Societies are
broad enough to encompass all of these ideas so long as they do not conflict with the
highest values anchored in the constitution.
The right of like-minded individuals to meet and assemble freely has become a necessity
in our times, in which the modern state has grown dominant due to tremendous
technological advances. The individual in opposition is extremely weak when he resists
or differs with the state. Within parties, associations, or other groupings, however, it
becomes possible to confront the state. Freedom of association enables those who stand
in the opposition to exert pressure on the authorities and helps create a balanced political
life. Also necessary is freedom of the media, in all their wide-ranging, modern means,
which provide to opinion makers important tools for expressing their views.
4) Civil and Political Rights
Democracy remains the most effective means available for achieving human rights.
Reformist Islamist movements understand democracy as coexistence among all elements
of society, peaceful and constitutional alternation of power, the rule of law, and the
protection of individual rights and freedoms. Freedom itself is a central Islamic value. It
is even more important when the issue is connected to political freedom and freedom of
opinion, because among the key principles of Islam is freedom of choice.
5) Women’s Rights
Islam affirms the rights of women to administer family matters along with men, through
compromise and consultation. The holy Quran mentions that women in public life have
equal rights of participation in guiding society and in the policies of the state. They have
the right to hold any position. As political institutions develop and governance improves,
it will be wholly legitimate for a woman to assume the presidency, just as a man would
do.
It is worth mentioning that the issue of women’s rights is by no means confined to
Muslim societies. Women in France did not win the right to vote until 1945, after
showing courage and strength in resisting the German occupation! In my opinion, the
problem lies in a long human heritage in which women were devalued and considered
deficient beings! Greek civilization asserted this faulty concept when Aristotle said that
he praised God for making him a man, a Greek, and a philosopher.
Reformist Islam assigns a large role to women in the national awakening. Women are
half of society and they raise the other half. Women are doctors, teachers, and engineers;
they produce and work according to what they choose to do and can do. The veiling of
women in Islam accords with modesty and morality; the veil does not cover a woman’s
mind, personality, or humanity. Perhaps it is the Western view of the woman that is in
need of correction and improvement. It has reached the point where all limits have been
exceeded in the degradation of women in fashion, cosmetics, and sex. This is
incompatible with human and religious values, and detracts from women as mothers,
sisters, and wives—half of this world.
6) Religious Minorities
Freedom of worship is the most basic of all human rights, governed by the Islamic
principle that “there is no compulsion in religion.” Reformist Islamist movements
consider the citizen the foundation of society, regardless of religion or color. Belief in a
religion or doctrine is through acceptance of the soul, and it is logically impossible for
this to occur through compulsion; therefore, in Islam, religious belief flows from
complete freedom free from any pressure or incentives. The holy Quran says “Will you
compel people against their will to believe?”
It is important to stress that Muslims cannot practice their beliefs except by protecting the
non-Muslims among them and preserving their right to difference in religion. In
reformist Islam the citizen is considered the foundation of society, regardless of his
religion or color. Justice for all people is an Islamic value, as the Quran says “God
commands justice.” The foundation on which the treatment of non-Muslims is built is
that the individual is for society and society for the individual, with all that this entails in
terms of cooperation, mutual understanding, love, and respect. We praise God that our
society has never experienced the likes of what happened to Rosa Parks in Montgomery,
Alabama in 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on the bus to an American who
was just like her, only white, as the law at that time stipulated that the seats at the front of
the bus were for white citizens, not black.
The jizya (tax on non-Muslims) and dhimma (protected non-Muslims) are historical
terms only, which have been replaced by the concept of citizenship-based democracy in a
nation of justice and law. This is the model that reformist Islam, with the Muslim
Brotherhood at the forefront, strives to envision and to build.
Dr. Abdul Monem Abul Futouh
Member, Guidance Bureau
The Muslim Brotherhood
Translated from Arabic by Kevin Burnham and Dina Bishara.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Reading Osama Bin Laden's Mail
Following is the summary of the so-called "Bin Laden" documents just released by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. The original documents and English translations can be downloaded as PDFs form the CTC site here.
Some analysts suggest the documents are being released now to sow discord among Al Qaeda affiliates. The CTC's own headline is "Letters from Abottabad: Bin Laden Sidelined?"
Perhaps. But as it happens several of the key figures replacing OBL are now dead, too, so their ambitions and rivalries would seem to be a moot point.
Some, like Anwar al-Awlaki, became jihadi idols, briefly, before the Obama administration blew them up. Others, like the leaders of Al-Shabab in Somalia, seem never to have been able to win OBL's respect. But one of the most interesting and important, Atiyya, preferred to keep a very low profile until a drone strike reportedly took him out in August last year. Will McCants wrote a very useful portrait of Atiyya and his importance on the Foreign Affairs site soon afterwards. It can be found here.
Description
of the Abbottabad Documents Provided to the CTC
This
document provides a general description of the 17 declassified documents captured
in the Abbottabad raid and released to the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC). For additional context please see the
documents themselves and/or the CTC’s report “Letters from Abbottabad: Bin
Ladin Sidelined?” released in conjunction with this summary.
The
17 documents consist of electronic letters or draft letters, totaling 175 pages
in the original Arabic and 197 pages in the English translation. The earliest letter
is dated September 2006 and the latest April 2011. These internal al-Qa`ida
communications were authored by several
leaders, including Usama bin Ladin, `Atiyya
`Abd
al-Rahman, Abu Yahya al-Libi and the American Adam Gadahn, as well as several
unknown individuals who were either affiliated with the group or wrote to offer
it advice. Other recognizable personalities who feature in the letters either
as authors, recipients or points of conversation include Mukhtar Abu al-Zubayr,
leader of the Somali militant group Harakat al-Shabab al-Mujahidin; Nasir al-Wuhayshi
(Abu Basir), leader of the Yemen-based al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula
(AQAP); Anwar al-`Awlaqi; and
Hakimullah Mahsud, leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Some of the
letters are incomplete and/or are missing their dates, and not all of the
letters explicitly attribute their author(s) and/or indicate to whom they are addressed.
Given that they are all electronic documents either saved on thumb drives,
memory cards or the hard drive of Bin Ladin’s computer, except for the letters
addressed to Bin Ladin, it cannot be ascertained whether any of these letters actually
reached their intended destinations.
SOCOM-2012-0000003
This
letter was authored by Usama bin Ladin and addressed to Shaykh Mahmud (`Atiyya Abdul Rahman) on 27
August 2010. Mahmud is specifically directed to tell “Basir,” who is Nasir al-Wuhayshi
(Abu Basir), the leader of al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula, to remain in his
role (presumably in response to a request from Abu Basir that Anwar al-`Awlaqi
take his position), and for him to send “us a detailed and lengthy” version of
al-`Awlaqi’s resume. `Atiyya
is
also told to ask Basir and Anwar al-`Awlaqi for their “vision in detail about
the situation” in Yemen. References are also made in the letter to the 2010
floods in Pakistan, a letter from Bin Ladin’s son Khalid to `Abd al-Latif,
al-Qa`ida’s media plan for the 9/11 anniversary, and the need for the “brothers
coming from Iran” to be placed in safe locations.
This
document is a letter authored by the American al-Qa`ida spokesman Adam Gadahn
to an unknown recipient and was written in late January 2011. In the first part
of the document Gadahn provides strategic advice regarding al-Qa`ida’s media
plans for the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The letter is in essence a response to
many of the requests/queries that Bin Ladin makes in his letter to `Atiyya
dated October 2010 (SOCOM-2012-0000015), particularly those concerning a media
strategy for the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. In other parts of the document
Gadahn incisively criticizes the tactics and targeting calculus of the Islamic
State of Iraq (AQI/ISI) and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP); he strongly advocates for al-Qa`ida to publicly dissociate itself
from both groups. The document concludes with a draft statement, which provides
a candid assessment of these issues.
SOCOM-2012-0000005
This
document is a letter dated 7 August 2010 from “Zamarai” (Usama bin Ladin) to Mukhtar Abu
al-Zubayr, the leader of the Somali militant group Harakat al-Shabab
al-Mujahidin, which merged with al-Qa`ida after Bin Ladin’s death. The document
is a response to a letter Bin Ladin received from al-Zubayr in which he requested
formal unity with al-Qa`ida and either consulted Bin Ladin on the question of
declaring an Islamic state in Somalia or informed him that he was about to
declare one. In Bin Ladin’s response, he politely declines al-Shabab’s request
for formal unity with al-Qa`ida.
SOCOM-2012-0000006
This
document is a letter believed to have been composed in December 2010 and its
content relates to SOCOM-2012-0000005.
The letter is addressed to Azmarai, perhaps a typo or misspelling of the
nickname Zamarai (a
nickname or kunya for Bin Ladin). While the identity of the author is unclear, the
familiar tone and implicit critique of Bin Ladin’s policy vis-a-vis al-Shabab
suggest that this is from a high ranking personality, possibly Ayman
al-Zawahiri. Referring to “our friend’s letter” and the perspective of the
“brothers…[who might have been] too concerned about inflating the size and
growth of al-Qa`ida,” the author of the document urges the receiver to
“reconsider your opinion not to declare the accession [i.e. formal merger] of
the brothers of Somalia…” This is clearly a reference to al-Qa`ida’s potential
merger with al-Shabab and suggests that al-Qa`ida’s relationship with the
“affiliates” is a subject of internal debate. If indeed the author of the
letter is Ayman al-Zawahiri this could be an indication of a major fissure over
a key strategic question at the pinnacle of the organization (for different
interpretations of this letter, see Appendix of “Letters from Abbottabad”).
SOCOM-2012-0000007
This
letter is authored by Mahmud al-Hasan (`Atiyya) and
Abu Yahya al-Libi and addressed to the amir of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP), Hakimullah Mahsud. It is dated 3 December 2010 and is sharply critical
of the ideology and tactics of the TTP.
The letter makes it clear that al-Qa`ida’s senior leaders had serious
concerns about the TTP’s trajectory inside Pakistan, and the impact the group’s
misguided operations might have on al-Qa`ida and other militant groups in the
region. The authors identify several errors committed by the group,
specifically Hakimullah Mahsud’s arrogation of privileges and positions beyond
what was appropriate as the TTP’s amir;
the TTP’s use of indiscriminate violence and killing of Muslim civilians; and
the group’s use of kidnapping. `Atiyya and
al-Libi also take issue with Mahsud labeling al-Qa`ida members as “guests” and the
attempts made by other groups (presumably the TTP) to siphon off al-Qa`ida
members. The authors threaten that if actions are not taken to correct these
mistakes, “we shall be forced to take public
and firm legal steps from our side.”
SOCOM-2012-0000008
This
letter was originally an exchange between Jaysh al-Islam and `Atiyya that was forwarded first
to a certain `Abd al-Hamid (and presumably to Bin Ladin later). The gist of Jaysh al-Islam’s letter
makes it known that the group is in need of financial assistance “to support
jihad,” and that the group is seeking `Atiyya’s legal advice on three matters:
1) the permissibility of accepting financial assistance from other militant
Palestinian groups (e.g., Fatah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad);
2) the permissibility of investing funds in the stock market in
support of jihad; and 3) the permissibility of striking or killing
drug traffickers in order to use their money, and even drugs, to lure their
enemies who could in turn be used by Jaysh al-Islam as double-agents. `Atiyya’s response,
written sometime between 24 October 2006 and 22 November 2006, is cordial but
distant, responding to the questions but refraining from giving any strategic
advice.
SOCOM-2012-0000009
This
document is part of a longer letter which was not released to the CTC. It is
not clear who authored the letter or to whom it was addressed. It discusses the
potential need to change the name of “Qa`idat al-Jihad.” The author is of the
view that the abridging of the name “al-Qa`ida” has “lessened Muslims’ feelings
that we belong to them.” The author is further concerned that since the name
“al-Qa`ida” lacks religious connotations, it has allowed the United States to
launch a war on “al-Qa`ida” without offending Muslims. The author proposed a
list of new names that capture Islamic theological themes: Ta’ifat al-tawhid
wa-al-jihad (Monotheism and Jihad Group), Jama`at wahdat al-Muslimin
(Muslim Unity Group), Hizb tawhid al-Umma al-Islamiyya (Islamic Nation
Unification Party) and Jama`at tahrir al-aqsa (Al-Aqsa Liberation
Group).
SOCOM-2012-0000010
This letter is authored by “Abu `Abdallah”
(Usama bin Ladin), addressed to “Shaykh Mahmud” (`Atiyya) and dated 26 April
2011 – a week before bin Ladin’s death. In it, Bin Ladin outlines his response
to the “Arab Spring,” proposing two different strategies. The first strategy
pertains to the Arab World and entails “inciting people who have not yet
revolted and exhort[ing] them to rebel against the rulers (khuruj ‘ala
al-hukkam)”; the second strategy concerns Afghanistan and it entails
continuing to evoke the obligation of jihad there. The letter also makes
reference to a wide variety of topics including: the scarcity of communications
from Iraq, “the brothers coming from Iran,” and hostages held by “our brothers
in the Islamic Maghreb” and in Somalia. The document also briefly discusses Bin
Ladin’s sons, his courier, Shaykh Abu Muhammad (Ayman al-Zawahiri), and other
individuals of interest.
SOCOM-2012-0000011
This letter, dated 28 March 2007, is
addressed to a legal scholar by the name of Hafiz Sultan, and it is authored by
someone who is of Egyptian origin. The author makes it explicit that he was
alarmed by al-Qa`ida in Iraq’s conduct and he urges Sultan to write to that
group’s leaders to correct their ways. The author also asks for legal guidance
on the use of chlorine gas, which he appears not to support. A reference is also
made to “the brothers in Lebanon” and the need to arrange “to have one of their
representatives visit us in the near future.” A message from the “brothers in
Algeria” is also included.
SOCOM-2012-0000012
This
letter dated 11 June 2009 was written by `Atiyya
to
the “honorable shaykh.” It is possible that it was addressed to Usama bin Ladin,
but it may have been addressed to another senior leader. The majority of the
letter provides details on the release of detained jihadi “brothers” and their
families from Iran and an indication that more are expected to be released,
including Bin Ladin’s family. It seems that their release was partially in
response to covert operations by al-Qa`ida against Iran and its interests.
SOCOM-2012-0000013
This
is a draft that formed the basis of a publicly available document, part four in
a series of statements that Ayman al-Zawahiri released in response to the “Arab
Spring.” Through the document one can observe al-Qa`ida’s editing process
(reflected in the editor’s comments highlighted in green and in a bold font). While
it is not clear if Bin Ladin himself did
the editing, whoever did so has solid grammatical foundations and prefers a more
self-effacing writing style than al-Zawahiri. The edits were not included in
al-Zawahiri’s final speech which was released in a video on 4 March 2011 on
jihadi forums. Of the 12 proposed corrections only one appears in al-Zawahiri’s
speech.
SOCOM-2012-0000014
This
document consists of two letters addressed to “Abu `Abd-al-Rahman,” almost
certainly `Atiyya `Abd
al-Rahman. It was sent by an operative who knows `Atiyya and is a religious
student with ties to the senior shaykhs and clerics in Saudi Arabia. While the
letters are not dated, their contents suggest they were composed soon after January
2007; they read very much like an intelligence assessment, designed to provide `Atiyya with some perspective
on how al-Qa`ida generally, and the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) more
specifically, are perceived amongst Saudi scholars of varying degrees of
prominence. The author provides `Atiyya
with
brief summaries of private meetings the author had with certain scholars, with
the clear intent of evaluating the level of support that al-Qa`ida enjoys from some
relatively prominent members of the Saudi religious establishment.
This
document is a letter dated 21 October 2010 from Bin Ladin to “Shaykh Mahmud” (`Atiyya). The
letter is primarily focused on issues in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region. In
the letter Bin Ladin specifically comments on: the security situation in
Waziristan and the need to relocate al-Qa`ida members from the region; counter surveillance
issues associated with the movement of his son Hamza within Pakistan; the
appointment of `Atiyya’s
three deputies; various al-Sahab videos and
the media plan for the tenth anniversary of 9/11; the release of an Afghan
prisoner held by al-Qa`ida; and the trial of Faisal Shahzad. Ayman al-Zawahiri,
Abu Yahya al-Libi, Saif al-`Adl, and Adam Gadahn are also mentioned in the
document.
This
document is a letter addressed to “Abu Basir” (Nasir al-Wuhayshi, leader of al-Qa`ida
in the Arabian Peninsula - AQAP) from an unidentified author, most likely Usama
bin Ladin and/or `Atiyya. The letter is in part a response to specific requests
for guidance from AQAP’s leadership. The author specifically advises AQAP to
focus on targeting the United States, not the Yemeni government or security
forces. The author also discusses media strategy and the importance of AQAP’s
relations with Yemen’s tribes.
SOCOM-2012-0000017
This
document is a series of paragraphs, some of which match the content found in
SOCOM-2012-0000016. This document was likely written by the author of that
document. This letter discusses strategy, the need for al-Qa`ida to remain focused
on targeting the United States (or even against U.S. targets in South Africa
where other “brothers” are not active), the importance of tribal relations in a
variety of different countries, and media activity.
SOCOM-2012-0000018
This
document is a letter addressed to Usama bin Ladin from “a loving brother whom
you know and who knows you” and dated 14 September 2006. The author is critical
of Bin Ladin for focusing al- Qa`ida’s operations on
“Islamic countries in general and the Arabian Peninsula in particular.” He
enumerates the numerous negative consequences of engaging in jihad inside Saudi
Arabia, and informs Bin Ladin that people are now repulsed by the technical
term “jihad” and even forbidden to use it in lectures. The author strongly
advised Bin Ladin to change his policies.
SOCOM-2012-0000019
This
document is a long letter authored by Usama bin Ladin after the death of Sheikh
Sa‘id (Mustafa Abu’l-Yazid) in
late May 2010 and it is addressed to “Shaykh Mahmud” (`Atiyya) who he designates as
Sa‘id’s successor. Bin Ladin’s
letter is concerned with the mistakes committed by regional jihadi groups,
which have resulted in the unnecessary deaths of thousands of Muslim civilians.
Bin Ladin indicates that he would like to start a “new phase” so that the
jihadis could regain the trust of Muslims. He directs `Atiyya to prepare a
memorandum to centralize, in the hands of AQC, the media campaign and
operations of regional jihadi groups. Considerable space is devoted to a
discussion about Yemen, external operations and Bin Ladin’s plans for his son
Hamza. This document includes an additional letter that Bin Ladin forwards to `Atiyya
authored by Shaykh Yunis, presumably Yunis al-Mauritani, consisting of a new
operational plan that al-
Qa`ida should consider adopting.
THE "TRUTH" BEHIND THE OFFICIAL STORY OF FINDING BIN LADEN?
Gareth Porter has a very interesting and largely persuasive piece on TruthOut arguing that by the time the Americans caught up to Bin Laden (with help from Pakistani intelligence) he had no operational role in Al Qaeda and in fact had been forced into exile by his underlings:
http://truth-out.org/news/item/8866-finding-bin-laden-the-truth-behind-the-official-story
But Porter is misleading when he gives the impression the mainstream media fell hook, line and sinker for administration hype about Bin Laden's supposedly active role in Al Qaeda at the time he died. This was what I wrote in a column looking at the nature of the continuing threat days after Bin Laden was deep-sixed:
Unfortunately, those who follow the terrorist threat most closely don’t think bin Laden’s death will have reduced it much, if at all. “It’s good that we got him,” a senior law enforcement official told me the morning the news broke. “Until we did this, we appeared weak and anemic. But when it comes to terrorism, I don’t think it makes a difference whether he’s alive or not. He wasn’t responsible for Marrakesh. He wasn’t responsible for the guys picked up in Germany on Friday,” the official said, referring to the bombing at a favorite tourist destination in Morocco that killed 16 people last week and the arrest of three men in Germany for allegedly plotting to bomb targets there.
Whatever plans bin Laden laid in his Pakistani bedroom, so many al Qaeda sub-groups have sprung up with vicious and ambitious leaders out to prove that they can kill Westerners, too, that the man to whom many supposedly pledged allegiance in fact exercised little or no control over them. The wannabe bin Ladens have already shown they’ll take any shot they can get. They’ve even claimed credit for close calls that failed. As Robert Fisk wrote earlier this week in The Independent, the al Qaeda “movement has no ‘leadership’ as such, bin Laden being the founder rather than the boss.” In the end, he had become no more nor less than a symbol himself.
“Those inspired by bin Laden,” says the senior law enforcement official, “don’t see a difference between where he is now”—a corpse reportedly buried at sea—“and where he was a few days ago” hidden away from the world in Pakistan.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/05/06/al-qaeda-terror-threat-to-new-york-city-and-us-trains-remains-high.html
http://truth-out.org/news/item/8866-finding-bin-laden-the-truth-behind-the-official-story
But Porter is misleading when he gives the impression the mainstream media fell hook, line and sinker for administration hype about Bin Laden's supposedly active role in Al Qaeda at the time he died. This was what I wrote in a column looking at the nature of the continuing threat days after Bin Laden was deep-sixed:
Unfortunately, those who follow the terrorist threat most closely don’t think bin Laden’s death will have reduced it much, if at all. “It’s good that we got him,” a senior law enforcement official told me the morning the news broke. “Until we did this, we appeared weak and anemic. But when it comes to terrorism, I don’t think it makes a difference whether he’s alive or not. He wasn’t responsible for Marrakesh. He wasn’t responsible for the guys picked up in Germany on Friday,” the official said, referring to the bombing at a favorite tourist destination in Morocco that killed 16 people last week and the arrest of three men in Germany for allegedly plotting to bomb targets there.
Whatever plans bin Laden laid in his Pakistani bedroom, so many al Qaeda sub-groups have sprung up with vicious and ambitious leaders out to prove that they can kill Westerners, too, that the man to whom many supposedly pledged allegiance in fact exercised little or no control over them. The wannabe bin Ladens have already shown they’ll take any shot they can get. They’ve even claimed credit for close calls that failed. As Robert Fisk wrote earlier this week in The Independent, the al Qaeda “movement has no ‘leadership’ as such, bin Laden being the founder rather than the boss.” In the end, he had become no more nor less than a symbol himself.
“Those inspired by bin Laden,” says the senior law enforcement official, “don’t see a difference between where he is now”—a corpse reportedly buried at sea—“and where he was a few days ago” hidden away from the world in Pakistan.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/05/06/al-qaeda-terror-threat-to-new-york-city-and-us-trains-remains-high.html
RUE89.COM FOLLOW-UP ON MY EPSTEIN/DSK POST
Anne Sinclair, the wealthy and renowned journalist married to the disgraced Dominique Strauss-Kahn, was supposed to be a commentator for the cable news coverage of the French presidential elections this coming Sunday. But the network, BFM-TV, pulled the plug on Sinclair with a statement that she couldn't show the necessary objectivity, since DSK had given an interview to Edward Jay Epstein, published in The Guardian, which essentially accused President Nicolas Sarkozy of plotting his downfall. DSK's people tried to rectify this by claiming the interview was a fake, and it was referred to as such in many subsequent headlines. As pointed out in my post below, cited by Rue89.com, Epstein stands by his story. This is the Rue89 article in French:
http://www.rue89.com/comment/3054776
http://www.rue89.com/comment/3054776
TWEETING THE SARKOZY-HOLLANDE DEBATE
Looking back on last night's 2 hour and 50 minute marathon (start from the bottom):
csdickey @csdickey
EARLY, PARTIAL POLLS SUGGEST HOLLANDE IMPROVED HIS STANDING IN DEBATE (AND HE ALREADY LED BY 6 POINTS). Atlantico http://www.atlantico.fr/decryptage/rendez-soir-pour-suivre-que-francais-pensent-debat-en-direct-mediaprism-347882.html
23m @csdickey
COULD SARKOZY SQUEAK BY WITH 50.2%? THIS MODEL (NOT REALLY A POLL) SUGGESTS HE MIGHT: http://www.atlantico.fr/decryptage/electionscope-modele-qui-trouve-nicolas-sarkozy-gagnant-50-2-bruno-jerome-344603.html
2h @csdickey
Fact checking the Sarkozy-Hollande debate (in French on Rue89) http://www.rue89.com/rue89-presidentielle/2012/05/03/de-la-zapatera-au-bristol-petits-et-gros-mensonges-du-debat
10h @csdickey
So, Le Debat is over. The spin continues on cable news stations, but the rest have gone back to American cop shows, including The Closer.
10h @csdickey
@tunkuv So, bottom line, debate not likely to have closed the chasm that looms between Sarkozy and frontrunner Hollande in the polls.
View conversation
10h @csdickey
@tunkuv Has 'le debat' sealed Sarkozy's fate? -- The only opinion likely to have changed: Hollande has a spine. Otherwise, reaffirmations.
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10h @HalaGorani
Sarkozy gets last word bc Hollande spoke first. Appeals to voters who chose other candidates in 1st round. #france2012
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10h @moutet
Sarkozy appeals to Marine Le Pen's voters - Hollande interrupts to say he does, too! #LeDébat
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10h @csdickey
Hollande conclusion rejects Sarkozy's fearmongering.
10h @ericpape
In first hour, focus group sees no victor, but is surprised by feisty Hollande. http://www.atlantico.fr/decryptage/rendez-soir-pour-suivre-que-francais-pensent-debat-en-direct-mediaprism-347882.html
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10h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy: Algeria holds key to security in Sahara, important for fate of French hostages in Sahel
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10h @csdickey
LeDebat almost over ...
10h @csdickey
In discussing Mali, Niger, etc , and the French hostages held by AQ in Maghreb, not much difference, but Sarkozy obviously better versed.
10h @pierrehaski
Sarkozy ne rappelle pas qu'il avait envisagé de tout arrêter en Afgh. en jan., après le meurtre de Français par 1 soldat afghan. #LeDebat
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10h @csdickey
Hollande: "I consider the mission to be finished" in Afghanistan.
10h @csdickey
Sarkozy says getting out of Afghanistan is technically impossible --but his main thrust is to talk about horrors of Taliban.
10h @HalaGorani
Hollande: You think I knew DSK'S private life? How would I know that? #france2012
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10h @csdickey
Afghanistan -- Hollande wants French troops out before the end of this year.
10h @FrancoisF24
2h31 minutes in. Tempers flare. Accusations of nepotism fly. Sarkozy drops his name. Strauss-Kahn.
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10h @ericpape
Sarkozy attacks Hollande over DSK -- looks desperate and unpresidential, especially since the prez appointed DSK to lead IMF #ledebat
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10h @moutet
Battle of the sleazy hotels - Le Bristol (fundraising at) vs. Le Carlton (girls, girls, girls). #LeDébat
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10h @moutet
And we've reached the nuclear option - the name of #DSK has been invoked. #LeDébat
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10h @csdickey
Sarkozy now throws Strauss-Kahn into the debate, saying he has nothign to learn from a party that supported DSK.
10h @HalaGorani
Debate almost over and it's about to end on a nasty note. Sarkozy just called Hollande "a little slanderer!" #france2012 #ledebat
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10h @csdickey
"Merci de votre arrogance," says Sarkozy. (This and "I am not your student" have subtext that Sarko never made it through top schools.)
10h @csdickey
Hollande hitting at Sarkozy for acting like a party leader instead of a president.
10h @csdickey
Going into this, polls showed only about 11 percent of voters might have their minds changed by the debate. I think at the end, far fewer.
11h @csdickey
Being president of the republic is not a "normal" job says Sarkozy, hitting back at Hollande's core theme.
11h @csdickey
Hollande's refrain, "I, as President of the Republic...." precedes each of those things he will do that's not Sarkozy-like.
11h @csdickey
Sarkozy closes by talking about his experience in office, Hollande closes by talking, in effect, abt France's experience of Sarkozy.
11h @csdickey
I don't see how the moderators (if so they are) can figure out who has talked more, Sarkozy and Hollande have been talking at same time.
11h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy on Fessenheim, nuclear safety: Fukushima triggered by a tsunami. Is there a risk of tsunami on the banks of the Rhine?
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12h @jrug
I'm watching live Sarko Hollande tv debate in a bar in Hollande's constituency of Tulle and nobody's taking slightest bit of notice. Ha!
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11h @csdickey
Hollande says will only close one nuke plant in next five years, which dates from 1977. Sarkozy wants to keep it, says its safer than in 77.
11h @csdickey
Hollande notes that other countries with large dependence on nukes are Ukraine (read, Chernobyl) and Japan ... Fukushima.
11h @csdickey
Hollande wants to reduce dependency from 75 percent to 50 percent nukes and replace with alternatives.
11h @csdickey
Now on to the nuclear issue that Sarkozy has been trying to raise all night. France gets about 80 percent of its electricity from nukes.
11h @csdickey
Sarkozy and Hollande debating who will be tougher enforcing law against "burqa," worn by perhaps 3000 of 3 million Muslim women here
11h @csdickey
Hollande calling out Sarkozy on the scare mongering about separate hours for women at pools and halal meat in schools ...
11h @csdickey
Hollande taking Sarkozy to task for saying the reason not to give immigrants the local vote is because they'd vote on religious lines.
11h @pierrehaski
RT @francetvinfo: Au sujet du droit de vote des étrangers, vous pouvez consulter cette infographie du Figaro.fr. http://bit.ly/JUaCHP
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11h @csdickey
Sarko making his big bid for the LePenists now
11h @csdickey
Sarkozy is emphasizing and reemphasizing the African and Islamic nature of immigrants as a reason they shouldnt vote in local elections
11h @NabilaRamdani
#Hollande favours vote for immigrants at local elections. So did #Sarkozy five years ago but never acted on it. #LeDebat
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11h @araissi
Must say both candidates kick ass compared with Gordon Brown v David Cameron. That was so bad we thought Nick Clegg was good.
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11h @lemondefr
Sarkozy et Hollande s'affrontent sur les attaques personnelles de leurs proches http://lemde.fr/ICQrl9
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11h @csdickey
Sarkozy very pleased with himself when discussing detention centers for immigrants, catching Hollande out on legalisms.
11h @FrancoisF24
rt @stefandevries Immigration in France is largely below the European average, Messieurs @fhollande and @NicolasSarkozy
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11h @ericpape
@fhollande Translated - Hollande: "Don't confuse yourself with France." One of Sarkozy's weaknesses in the eyes of the electorate. #ledebat
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11h @csdickey
Sarkozy says he will cut immigration in half ...
11h François Hollande François Hollande @fhollande
Je considère que l'immigration légale doit être maitrisée mais nous ne pouvons pas instaurer des critères hors d'atteinte. #VoteHollande
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11h @csdickey
Once again the debate becomes a numbers game ...
11h Présidentielle 2012 Présidentielle 2012 @leParisien_2012
Echange tendu : #Hollande : "Répondez à ma question !" #Sarkozy : "Je ne suis pas votre élève !" http://live.leparisien.fr/Event/Second_tour_de_lelection_presidentielle__suivez_en_direct_le_debat_televise_entre_Nicolas_Sarkozy #LeDebat
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11h @csdickey
Ah ... now we get to immigration. ....
11h @pierrehaski
"je ne suis pas votre élève" il l'a dit, il l'a dit! (NS) #LeDebat
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11h François Hollande François Hollande @fhollande
Ne confondez pas votre personne avec la France ! #VoteHollande
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11h @csdickey
For much of this debate, Sarkozy has tried to turn Hollande into Zapatero, now Hollande talks about Sarko's "friend" Berlusconi ...
11h @BFMTV
"Si on veut retrouver la maîtrise de son destin, on rembourse ses dettes, on réduit ses dépenses", selon N. Sarkozy. #LeDébat
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11h @BFMTV
Avec pacte budgétaire, qui n'a "aucune dimension de croissance", nous "serions condamnés pour toujours à l'austérité", selon F. Hollande.
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11h @csdickey
Sarkozy keeps talking about Spain and its disastrous finances . Hollande says "talk about yourself."
11h @FrancoisF24
#LeDébat Hollande: "Banks get a loan from ECB at 1% and lend at 6%. Je refuse." How?
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12h @csdickey
Hollande - discipline of fiscal pact is good - but no measures for growth
12h @ericpape
Hollande needs to explain how raising taxes won't undermine the economy that doesn't pass through the government...if he can #ledebat
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12h @BFMTV
François Hollande accuse Nicolas Sarkozy d'avoir lui-même "supprimé la formation des enseignants". #présidentielle
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12h @moutet
Golly, #Hollande barks AND bites!
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12h @araissi
Sarko at Hollande: Difference between you and me, You want fewer rich, I want fewer poor? H: No u want the rich richer; the poor poorer.
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12h @pierrehaski
"Je n'ai pas à repondre à vos questions" - NS mauvais joueur. #LeDebat
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12h @BFMTV
"Moi je protège les enfants de la République, vous, vous protégez les privilégiés", a affirmé F. Hollande à N. Sarkozy. #présidentielle
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12h @pierrehaski
Bettencourt vs Perdriel et Pigasse ? Riches de droite et riches de gauche... Pathétique. #LeDebat
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12h @csdickey
@HalaGorani Sarkozy's problem is that the manner in which he throws punches is what people dislike about him, even if he lands them.
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12h Présidentielle 2012 Présidentielle 2012 @leParisien_2012
#Sarkozy : "Aller dire que nous avons fait des cadeaux aux riches, c’est une calomnie, c’est un mensonge" http://live.leparisien.fr/Event/Second_tour_de_lelection_presidentielle__suivez_en_direct_le_debat_televise_entre_Nicolas_Sarkozy #LeDebat
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12h @ericpape
Hollande's Socialist baggage vulnerability: deficits. Sarkozy has hit there. Expect far more.
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12h @csdickey
The moderation on Le Debat really is poor. Sarkozy allowed to filibuster on every response.
12h @HalaGorani
Hollande: you can't explain a position without being rude to the person you're speaking to. #france2012
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12h @csdickey
Sarkozy is, weirdly, defending the fact that he kept the wealth tax. ...
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy accused Hollande of "calumny and lies" and Hollande says "you call yourself someone who pulls people together?"
12h @HalaGorani
Hollande accuses Sarko of increasing French debt. Sarko says debt is largely structural, rest a result of economic crisis. #france 2012
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12h Markus Karlsson Markus Karlsson @markusF24
#Hollande is all of a sudden trying to beat #Sarkozy in the numbers game. I can't keep up which figure is which. #France
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12h @csdickey
@ericpape ...Flanby flambée ....
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12h @BFMTV
La dette publique a augmenté de 900 milliards d'euros depuis 2002, a affirmé François Hollande. #présidentielle
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12h @pierrehaski
Sarkozy est pressé de parler du nucléaire... Ça va être chaud quand ils y seront. #LeDebat
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12h @csdickey
Sarkozy keeps trying to drag in the question of "dismantling" the nuclear industry, which is a question that is supposed to come up later.
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy insists on "just a word to finish" in every exchange.
12h @csdickey
Hollande is combative, which will probably benefit his image. No Flanby tonight.
12h @ericpape
Hollande pounding on rising cost of living. Sarkozy will try to save himself on security/immigration/foreign affairs. #ledebat #THEissue
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12h @HalaGorani
Hollande to Sarko: you use the word "lie" a lot, as though it's something you feel deeply within yourself. #france2012
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12h Présidentielle 2012 Présidentielle 2012 @leParisien_2012
EN IMAGES. Les premières images du débat, c'est par ici ! http://www.leparisien.fr/election-presidentielle-2012/en-images-debat-l-arrivee-des-candidats-02-05-2012-1981158.php #LeDébat
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12h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy: "Let me teach you something" Hollande: "You won't teach me anything" #liveF24
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12h @csdickey
Hollande finally calls Sarkozy out on the use of the word "lies" which Sarkozy has used repeatedly.
12h @HalaGorani
Hollande to Sarko: What's extraordinary with you is whatever happens, you're always happy. Sarko: That's a lie. Hollande: so you're unhappy?
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12h @csdickey
Both Sarkozy and HOllande are talking over each other, could use a little moderation.
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy is talking about the virtues of instilling "confidence" with his policies. (What Krugman calls "the confidence fairy")
12h @ericpape
Hollande is diving into THE issue: declining buying power. It was Sarkozy's main 2007 promise, and his biggest failure. #debat
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12h @csdickey
Hollande is vastly underestimating the increase in the prise of oil since 2002...
12h Garriberts Garriberts @Garriberts
"C'est pas vous qui posez les question et c'est pas vous qui donnez les notes". Hollande façon Mitterrand 81. #ledebat
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12h @csdickey
Hollande to Sarkozy: "with you it's very simple, it's never your fault."
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy risks sounding like a math teacher grading Hollande on a pop quiz ...
12h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy: "The example to follow is that of Germany, not Greece or Spain." #Kalispera
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12h @csdickey
Sarkozy keeps using the word "lies," which isn't exactly elegant. ...
12h @ericpape
Hollande: don't compare French unemployment to Greece or Spain, compare it to Germany's -- and it it looks bad. #debat #campaign #hollande
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12h @csdickey
Hollande reminding Sarkozy that he promised unemployment would be 5 percent after 5 yrs, but now it's 10 percent.
13h @BBCWorld
Francois #Hollande tells President #Sarkozy France has "been hurt, divided and suffered" for past five years http://bbc.in/IWx96p #ledebat
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13h @HalaGorani
Sarko: Mr Hollande vy attacking me is minimizing the economic accomplishments of France. #france 2012
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13h @csdickey
Sarkozy comparing the increase of unemployment by 18.7 percent with much bigger increases in Spain, US, etc.
13h @ericpape
Why #Sarkozy starts this single presidential debate in France in such a hole: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/05/01/sarkozy_le_pen_france_mayday #ledebat #hollande #presidentielles
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13h @csdickey
Hollande: You need growth. You need production. Would create a public investment bank. ...
13h @csdickey
Okay, enough etat d'esprit. How to address unemployment?
13h @csdickey
Sarkozy made a mistake by raising the question of peronal attacks., which any candidate might expect.
13h @BFMTV
"Monsieur Sarkozy, vous aurez du mal à passer pour une victime", a déclaré François Hollande. #présidentielle #débat
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13h @csdickey
Sarkozy is talking about the language of the leftist unions that have compared him to Franco, Petain, etc. Which Hollande did not do.
13h @BFMTV
"S'il n'y a pas eu de violences" durant 5 ans, "le mérite en revient à toute la société française", selon F. Hollande. #présidentielle
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13h @csdickey
Sarkozy is trying to make the point that unions, which support Hollande, are confrontational. ...
13h @csdickey
Hollande - If there hasn't been violence then credit belongs to the whole of French society.
13h @csdickey
Sarkozy saying there was no violence, no atmosphere of civil war durng his presidency (doesn't count his time as interior minister).
13h @csdickey
Hollande - let's get back to this question of pulling people together -- which Sarkozy hasn't done a great job doing these last five years
13h @csdickey
Sarkozy overruns time, filibustering slightly. ...
13h @csdickey
And Sarkozy? How's he feeling? Sarkozy calls Hollande's remarks "classic", implying cliched. Multiple crises to be addressed specifically..
13h @csdickey
First question .... How do you feel? ??? Hollande, platitudinous boilerplate. Stiff. Presidential in the old mold. Bring ppl together ...
13h @csdickey
I love the big countdown timers for each candidate, Hollande and Sarkozy. Feels like an old game show ...
13h @csdickey
Looks like the Kadhafi funding issue for Sarkozy's 2007 campaign neutralized pre-debate. Denials by evyone but the Mediapart reporter ...
13h @csdickey
RT @ericpape: To win re-election #Sarkozy just needs to reduce Francois Hollande to a quivering, sobbing mess .... OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT
13h @csdickey
Bruni and Trierweiler both stand out as they arrive at studio, Sarkozy and Hollande almost lost among the other suits.
13h @csdickey
Hollande-Sarkozy debate about to begin...
csdickey @csdickey
EARLY, PARTIAL POLLS SUGGEST HOLLANDE IMPROVED HIS STANDING IN DEBATE (AND HE ALREADY LED BY 6 POINTS). Atlantico http://www.atlantico.fr/decryptage/rendez-soir-pour-suivre-que-francais-pensent-debat-en-direct-mediaprism-347882.html
23m @csdickey
COULD SARKOZY SQUEAK BY WITH 50.2%? THIS MODEL (NOT REALLY A POLL) SUGGESTS HE MIGHT: http://www.atlantico.fr/decryptage/electionscope-modele-qui-trouve-nicolas-sarkozy-gagnant-50-2-bruno-jerome-344603.html
2h @csdickey
Fact checking the Sarkozy-Hollande debate (in French on Rue89) http://www.rue89.com/rue89-presidentielle/2012/05/03/de-la-zapatera-au-bristol-petits-et-gros-mensonges-du-debat
10h @csdickey
So, Le Debat is over. The spin continues on cable news stations, but the rest have gone back to American cop shows, including The Closer.
10h @csdickey
@tunkuv So, bottom line, debate not likely to have closed the chasm that looms between Sarkozy and frontrunner Hollande in the polls.
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10h @csdickey
@tunkuv Has 'le debat' sealed Sarkozy's fate? -- The only opinion likely to have changed: Hollande has a spine. Otherwise, reaffirmations.
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10h @HalaGorani
Sarkozy gets last word bc Hollande spoke first. Appeals to voters who chose other candidates in 1st round. #france2012
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10h @moutet
Sarkozy appeals to Marine Le Pen's voters - Hollande interrupts to say he does, too! #LeDébat
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10h @csdickey
Hollande conclusion rejects Sarkozy's fearmongering.
10h @ericpape
In first hour, focus group sees no victor, but is surprised by feisty Hollande. http://www.atlantico.fr/decryptage/rendez-soir-pour-suivre-que-francais-pensent-debat-en-direct-mediaprism-347882.html
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10h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy: Algeria holds key to security in Sahara, important for fate of French hostages in Sahel
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10h @csdickey
LeDebat almost over ...
10h @csdickey
In discussing Mali, Niger, etc , and the French hostages held by AQ in Maghreb, not much difference, but Sarkozy obviously better versed.
10h @pierrehaski
Sarkozy ne rappelle pas qu'il avait envisagé de tout arrêter en Afgh. en jan., après le meurtre de Français par 1 soldat afghan. #LeDebat
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10h @csdickey
Hollande: "I consider the mission to be finished" in Afghanistan.
10h @csdickey
Sarkozy says getting out of Afghanistan is technically impossible --but his main thrust is to talk about horrors of Taliban.
10h @HalaGorani
Hollande: You think I knew DSK'S private life? How would I know that? #france2012
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10h @csdickey
Afghanistan -- Hollande wants French troops out before the end of this year.
10h @FrancoisF24
2h31 minutes in. Tempers flare. Accusations of nepotism fly. Sarkozy drops his name. Strauss-Kahn.
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10h @ericpape
Sarkozy attacks Hollande over DSK -- looks desperate and unpresidential, especially since the prez appointed DSK to lead IMF #ledebat
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10h @moutet
Battle of the sleazy hotels - Le Bristol (fundraising at) vs. Le Carlton (girls, girls, girls). #LeDébat
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10h @moutet
And we've reached the nuclear option - the name of #DSK has been invoked. #LeDébat
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10h @csdickey
Sarkozy now throws Strauss-Kahn into the debate, saying he has nothign to learn from a party that supported DSK.
10h @HalaGorani
Debate almost over and it's about to end on a nasty note. Sarkozy just called Hollande "a little slanderer!" #france2012 #ledebat
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10h @csdickey
"Merci de votre arrogance," says Sarkozy. (This and "I am not your student" have subtext that Sarko never made it through top schools.)
10h @csdickey
Hollande hitting at Sarkozy for acting like a party leader instead of a president.
10h @csdickey
Going into this, polls showed only about 11 percent of voters might have their minds changed by the debate. I think at the end, far fewer.
11h @csdickey
Being president of the republic is not a "normal" job says Sarkozy, hitting back at Hollande's core theme.
11h @csdickey
Hollande's refrain, "I, as President of the Republic...." precedes each of those things he will do that's not Sarkozy-like.
11h @csdickey
Sarkozy closes by talking about his experience in office, Hollande closes by talking, in effect, abt France's experience of Sarkozy.
11h @csdickey
I don't see how the moderators (if so they are) can figure out who has talked more, Sarkozy and Hollande have been talking at same time.
11h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy on Fessenheim, nuclear safety: Fukushima triggered by a tsunami. Is there a risk of tsunami on the banks of the Rhine?
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12h @jrug
I'm watching live Sarko Hollande tv debate in a bar in Hollande's constituency of Tulle and nobody's taking slightest bit of notice. Ha!
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11h @csdickey
Hollande says will only close one nuke plant in next five years, which dates from 1977. Sarkozy wants to keep it, says its safer than in 77.
11h @csdickey
Hollande notes that other countries with large dependence on nukes are Ukraine (read, Chernobyl) and Japan ... Fukushima.
11h @csdickey
Hollande wants to reduce dependency from 75 percent to 50 percent nukes and replace with alternatives.
11h @csdickey
Now on to the nuclear issue that Sarkozy has been trying to raise all night. France gets about 80 percent of its electricity from nukes.
11h @csdickey
Sarkozy and Hollande debating who will be tougher enforcing law against "burqa," worn by perhaps 3000 of 3 million Muslim women here
11h @csdickey
Hollande calling out Sarkozy on the scare mongering about separate hours for women at pools and halal meat in schools ...
11h @csdickey
Hollande taking Sarkozy to task for saying the reason not to give immigrants the local vote is because they'd vote on religious lines.
11h @pierrehaski
RT @francetvinfo: Au sujet du droit de vote des étrangers, vous pouvez consulter cette infographie du Figaro.fr. http://bit.ly/JUaCHP
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11h @csdickey
Sarko making his big bid for the LePenists now
11h @csdickey
Sarkozy is emphasizing and reemphasizing the African and Islamic nature of immigrants as a reason they shouldnt vote in local elections
11h @NabilaRamdani
#Hollande favours vote for immigrants at local elections. So did #Sarkozy five years ago but never acted on it. #LeDebat
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11h @araissi
Must say both candidates kick ass compared with Gordon Brown v David Cameron. That was so bad we thought Nick Clegg was good.
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11h @lemondefr
Sarkozy et Hollande s'affrontent sur les attaques personnelles de leurs proches http://lemde.fr/ICQrl9
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11h @csdickey
Sarkozy very pleased with himself when discussing detention centers for immigrants, catching Hollande out on legalisms.
11h @FrancoisF24
rt @stefandevries Immigration in France is largely below the European average, Messieurs @fhollande and @NicolasSarkozy
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11h @ericpape
@fhollande Translated - Hollande: "Don't confuse yourself with France." One of Sarkozy's weaknesses in the eyes of the electorate. #ledebat
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11h @csdickey
Sarkozy says he will cut immigration in half ...
11h François Hollande François Hollande @fhollande
Je considère que l'immigration légale doit être maitrisée mais nous ne pouvons pas instaurer des critères hors d'atteinte. #VoteHollande
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11h @csdickey
Once again the debate becomes a numbers game ...
11h Présidentielle 2012 Présidentielle 2012 @leParisien_2012
Echange tendu : #Hollande : "Répondez à ma question !" #Sarkozy : "Je ne suis pas votre élève !" http://live.leparisien.fr/Event/Second_tour_de_lelection_presidentielle__suivez_en_direct_le_debat_televise_entre_Nicolas_Sarkozy #LeDebat
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11h @csdickey
Ah ... now we get to immigration. ....
11h @pierrehaski
"je ne suis pas votre élève" il l'a dit, il l'a dit! (NS) #LeDebat
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11h François Hollande François Hollande @fhollande
Ne confondez pas votre personne avec la France ! #VoteHollande
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11h @csdickey
For much of this debate, Sarkozy has tried to turn Hollande into Zapatero, now Hollande talks about Sarko's "friend" Berlusconi ...
11h @BFMTV
"Si on veut retrouver la maîtrise de son destin, on rembourse ses dettes, on réduit ses dépenses", selon N. Sarkozy. #LeDébat
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11h @BFMTV
Avec pacte budgétaire, qui n'a "aucune dimension de croissance", nous "serions condamnés pour toujours à l'austérité", selon F. Hollande.
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11h @csdickey
Sarkozy keeps talking about Spain and its disastrous finances . Hollande says "talk about yourself."
11h @FrancoisF24
#LeDébat Hollande: "Banks get a loan from ECB at 1% and lend at 6%. Je refuse." How?
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12h @csdickey
Hollande - discipline of fiscal pact is good - but no measures for growth
12h @ericpape
Hollande needs to explain how raising taxes won't undermine the economy that doesn't pass through the government...if he can #ledebat
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12h @BFMTV
François Hollande accuse Nicolas Sarkozy d'avoir lui-même "supprimé la formation des enseignants". #présidentielle
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12h @moutet
Golly, #Hollande barks AND bites!
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12h @araissi
Sarko at Hollande: Difference between you and me, You want fewer rich, I want fewer poor? H: No u want the rich richer; the poor poorer.
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12h @pierrehaski
"Je n'ai pas à repondre à vos questions" - NS mauvais joueur. #LeDebat
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12h @BFMTV
"Moi je protège les enfants de la République, vous, vous protégez les privilégiés", a affirmé F. Hollande à N. Sarkozy. #présidentielle
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12h @pierrehaski
Bettencourt vs Perdriel et Pigasse ? Riches de droite et riches de gauche... Pathétique. #LeDebat
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12h @csdickey
@HalaGorani Sarkozy's problem is that the manner in which he throws punches is what people dislike about him, even if he lands them.
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12h Présidentielle 2012 Présidentielle 2012 @leParisien_2012
#Sarkozy : "Aller dire que nous avons fait des cadeaux aux riches, c’est une calomnie, c’est un mensonge" http://live.leparisien.fr/Event/Second_tour_de_lelection_presidentielle__suivez_en_direct_le_debat_televise_entre_Nicolas_Sarkozy #LeDebat
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12h @ericpape
Hollande's Socialist baggage vulnerability: deficits. Sarkozy has hit there. Expect far more.
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12h @csdickey
The moderation on Le Debat really is poor. Sarkozy allowed to filibuster on every response.
12h @HalaGorani
Hollande: you can't explain a position without being rude to the person you're speaking to. #france2012
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12h @csdickey
Sarkozy is, weirdly, defending the fact that he kept the wealth tax. ...
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy accused Hollande of "calumny and lies" and Hollande says "you call yourself someone who pulls people together?"
12h @HalaGorani
Hollande accuses Sarko of increasing French debt. Sarko says debt is largely structural, rest a result of economic crisis. #france 2012
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12h Markus Karlsson Markus Karlsson @markusF24
#Hollande is all of a sudden trying to beat #Sarkozy in the numbers game. I can't keep up which figure is which. #France
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12h @csdickey
@ericpape ...Flanby flambée ....
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12h @BFMTV
La dette publique a augmenté de 900 milliards d'euros depuis 2002, a affirmé François Hollande. #présidentielle
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12h @pierrehaski
Sarkozy est pressé de parler du nucléaire... Ça va être chaud quand ils y seront. #LeDebat
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12h @csdickey
Sarkozy keeps trying to drag in the question of "dismantling" the nuclear industry, which is a question that is supposed to come up later.
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy insists on "just a word to finish" in every exchange.
12h @csdickey
Hollande is combative, which will probably benefit his image. No Flanby tonight.
12h @ericpape
Hollande pounding on rising cost of living. Sarkozy will try to save himself on security/immigration/foreign affairs. #ledebat #THEissue
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12h @HalaGorani
Hollande to Sarko: you use the word "lie" a lot, as though it's something you feel deeply within yourself. #france2012
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12h Présidentielle 2012 Présidentielle 2012 @leParisien_2012
EN IMAGES. Les premières images du débat, c'est par ici ! http://www.leparisien.fr/election-presidentielle-2012/en-images-debat-l-arrivee-des-candidats-02-05-2012-1981158.php #LeDébat
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12h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy: "Let me teach you something" Hollande: "You won't teach me anything" #liveF24
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12h @csdickey
Hollande finally calls Sarkozy out on the use of the word "lies" which Sarkozy has used repeatedly.
12h @HalaGorani
Hollande to Sarko: What's extraordinary with you is whatever happens, you're always happy. Sarko: That's a lie. Hollande: so you're unhappy?
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12h @csdickey
Both Sarkozy and HOllande are talking over each other, could use a little moderation.
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy is talking about the virtues of instilling "confidence" with his policies. (What Krugman calls "the confidence fairy")
12h @ericpape
Hollande is diving into THE issue: declining buying power. It was Sarkozy's main 2007 promise, and his biggest failure. #debat
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12h @csdickey
Hollande is vastly underestimating the increase in the prise of oil since 2002...
12h Garriberts Garriberts @Garriberts
"C'est pas vous qui posez les question et c'est pas vous qui donnez les notes". Hollande façon Mitterrand 81. #ledebat
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12h @csdickey
Hollande to Sarkozy: "with you it's very simple, it's never your fault."
12h @csdickey
Sarkozy risks sounding like a math teacher grading Hollande on a pop quiz ...
12h @FrancoisF24
Sarkozy: "The example to follow is that of Germany, not Greece or Spain." #Kalispera
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12h @csdickey
Sarkozy keeps using the word "lies," which isn't exactly elegant. ...
12h @ericpape
Hollande: don't compare French unemployment to Greece or Spain, compare it to Germany's -- and it it looks bad. #debat #campaign #hollande
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12h @csdickey
Hollande reminding Sarkozy that he promised unemployment would be 5 percent after 5 yrs, but now it's 10 percent.
13h @BBCWorld
Francois #Hollande tells President #Sarkozy France has "been hurt, divided and suffered" for past five years http://bbc.in/IWx96p #ledebat
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13h @HalaGorani
Sarko: Mr Hollande vy attacking me is minimizing the economic accomplishments of France. #france 2012
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13h @csdickey
Sarkozy comparing the increase of unemployment by 18.7 percent with much bigger increases in Spain, US, etc.
13h @ericpape
Why #Sarkozy starts this single presidential debate in France in such a hole: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/05/01/sarkozy_le_pen_france_mayday #ledebat #hollande #presidentielles
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13h @csdickey
Hollande: You need growth. You need production. Would create a public investment bank. ...
13h @csdickey
Okay, enough etat d'esprit. How to address unemployment?
13h @csdickey
Sarkozy made a mistake by raising the question of peronal attacks., which any candidate might expect.
13h @BFMTV
"Monsieur Sarkozy, vous aurez du mal à passer pour une victime", a déclaré François Hollande. #présidentielle #débat
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13h @csdickey
Sarkozy is talking about the language of the leftist unions that have compared him to Franco, Petain, etc. Which Hollande did not do.
13h @BFMTV
"S'il n'y a pas eu de violences" durant 5 ans, "le mérite en revient à toute la société française", selon F. Hollande. #présidentielle
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13h @csdickey
Sarkozy is trying to make the point that unions, which support Hollande, are confrontational. ...
13h @csdickey
Hollande - If there hasn't been violence then credit belongs to the whole of French society.
13h @csdickey
Sarkozy saying there was no violence, no atmosphere of civil war durng his presidency (doesn't count his time as interior minister).
13h @csdickey
Hollande - let's get back to this question of pulling people together -- which Sarkozy hasn't done a great job doing these last five years
13h @csdickey
Sarkozy overruns time, filibustering slightly. ...
13h @csdickey
And Sarkozy? How's he feeling? Sarkozy calls Hollande's remarks "classic", implying cliched. Multiple crises to be addressed specifically..
13h @csdickey
First question .... How do you feel? ??? Hollande, platitudinous boilerplate. Stiff. Presidential in the old mold. Bring ppl together ...
13h @csdickey
I love the big countdown timers for each candidate, Hollande and Sarkozy. Feels like an old game show ...
13h @csdickey
Looks like the Kadhafi funding issue for Sarkozy's 2007 campaign neutralized pre-debate. Denials by evyone but the Mediapart reporter ...
13h @csdickey
RT @ericpape: To win re-election #Sarkozy just needs to reduce Francois Hollande to a quivering, sobbing mess .... OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT
13h @csdickey
Bruni and Trierweiler both stand out as they arrive at studio, Sarkozy and Hollande almost lost among the other suits.
13h @csdickey
Hollande-Sarkozy debate about to begin...
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Did Edward Jay Epstein really interview DSK?
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Dear Mr. Epstein,
You have doubtless seen this semi-anonymous assault on your professional ethics:
http://www.leparisien.fr/dsk-
As I said in the column I wrote about "Three Days" on Sunday, I would take issue with a lot of the inferences you've made about the DSK case, and question some of the questions that don't appear to have been asked, but I think the story in Le Parisien, which seems to have been planted by DSK's people after they realized what a shit-storm he'd created, is hardly credible. Google shows me it is now widespread in the French press, and all the headlines are essentially negative: https://www.google.com/search?
I will be writing about the case tomorrow and would like to include in that article, or perhaps in a separate piece for the Daily Beast, your rebuttal to this accusation.
All the best, Chris
You have doubtless seen this semi-anonymous assault on your professional ethics:
http://www.leparisien.fr/dsk-
As I said in the column I wrote about "Three Days" on Sunday, I would take issue with a lot of the inferences you've made about the DSK case, and question some of the questions that don't appear to have been asked, but I think the story in Le Parisien, which seems to have been planted by DSK's people after they realized what a shit-storm he'd created, is hardly credible. Google shows me it is now widespread in the French press, and all the headlines are essentially negative: https://www.google.com/search?
I will be writing about the case tomorrow and would like to include in that article, or perhaps in a separate piece for the Daily Beast, your rebuttal to this accusation.
All the best, Chris
| Apr 30 (2 days ago) | | |||
As for your question, No one is necessarily inaccurate, This is what happened:
1) I did interview DSK. I spoke with him for 2 hours on April 13,2012 in Paris.
2) When I arranged to speak to him, it was for the epilogue “Sliding Doors: of the book I was publishing. By the time I left for Paris on April 12th, the entire book had been written, copy-edited, and sent out for first serial rights to the Guardian.
3) At the time, I had an arrangement with the Guardian to publish extracts of the book and other material regarding my DSK investigation, athough I did not know the form the publication would take, and I did not discuss that with DSK.
4) I wrote my report on my interview with DSK for the Guardian after I saw DSK and did not discuss it with him (other than short emails to check a few specific facts, such as did the hotel provide complimentary champagne.)
5) My interview in the Guardian is an accurate description of my conversation with him.
Relevant links:
Epstein's Guardian piece: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/27/strauss-kahn-affair
One of several items on BFMTV and Anne Sinclair: http://www.jeanmarcmorandini.com/article-285872-anne-sinclair-quitte-bfm-tv-avant-le-second-tour-a-cause-du-guardian.html
My piece on the Epstein book and Guardian article: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/29/a-wrench-in-the-dominique-strauss-kahn-conspiracy-theory.html
My piece on the court decision not to dismiss the civil case against DSK, which also includes Epstein's response to the allegations about his DSK interview: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/01/dsk-s-immunity-claim-rejected-nafissatou-diallo-will-have-her-day-in-court.html