Pentagon Official: ‘I hate all Iranians’
The UK Daily Mail on Sunday reports that British MPs were surprised to hear a visiting Pentagon official declare: “I hate all Iranians.”
Debra Cagan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Coalition Affairs to US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, made the comments this month to a meeting of six Members of Parliament. She also accused Britain of “dismantling” the Anglo-US-led coalition in Iraq by pulling troops out of Basra too soon.
The report says that although the statement about Iranians was an aside, “it was not out of keeping with her general demeanour.” “She seemed more keen on saying she didn’t like Iranians than that the US had no plans to attack Iran,” said one MP. “She did say there were no plans for an attack but the tone did not fit the words.” Another MP said: “I formed the impression that some in America are looking for an excuse to attack Iran. It was very alarming.”
The Pentagon denied Ms. Cagan said she “hated” Iranians. “She doesn’t speak that way,” said an official.
But when The Mail on Sunday spoke to four of the six MPs, three confirmed privately that Cagain made the remark and one declined to comment. The other two could not be contacted.
I have to hand it to Ms. Cagan for being much more honest on the subject than most officials.
John deterick
September 30th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
I’d bet good money that she would hate some other nation just as ferociously tomorrow if her neocon idols gave the signal.
canny
September 30th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Debra Cagan is a frightening-looking woman – just google her.
DP
September 30th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
If some Iranians are cab drivers in the US and some are, say, Muslim clerics in Iran, then her bias couldn’t be a cultural intolerance. The only definite similarity between those 2 groups of Iranians would be genetic, surely. What would happen if she said she hated Mexicans? or Chinese? In some European countries these are crimes with a mandatory jail sentence! (mostly thanks to slightly over-zealous campaigning from ADL-related European lobby groups!), But again, wingnut machismo pronouncements kick at the legs holding up American credibility and gravitas.
A.J. Sen
September 30th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
How is she allowed to say this and it isn’t in the news at all? Well, of course it isn’t in the “news”, because people like her pull the strings on most of the news sources in mainstream America.
Still, just goes to prove we have an openly racist, not to mention hideously ugly, person in the US Defense dept. I am sure she wouldn’t mind seeing bombs on Iran, or anyone else for that matter. So, is any country in the world really safe anymore? Are the US citizens themselves safe?
Bill
September 30th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
The ugly American, literally and figuratively. And Amerikans have such a hard time understanding why the world won’t kiss their feet.
Eric
September 30th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
… Ms. Debra Cagan.
Beau Martin
September 30th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Surely Debra Cagan is a trans-sexual. She looks like a man. A very ugly man. But a man. This is the type person to whom your American cousins are now in thrall.
Errol
September 30th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
http://rickwrites.blogspot.com/2007/09/debra-cagan-bushcos-scary-hairy-iranian.html
That’s a man baby! The ugly american, indeed.
Noel Harris
September 30th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
G’day folks, greetings from Perth, Western Australia.
Seems that Bush and Co, are pushing ahead with a new war, this time with Iran.
If/when this happens, I for one will be cheering for the Iranians.
Warmly,
Noel H.
Steve
September 30th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
What is more hideous: this woman’s looks or her bigotry? This chick is representing America? God help us.
Tim R.
September 30th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
You will cheer for the Iranians? Shame on you! I had the wonderful opportunity to visit your beautiful country and to get to know the friendly folks there, thank God most of them are not as crazy as you. I went and saw Parliament in Canberra and certainly most people don’t share your twisted attitude. Thank God for a courageous man like your Prime Minister, John Howard. You would root for Muslim fanatics? I can’t understand peole like you. Why do you bother living in a wonderful and free country like Australia if you love the Islamic Fascists so much?
Tim R.
September 30th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Of course its a terrible thing to say that one hates all Iranians or anyone else for that matter. However, we should stop being so politically correct and it is only reasonable to point out that although not all Muslims are terrorists, most terrorists are muslims. And there are a lot of Muslim fanatics in Iran and they should be hated. People who rape little 9 year old girls and call it marriage and do all sorts of terrible things like that, they should be hated. And so should an Iranian government that sanctions it with law.
Alex, living in Japan.
September 30th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
I’m another Australian, from that “underdog” nation (like the US once was). Sorry, but I too would support Iran if it was invaded by AmeriKKKa. John Howard is a piece of “%”@ and if you thank god for him, that is just another reason why I’m a proud atheist. We don’t like Islamofacists (wherever they are), but we also don’t like American fascists. I sure know which is the bigger threat to the people of Earth.
James
September 30th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
“Cagan”, no doubt an Anglicized version of “Kaganovich”, as in “7-10 Million Ukranians were killed by Lazar Kaganovich”
abraham
September 30th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
I second that. Someone needs to kiss her (it?) to break the spell and turn her back into a frog.
abraham
September 30th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Tim R.,
Why do you hate America?
abraham
September 30th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Tim R.,
Yeah! F**K those carpet-weaving sand-niggers! America is AWESOME because we don’t have freaks here who marry nine year olds and rape them. And if we do, we call them Mormons, so technically that absolves us. And all those crazy-assed Muslim fanatics in I-ran! We don’t have religious fanatics here in America. We have Evagelical Christians!
Tim R., why do you hate America?
john_manyjars
September 30th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Funny how people from the US fear Islamic radicals so much, when the vast majority of terror attacks in the US (OK City and many more including Atlanta Olympics) were carried off by good ol’ white male Christians…
Chris Dowd
September 30th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
She “hates” all Iranians? My question is why? What in the world have Iranians done to her? “Her” directly that is- and not the abstract “America”?
How many Americans have direct personal reason to hate Iranians or even Iran’s government? I doubt the number of Americans whose lives have been adversely affected by the actions of Iranians or the Iranian government could fill half of one football stadium in this country.
Conversely, how many Iranians have direct personal reason to “hate” Americans and the American government? How many Iranian lives have been directly harmed by the actions of the US government? Millions if not all Iranians. The US is directly responsible for installing a murderous dictator for a quarter century in Iran. The US is directly responsible in proding Iraq to attack Iran in a war that took a million young Iranian lives and even helped Saddam with his “WMD” programs which the US government couldn’t have cared less about when used to kill 60,000 Iranians. And the US is directly responsible for the continued economic isolation of Iran.
So when you see that news reel footage of Iranian students chanting “Death to America” just remember that unlike the trollish coward Cagan- those students have real reasons to hate Americans and not invented ones.
Tip
September 30th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
Please tell me ‘Cagan’ is not some relation of the Kagan clan, who have done enough damage already.
Hey Tim R. – I think you’ve come to the wrong site. Furthermore, John Howard is a dishonorable, lying piece of s**t. And yes, if America commits an aggression against Iran, it deserves to get mauled.
“its a terrible thing to say that one hates all Iranians or anyone else for that matter. However, we should stop being so politically correct”
Oh yes, you are so irrefutably wise. Such incisive logic.
“although not all Muslims are terrorists, most terrorists are muslims.”
What an original sentiment. What percentage of Muslims would you estimate are terrorists ? Is the invasion of Iraq not the greatest terrorist crime of the century ?
Rick
October 1st, 2007 at 1:40 am
For the love of god someone tell me, is this photo of a human?
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_04/Counselor2909MOS_468×365.jpg
Miriam
October 1st, 2007 at 2:22 am
Of course, if someone prominent in the British parliament were to say the same about her ethnicity, they could kiss their career and any hopes of a livelihood goodbye. Their children’s children would suffer the consequences.Just remember, what goes around comes around Debbie.
sketchley
October 1st, 2007 at 2:26 am
More on Cagan: This woman definitely gets around. From State to Defense. Some of the positions she’s held in the past:
1996 Senior Coordinator for Nuclear and Nonproliferation Policy, Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs, Department of State, United States
1998 Director of Policy and Regional Affairs for Russia and the Independent States at the State Department
2001 office director in the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (where she was known to “play above her pay grade.”)
2005 Political Advisor to Supreme Allied Commander Transformation
Talking of pay grades, she’s obviously earning good money. Last year she bought a house in the Washington area at 21ST ST. S., 1110 Arlington for $1.16 million. Not bad for a civil servant…
JOHN LEWIS-DICKERSON
October 1st, 2007 at 2:30 am
IS IT REALLY A WOMAN? TALK ABOUT BUTT-UGLY! (S)HE GOES BY “MS.” CAGAN, BUT I HAVE MY DOUBTS! (S)HE MAKES ANN COULTER LOOK LIKE A DIVA! CHECK IT OUT: http://www.huembwas.org/Pictures3/56emb5.gif
JOHN DICKERSON, ATLANTA
JOHN LEWIS-DICKERSON
October 1st, 2007 at 2:35 am
Comment by abraham on 2007-09-30 23:30:57 Report abuse
Tim R.,
Why do you hate America?
BECAUSE OF SCUMBAGS LIKE YOU, ABRAHAM! ENJOY THE RAPTURE!
JOHN DICKERSON, ATLANTA
JOHN LEWIS-DICKERSON
October 1st, 2007 at 2:37 am
Comment by abraham on 2007-09-30 23:30:57
Tim R.,
Why do you hate America?
BECAUSE OF SCUMBAGS LIKE YOU, ABRAHAM! ENJOY THE RAPTURE!
JOHN DICKERSON, ATLANTA
lechinois
October 1st, 2007 at 2:59 am
How can you ask why? Just look at what the US has done im the past 5 years! Look at the American comments! You are all quite nuts. me too will cheer for the Iranians.
JOHN LEWIS-DICKERSON
October 1st, 2007 at 3:12 am
I’M AN AMERICAN (PART CHEROKEE NATIVE), AND I WILL SUPPORT IRAN AS WELL IF AIPAC, THE NEOCONS, THE ISRAELI LIKUDNIKS AND THE CHRISTIAN ZIONISTS FORCE THE CHENEY/BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO BOMB IRAN. I DON’T CARE IF BUSH DID PROMISE ARIEL SHARON THAT HE WOULD INVADE IRAN AFTER HE INVADED IRAQ. I DON’T CARE IF GOD TOLD GEORGE W. BUSH TO BOMB IRAN.
THE LOATHSOME CUR JOHN HOWARD WILL FAIL TO BE RE-ELECTED LATER THIS YEAR BY A SUBSTANTIAL MARGIN BECAUSE THE AUSTRALIANS FINALLY REALIZE THAT BUS/CHENEY, BLAIR AND HOWARD CONSPIRED TO INVADE IRAQ UNDER ‘FALSE PRETENSES’. I PRAY THAT THEY ARE ALL TRIED AND CONVICTED OF WAR CRIMES! John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta
John Williams
October 1st, 2007 at 5:16 am
Just a few facts for the war hungry crowd who get easily brain washed by general media:
Iran had nothing (zero) to do with 9/11 in any form or shape
Iran hasn’t invaded any country for at least a 1000 year
Iran was the only country in the Middle East where people held candle vigils immediately following the aftermath of 9/11 to show their sympathy
Despite of what you hear, Iran has continuously arrested Al Qada members and handed them over to their governments where they came from
There has not been a single incident where a person of Iranian origin has set off an explosion to take either their life or life of others. Interestingly, there have been non-stop supplies of them from countries that are considered as allies.
There has been zero evidence of Iran doing anything other than building a civilian nuclear energy program. While Iran has a lot of oil and gas, nuclear energy is by far much cleaner and efficient for generating electricity. Believe it or not, Iran has to import large amounts of gasoline at astronomical process for internal combustion.
Iran / Iraq border is roughly 900 miles long and a good portion of it is very mountainous. The US / Mexico border is roughly 1900 miles long and Mexicans get in and out of US every day in spite of all the border protection. How do you suppose the Iranians can stop the flow of anything to and from Iraq? Even if the entire Iranian army did nothing but to sit on the 900 mile border and try to monitor people / good movement, they would not be able to scratch the surface.
There have been many accusations on Iran supporting the various militia in Iraq to attack US, but not a single piece of evidence has been put forward (or shared with public) that concretely connects an Iranian (plenty of others from other countries) to it. Not one. Smuggling is a way of life in that part of the world and people (not governments) smuggle anything to make a buck. For that matter, what do you think happened to the massive arsenal of ammunition when Saddam’s army was dissolved? These folks were highly trained soldiers with all sorts of advanced skills. These folks not only hated the Americans, but they hated the Iranians even more. One may naturally think that they along with thousands of other rogue Iraqi groups and Al Qada would want to start a war between the US and IRAN by fabricating evidence. For one thing, the MEK (an Iranian group designated by US as a terrorist organization and based in Iraq who is responsible for hundred of deadly attacks against the Iranian government) does nothing day and night but to spread false information about the Iranian government. This group with connections to antigovernment groups inside of Iran may also be fabricating evidence in the hopes of starting a war between Iran and US.
Finally, the end game is about having substantial control in a region where world’s largest supply of oil resides. It’s not about establishing democracies or bringing down tyrannical regimes. If anyone thinks otherwise, they have been sufficiently brainwashed by media.
An attack on Iran may bring a quick military victory, but it’s always the long term effects of such acts that cause the most damage to all parties involved. Unfortunately, there are now just too many entities who would want to see an unjustified war between Iran and US and their non-stop propaganda machines are starting to have a significant effect on folks who are eaily brainwashed by media.
Andrew
October 1st, 2007 at 6:44 am
Her internal ugliness has obviously manifested itself on the outside.
Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard
October 1st, 2007 at 7:04 am
This woman is a dumb ass. The British are re-deploying a percenatge of their soldiers to Afghanistan where they are needed because of a shortage of experienced NCOs.
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:49 am
Tip you ask how many muslims are terrorists? Well, check out the Pew Global Attitudes Research Project, it was co chaired by former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. The answer is there are very substantial numbers of Muslims who would be terrorists if they had the means and who support terrorism, admire Bin Laden and justify suicide bombings. Example: Over 50 percent of those “peaceful” muslims polled in Pakistan support suicide bombings, at least some of the time. Face reality, even if only 10% of muslims support terror that adds up to over 100 million fanatics running around. And according to the Pew research project, mentioned above, the number is a LOT higher than 10 percent.
And for Iraq: It was a dictaorship run by a brutal tyrant who we removed. Millions of Iraq citizens voted in open elections for the first time in years so I would not call that a terrorist action.
Tip
October 1st, 2007 at 8:53 am
Millions of Iraqis have been killed or forced to flee their homes, countless more wounded or traumatized. Iraq society has been destroyed and Iraqis left under the rule of some of the most reactionary groupings (women’s rights? none left).
If you can’t grasp the enormous criminality of the enterprise, and the spuriousness of the humanitarian rationale, you are a fool, fanatic, or liar. In any case a waste of time.
kamilakabuja
October 1st, 2007 at 8:59 am
is that an ‘iron cross’ around her neck? looks scary…
FYI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Cross
richard
October 1st, 2007 at 9:14 am
I’d agree with the mullahs on this one – that ugly puss really could use a veil!
This Old Brit
October 1st, 2007 at 9:37 am
This Cagan’s personal ‘image’ is (like most people’s), not accidental but rather a carefully cultivated image.
In her (paticularly obvious) case, I think that what & how she thinks is quite litterally written all over her.
I also happen to think that after all the current fuss she’s caused, she’s likely to find herself not quite so indespensible to her Bushmasters’ highly paid, high-flyers’ group(s) — pretty soon, too.
More time with her family maybe? Though perhaps in her case it may be more time with her tailor and or her hairdresser.
Mark Read Pickens
October 1st, 2007 at 10:31 am
As a former U.S. Army Sergeant who served from 1966 to 1969, I also root for Iran if the U.S. attacks. I have no love for muslim terrorists. I just hate U.S. imperialists more; they’ve caused more damage.
masmanz
October 1st, 2007 at 10:44 am
While most American Christians do not support suicide bombing many are quite happy with the idea of ’shock and awe’ type of terrorist bombing done using air force bombers and cruise missiles. Nobody cares how many Iraqis, Afghans, or Lebanese got killed? We do not do body counts. If one tenth of one percent of Muslims were terrorists the world would be ablaze. What the neocons are most frustrated with is the fact that Muslims do not respond to such atrocities as a group, thus making their dream of a perpetual war more difficult to achieve. They attacked Iraq hoping that all Muslim countries will respond giving them an excuse to got to war with all of them simultaneously. Since this did not happen they have to invent excuses to go after each one of them individually.
Sharon
October 1st, 2007 at 12:06 pm
well said
Austin Powers
October 1st, 2007 at 12:26 pm
That’s no woman! That’s a man baby.
Austin Powers
October 1st, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Who wears a red leather blouse, an iron cross, and a celtic silver necklace to press conference when she is speaking on the behalf of the Department of Defense?
I thought they had a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy over there.
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I wonder, you call on Bush, Cheney, Tony Blair and John Howard to be put on trial for war crimes, did you also call for Saddam Hussein to be put on trial for war crimes? Were you happy when he was finally put on trial? Or do you feel that the people of Iraq were better off under a brutal and repressive dictator?
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:17 pm
If you served in the US Army and now will root for other countries in war time, we have a word for that, traitor.
ak
October 1st, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Is she a typical Zionist cannibal? Very scary!!
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:22 pm
If you are going to post on here you should do your homework first.
Point one: Read the 9/11 Commission Report. Iran gave safe transit to several of the 9/11 hijackers who were on their way to Bin Laden’s camps for training. Also, after the bombing of the USS Cole the Iranians approached Al Quida in order to cooperate with them on future endeavors but were rebuffed.
Second: Iran attacked our embassy in 1979 and kidnapped 52 of our fellow citizens. They also fully support and fund Hizzbollah, the same organization that helped to kill 241 United States Marines in Beirut in 1983.
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Tip, you say millions of Iraqis have been killed or forced to flee? And countless more maimed or injured? Do you have any statistics to support those numbers?
Also, Iraqi society was destroyed? So a dictator, a ruthless tyrant was deposed and millions of Iraqs came out to vote in free elections for the first time in many years and you say their society was destroyed?
So would you like to see Saddam back in power? Maybe you feel the Iraqi people were better off under his rule. By the way, if you like Saddam so much tell that to the hundreds of thousands of Kurds and others that he murdered.
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:28 pm
If so few Muslims are terrorists why did they dance in the streets on the west bank on september 11 2001? How come in a recent survey Bin Laden holds an approval rating in Pakistan that is almost as high as Musharif’s?
ak
October 1st, 2007 at 2:35 pm
most American and British papers did not publish what this monster said. No wonder why they protect the Zionist criminals. Shame on them, cowards! They want us to live in falsehood according to their approval. Age of decadence!!
Eric Garris
October 1st, 2007 at 3:05 pm
The 1979 attack took place during a war — at the time the US Navy was shelling Lebanon. The US was in invader during a civil war. Hezbollah have never been known to conduct activities much further than the border of Lebanon.
Also, when the Iranians took the embassy, they accused the staff of being CIA agents, which the US denied. It has now been confirmed that there were several CIA agents among the hostages.
There are reasons that Iran would be hostile to the US.
In 1953, the US overthrew the first democratically-elected President of Iran and installed a the head of a lower royal Iranian house to become a brutal dictator.
In the 1980s, we aided Iran’s arch-enemy, Saddam Hussein, in a bloody war that lasted a decade. This included the CIA assistance to Saddam in the use of chemical weapons against the Iranians and Kurds. Iran possessed but did not use these weapons (they said it was a violation of Islam).
At the close of the Iran-Iraq war, the US shot down an Iranian passenger airliner, killing 290 civilians. The plane was on course.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_Air_Flight_655
Eric Garris
October 1st, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Is there anything the US could do that would be wrong? Would you ever root for another country?
What if you were a German soldier in 1943? What if things got worse in the US. Is it possible for the US to be wrong?
Cicero
October 1st, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Keep it up, Timmy boy. You’ll get the Ceaucescu treatment yet.
A
October 1st, 2007 at 3:13 pm
If Debra Cagan was wearing that Iron Cross and red patent leather outfit when she met with the British MP’s it was clearly a calculated affront to the British MP’s.
You gotta love the caption under her picture: “Hard line: Debra Cagan stunned the MPs with her comments”
The Brits weren’t stunned that she showed up dressed like a Nazi, they were stunned by what she said. I love the irony. LOL.
Marycatherine Barton
October 1st, 2007 at 3:19 pm
And mean and crazy as oh get up, eh. I hope that Cagan keeps taking what Cagan is taking, if that is what is enabling Cagan to tell the truth about Cagan’s governmental group’s HATREDS.
Dirty Harry
October 1st, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Yes, Timothy, the Iraqis were certainly better off under Saddam, because at least they had food and medicine. Around 5% of the population has been killed under your “liberation,” and another 16% has fled for their lives to other countries. Now, I don’t know what you regard as being better off, but most people would regard the depopulation of a country by some 20% as an appalling outcome. But maybe that’s a price you’re willing to pay with other people’s lives. Somehow, though, I don’t think you would be so cold-blooded and philosophical about it if were happening to you and yours.
Dirty Harry
October 1st, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Amen, brother!
Andrew P
October 1st, 2007 at 3:30 pm
She might be at the “bound” party on friday night if you want to pick her up.
http://dc.bound.org
Touch of class
October 1st, 2007 at 4:12 pm
I can’t agree with you more that’s what you call an Ugly American.
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Yes, Eric, there are many things the US did that were wrong and you aptly pointed out some. We should never have subverted the Iranian government of Mossedegh in 1953 and we should not have provided Saddam with chemical weapons in the 80’s. While we are at it, we should not have interfered and helped to overthow Allende in Chile in 1972, we should not have treated the Native Americans so unjustly,we should not have enslaved Africans. We probably should not have invaded Mexico in 1846. Yes, Eric, I can admit that the United States, like just about every country in the world has done some pretty awful things that we shold be sorry about.
But, on balance, I can also recognize and am very proud of all the great things this nation has done. And I truly believe history will show that the United States of America has been the greatest vehicle in the cultivation of human liberty that the world has ever known. I believe history from World War II proves that already.
Do you really think western europe would be free and democratic today if it were not for America? And if it were not for America, would not millions still be trapped behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe? And while we are at it, think what you will about the Iraq war but we removed a brutal dictator and helped that nation have free elections. And yes, that is a good thing and something we ought to be proud of!
Also, think about this: Just because my country has made some terrible mistakes that does not mean I should not be loyal to it. Read about Socrates, he remained loyal to Athens even as he was about to be executed for “corrupting the youth.” I certainly believe that if one, willingly, lives in a country he should be loyal to that country. Or if not, he should move!
George Kurian , India
October 1st, 2007 at 6:14 pm
I am an Indian Christian and a committed one. No, I am not one of the evangelical kind that believes that the Bible is infallible (even the Bible does not claim that for itself) or that Jesus will return the day that the State of Israel is established. I work in a hospital that was set up by an AMERICAN missionary a hundred years ago. This hospital practices a Christian form of socialism. For example: in this hospital the highest paid doctor gets a salary that is only twelve times that of the lowest paid worker. This gives you the idea of what I think Christianity is all about. It is not about responding to the voice of God to go and fight in Iraq and have 650,000 people killed in the process.(The Lancet in a scientific article reported the number killed and the scientific method to arrive at this number is the best we have.)
You ask us outsiders why people hate America so much. You give yourselves the answer which is way off the mark.You think that it is because we hate your freedoms and your way of life. Absolute and utter nonsense!!
1) Osama bin Laden did not attack America because he hated your way of life or Christianity. Please read his speeches before the attack. He asked America to leave Arabia because it was the land of the sacred (muslim) shrines and because America was supporting and reaping big money from contracts with a corrupt dicatatorial government which was living off the oil wealth which rightfully belongs to the Saudi people. He had warned America in advance.
2) America does not have the right to choose who rules which country. America cannot decide who should have nuclear weapons and who should not. If America feels that way please give every person IN THE WORLD a vote to decide who the next president of America wiil be. If America can have nuclear weapons, surely Irans hould be allowed the same freedom. Iran , for your information, has not broken any of the rules laid down by its treaty obligations.
3) Saddam Hussain was demonised by America. Of course he was a dicatator but at least he ran a secular country where there were three Christians in the cabinet.Now Iraq is not only more Muslim but fragmented as well. America did not attack Iraq because of weapons of mass destruction, or false intelligence, or for the sake of democracy. Lets face it America struck because of oil. If Iraq did not have oil, it would not even have been noticed. The entire situation in the Middle East was because of the oil there. The establishment of the State of Israel, the cutting up of the old Ottaman Empire into convenient little emirates and sultanates, the support for the fake “Shah” of Iran and the Iraq war. Do you now understand why America is hated so much.
3) Israel is one of the most evil nations in the world. It is as racist as South Africa was .That is why Jimmy Carter used the word “Apartheid” in the title of his book. (Why does Carter hate Israel, and by connection America, so much?) It was set up without the permission of the local population. The Jews have displaced the Arab population at the point of a gun and are still expanding. Israel has the support of America. It also has the most nuclear weapons in the Middle East. America supports it against the Arabs.
Are you surprised that Americans are hated the world over? They support dictatorships and evil racist countries.
Yes their are child marriages in Iran as in other societies. My great grandmother (a Christian) was married at the age of 6 to a 9 year old boy. Some of these marriages are forced but that does not have government sanction.Education has changed that. Iran has a greater proportion of women in their Parliament than America has in its senate. There are less rapes on Iran’s streets than in New York (I’m guessing).25,000 Jews are living in Iran and continue to stay there despite attractive blandishments from Israel.I suggest you go and visit one of these Arab countries and you will see their traditions of hospitality and experience their friendships.
About suicide bombings: I am nearly a pacifist and I don’t see any difference between the bombs you drop in Iraq or elsewhere and suicide bombers. They are sacrificing their bodies for a cause greater than themselves like the boy on the burning deck. America has killed more innocent civilians (Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East) than all the suicide bombers in the world put together. So don’t take the high moral position ,please.It does not become you.
Jason Ditz
October 1st, 2007 at 6:17 pm
The dracula trophy looking thing? I was curious about it too. Turns out its a Commander’s Cross Order of Merit given to her by the Hungarian government.
richard vajs
October 1st, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Tim R
Please do not repeat that canard that little Palestinian children were dancing in the streets of occupied Palestine upon news of 9/11. What the US saw on television the afternoon of 9/11 was Palestinian children dancing in the street because a very cynical Israeli bought them candy and gave them little Palestinian flags to wave so that he could videotape them and then feed this propoganda to the US. I remember hearing this jerk bragging about pulling this crap for the purposes of infuriating the Americans against Palestine. If you actually saw this fraudulent garbage and had half a brain, you could see that these children were barely more than toddlers with a world view to match. Is there no end to the vicous hatred coming from the “chosen people”. I feel as Apostle Paul felt (see First Thessalonians 2:15).
jon
October 1st, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Tim I dont know whether to feel sorry for you or pitty you. You are compeletely out of touch with this subject. I believe that regime change in Iran would be beneficial to the U.S. and other western countries. However I have major doubts about a possible war with Iran. Because in the aftermath if the Iranians dont overthrow the Mullahs, our troops in Iraq are going to pay the price. The neocons think that when the bombs start falling on Iran that the people will be angry and blame the regime and overthrow it. Angry thats for sure, but will they blame the regime and overthrow it? Or will they unite and be much more supportive and our troops pay the price? The unfortunate thing is that right now Iran is the big winner in many ways in regards to Iraq and know it too. Which gives them much more negotiating power than they would have if we werent in Iraq. So the BushCo is under a lot pressure because of it and thats why the Neocons are persistently advocating for war. Even though Bush publicly announced “Mission Accomplished” it’s quite the opposite. Its either all or nothing.
masmanz
October 1st, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Saying that “Iran gave safe transit …” is like saying USA gave safe entry to the terrorists of 9/11. Did anyone know that these guys were going to blow up the buildings? We ourselves established the training bases for AlQaida to fight the Soviets, are we then the supporters of terrorism by this twisted definition? Why would Iran contact AQ? don’t they hate each other? All you can cite as examples are things that happened over 20 years ago. And you want to destroy the whole region for that.
Eric Garris
October 1st, 2007 at 8:29 pm
I am glad you recognize those things were wrong.
But can they only be recognized AFTER THE FACT? If someone opposed slavery before 1863, would that mean that they were not loyal to the country? Many British abolitionists turned their attention to America after slavery was outlawed in Britain. Would it have been traitorous for American abolitionists to have applauded their help in trying to end such an institution?
In other words, does loyalty to one’s country include unqualified support for all actions at the time of those actions?
The Lion
October 1st, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Sounds like Tim R. is one of the Pentagons professional bloggers.
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Well, thanks for the compliment. I’m not one of their “professional bloggers” but it sounds like a fun job. Do you know to whom I could send my resume?
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Jon, you make some solid points. Your right that the Iranian people might very well blame us for everything and our troops on the ground might suffer. However, I don’t know what other option we have. So far Iran has thumbed their nose at the Security Counsel and seem to be intractable. If we learned anything for the Second World War, it should be that appeasement does not work. So I ask you, if they continue to thumb their nose at the international community, what should we do?
Also, if we do have to confront Iran, we should rely on air and naval power and not put any more soldiers on the ground where they would get bogged down and be open targets for suicide bombers. I’m quite confident that the Air Force and Navy could destroy or substantially impair the Iranian nuclear program without putting any soldiers on the ground.
In fact, I think we should probably pull the majority of our ground forces out of Iraq and just leave enough troops to make pinpoint strikes on Al Quida bases or other Islamic terrorists as they are found. If the Sunni and Shia want to kill each other I say let them, and lets not have our ground forces in the cross hairs.
Tim R.
October 1st, 2007 at 9:43 pm
You asked ” Does loyalty to ones country require unqualified support for all actions at the time of those actions.” Great question, and I would say no. It calls for strong support, but not unqualified support. The great thing about America is that the United States Constituton protects our freedom of speech, and if a citizen disagrees with his government’s actions, he should speak out against them.
However, loyalty means that when you speak out against the decisions of your elected officials, you speak out of love of country, not hatred towards it. Loyalty means that you always give your country and your President the benefit of the doubt, especially in war time, unless there is absolute and incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.
Loyalty means having at least a modicum of respect towards your country’s elected officials, even those of whom you vociferously disagree with. And yes, loyalty means supporting your nation’s troops during war time, even if you disagree with the war. Loyalty means wanting your nation to succeed.
Eric Garris
October 1st, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Now you are talking about a thought crime. How do you know whether I am speaking out of love or hatred of my country? But you are saying that one is being a traitor.
I have no respect for people who tell me they can take my money and try to run my life. I have only contempt for them. That does not include just US politicians, but ones of every single country on Earth. The type of person who tries to run other people’s lives are the very scum of society, criminals in my opinion.
I love this country, and it is the best country to live in. But sometimes the country’s government is engaged in action I can’t support. In those cases, I do not want the government to succeed.
For example, I don’t want “No Child Left Behind” to succeed. I don’t want the War on Drugs to succeed. I am willing to bet their are government programs you don’t agree with and that you want to fail.
Modern wars are just another government boondoggle. They always are started for lies and kill more innocents than combatants. It is just as reasonable to oppose these as it is to oppose the continuation of the Rural Electrictation Project.
mary
October 1st, 2007 at 10:17 pm
very reasonable and wisdom person .Iwould like to now how meny people think as like you. thanks for your comment
mary
October 1st, 2007 at 10:27 pm
i am agree with you we will be united for defence our country and both side will pay rhe prices and isreal will laugh for both of us
Fan of Eric G.
October 1st, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Cagan is not only a thoughless, ruthless, bigot, she is Jewish and likely an ardent Zionist whose loyalty is to Israel. That would explain her hatred. She is no better than the most reprehensible anti-Semite. Bigots are part of every ethnic group and she is an example. In a sane administration, she’d be fired for that comment. However, she would never be part of a sane administration in the first place.
Frank Rontino
October 1st, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Another patriotic `american` who simply enjoys fiddler on the roof a little more than most of us, and `cares` for Israel– doesnt mean she is simply seeking to milk the US dry for the needs of the Likud.
We are OWNED- this is beyond orwellian.
http://wonkette.com/politics/debra-cagan/
sketchley
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:06 am
Hey guys you need to do your research properly, the photo used by the Daily Mail, they got off the web page of the Hungarian Embassy when they awarded her the Hungarian Commander’s Cross Order of Merit
http://www.huembwas.org/News2/56Emb2005.htm
sketchley
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:20 am
Tim R states “Just because my country has made some terrible mistakes that does not mean I should not be loyal to it.”
Mistakes? These are not mistakes. Your country has, since 1945 engaged in mass terrorism, genocide, crimes against humanity, and the same supreme crime of agression for which Nazis were hung, and you call them mistakes? Man, that is really sick, calling these crimes, mistakes.
If you haven’t already perhaps you should read Tim Weiners book Legacy of Ashes, which documents the massive, prolonged crimes of the CIA.
My country right or wrong? That’s the way the German’s went under Hitler and its the way you and your fellow Americans have gone now, and all in the name of greed for power and to control the worlds resources.
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:51 am
No big surprise that a major bushie should hate Iranians.
Given the way the Bushies have slaughtered Iraqis, robably she has it in for Arabs, too. (She may think that Iranians are Arabs!) That she would say so openly is surprising. Usually Bushies lie more effectively.
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:59 am
“Debra Cagan is a frightening-looking woman – just google her.” She probably thinks her extreme amounts of make-up is some how “liberated” compared to a veil or scarf.
Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:02 am
“You would root for Muslim fanatics?” It’s pretty obvious that the fanatics are Bush and his followers, like Ms. Cagan.
Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 am
“I wonder, you call on Bush, Cheney, Tony Blair and John Howard to be put on trial for war crimes, did you also call for Saddam Hussein to be put on trial for war crimes? ”
Saddam Hussein did not rule the US. We *are* responsible for punishing Bush and co. as they deserve.
Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:08 am
“Why do you hate America?”
Actually, it’s the self-described “conservatives” who hate America. They hate the vast majority of Americans who are not their sort.
Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 am
“most terrorists are muslims.”
False. All warfare is terrorism.
Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 am
“She ‘hates’ all Iranians? My question is why? What in the world have Iranians done to her? ‘Her’ directly that is- and not the abstract ‘America’ ”
Good question, one I wish the MPs the Daily Mail quotes had asked.
Probably it’s totally irrational, based on distaste for anything “different”. The excuses probably include support for Israel (although there are lots of Iranian Jews); feminism (as if Bush were helping US women, or vast amounts of make-up, high heels, foundation garments, etc. were more “liberating” than a burqa); maybe even an Evangelical desire to smite the heathen, speed up the Second Coming of Jesus, etc. The preachers of America have much to answer for.
Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:18 am
“And for Iraq: It was a dictaorship run by a brutal tyrant who we removed. ” You mean “supported.” Don’t you remember how Reagan had the US Navy defending Iraqi tankers, how he gave a medal to the captain of the USS Vincennes for shooting down an Iranian civilian airliner?
Zhu Bajie
Tim R.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:56 am
Sketchely, you wrote the following: “Your country has, since 1945 engaged in mass terrorism, genocide, crimes against humanity, and the same supreme crime of agression for which Nazis were hung.”
These are serious charges, would you please specifically cite three examples of each?
Tim R.
October 2nd, 2007 at 10:02 am
Eric, just because one is Jewish does that make them an “ardent zionist.” And even if one is a zionist does that automatically mean they are not loyal to the United States? Perhaps some ardent zionists living in the US are more loyal to Israel, and if they are I think that is disgusting and they should move to Israel if that is how they feel. However, zionism in itself does not make you disloyal. Similarly, one could be American and be a Catholic but that does not mean he is not loyal to America first and the Pope second.
Eric Garris
October 2nd, 2007 at 11:49 am
You are addressing someone else “friend of Eric G.” I hope you don’t confuse his comments with mine, I have no idea if Cagan if Jewish and I don’t think it is relevant.
FYI, I am Jewish.
Tim, I want to write you a private note, can you send me your email address?
Thank you.
Zhu Bajie
October 3rd, 2007 at 12:11 am
Why did HUNGARY give her a medal? Did she invent a new use for paprikash? :-)
Zhu Bajie
JW
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:43 am
Like many a frisky filly, the bodacious Debra probably just blurted out a generalization – not entirely meaning it. What she likely meant is not that she hates all Iranians, but that she hates all underlings who won’t follow her orders. In this she mimics all petty tryants, as well as her boss, the dunce-in-chief. Bombs away!
justaguy
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Tim R. Stop spouting this rubbish. That someone travels throuhgh a country does not imply anything. More known terrorists live in the USA than any other country with the full knowledge and support of your government.
Bin Laden attacked the Iranian embassy in Kabul and killed every Iranian official in it. Bin Laden is a Wahabbi who consider Shia muslims apostates.
Bin Laden was treated in a US naval hospital for kidney failure AFTER the USS Cole bombing. Al Qaeda recruits were given visas to travel to the US by the US consulate in Saudi Arabia. What the hell does that imply?
Freetroll
October 18th, 2007 at 12:29 am
We should not attack or judge this person or anybody else for their actual facial or body appearance, as she is also a child of God. BUT, we can greatly criticize her appearance (makeup, dress and what not) as someone who holds a position in the administration of this so called great nation that has the possibility to speak such evil in public especially meeting with other foreign dignitaries. She should be reprimanded by her superiors (we know that will never happen). We cannot do much about this now, except voicing our opinion and wait for the great departure of Bush administration in the next 15 months.
Jerry Lingle
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:24 am
Mark Read Pickens – please contact Jerry Lingle – important
Mark Read Pickens
April 18th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I need contact information. I’m at MarkPickens@hotmail.com.
Jessy
May 1st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
She Really said that?
mariam hassan
October 14th, 2008 at 3:51 am
Assalm-o-Alaikum!
May the almighty Allah be with you as you are reading this message.Before I will go on,I will like to introduce my self to you as a Muslim sister.
My name is Mariam Hassan,the only daughter of late Mr.and Mrs. Hassan from COTE D’IVOIRE(IVORY COAST).My late father was born and brought up in a christian family,but turned to Muslim when he married my mother because my mother came from a good Muslim family.Ever since my father married my mother his family disowned him because he turned to muslin and married a Muslim woman.
Here in my country,my father was a successful business man.My late mother died after a brief illness which we suspected to be poison.In August 12Th 2006,my father was poisoned by his brother over their land dispute.
Since then my uncle collected all my father’s properties.The most painful part of it is that he stopped me from going to school just because I refused to turn to christian.One day when I was praying my uncle came and ceased my Koran and my bids which I was using to pray and gave me a very big injury because he has warned me not to pray in his house again.
Since that day, I ran away from his house and ran to a Muslim brother who accommodated me in their family house as a fellow Muslim sister.Right now I am still hiding in his house because my life is in danger if my wicked uncle noticed that I am hiding there.
My dear good brother in Allah I am seriously in need of your help because my wicked uncle is still tracing me because if he happens to find me here he might kill me just to claim all that my late father acquired.
Please I want you to help me retrieve the money that my late father deposited in a security company here in my country the sum ¨10,500.000.00US .Ten million five hundred thousand daller and for you to help me move over to your country because i doesn’t wan to turn to christian in my life.With your help in your country,I can complete my education because I am still a young Girl of 19yrs and also I want to marry a fellow Muslim brother who has the fear of Allah in him.Over there in your country you will be my guardian and also help me invest the money because i do not have any idea of investment.For you effort and love for me I am willing to give you 10% of the money after successful transfer of the money to your country.
May the almighty Allah bless you and your entire family as you are willing to help a fellow muslem sister like me.I am hopping to hear from you very soon before my wicked uncle will turn me to christian by force or even kill me if I refuse to turn to christian.
Your sister in Islam,
Marriam Hassan.