RE: CIA tactics in Yemen

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 14-11-02 AT 09:36 PM (GMT)]To clarify, I mean that I hoped the action was legal under US law. I don’t know a great deal about the US legal system, but it seems reasonable to expect some accountability and due process before the taking of actions of such magnitude as in the Yemen. Back to the original point, who is responsible for verifying the legality of the act?

Like I said, I am broadly in agreement with the US line. But there are several assumptions inherent in the arguments (esp. the article you posted) which seem flawed.

1. On what legal basis can al-Qaeda be regarded as a “virtual state”?

2. By targeting this “virtual state” within the boundaries of a real state, who is the agression against – the virtual or the physical?

3. Yemeni authorisation is a misnomer. Do ya reckon they’d say no? As the Russians said recently, the US isn’t a superpower. It’s a hyperpower.

4. The US is not at war. It has not declared war, because there is no state to declare war against. You might disagree, depending upon your interpretation of (1). Therefore, is not the taking of lives as of itself an “assasination”. It was, I’m sure, a surprise to those whom the US targeted and it seems to have at least a partly politival motive (didn’t harm Bush’s approval ratings, did it!). In this scenario, the Yemeni attack meets the definition of assasination proposed in the article.

5. I am not trying to be critical, just trying to understand the rationale and the due process in relation to the attack. If you think deeply about it, there are hundreds of questions, issues and grey areas to be debated.

RE: CIA tactics in Yemen

Just because your country is at risk, does not mean that the rule of law can be disrespected. There should still be an independent review of recent actions to ensure that it was within the law.

RE: The Maybach!

New wealth is admired here too, but the new rich want everyone to think they are old rich. Well, some of them. The other new rich people are pretentious and arrogant!

Guess you’re right about a simple cultural difference.

RE: Pic Of the Day-Raw Power!

The streamlined rear engine cowl gives it a sleek look compared to GE’s and PW’s.

RE: Easyjet new route

That’s BA for you. They sell seats for £200 on a J41 or ATP and wonder why someone else selling seats at £50 on a 737 makes more money than they do.

Unfortunately for us here in the Isle of Man, we only really have BA and Flybe. EuroManx are a little BA, charging £250 for 45 minutes on a Beechcraft 1900D.

RE: The Maybach!

You think a Rolls looks silly? I see your point, but the Maybach has “MM” on its front. Rolls-Royce or Mickey Mouse?

Besides, stretch limos smack of excess and mafiosi to me personally, whereas a RR signifies quiet afluence and a confidence with wealth. Sort of “old money” vs. nouveu rich. Jags are just like limos from that perspective.

RE: Bulgaria Creates New Flag Carrier

It’s hard for them.

Apart from Bulgarians and a few Western businessmen, Bulgaria is not high on the list of places to go. Their limited business is further hampered by using smokey Russian gas guzzlers.

Their best bet would seem to be as an operator of turboprop/RJ aircraft for PTP routes.

RE: CIA tactics in Yemen

I suppose I don’t really have a problem with this, besides maybe a general issue.

Who authorises the CIA to kill people? Is there a blanket, discretionary internal authorisation, or do individual hits need Presidential authoirty? If so, who audits the procedures to ensure legal adherence?