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Politics : Clinton -- doomed & wagging, Japan collapses, Y2K bug, etc -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sidney Reilly who wrote (758)	11/11/1998 8:47:00 PM
From: SOROS	Respond to of 1151

AP - 11/11/98 WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pentagon planners have drafted orders that could put tens of thousands of U.S. ground troops, a hundred more warplanes and additional ships into the Persian Gulf area should President Clinton order sustained attacks against Iraq, officials said. Defense Secretary William Cohen has not yet signed the deployment orders, which, if approved, lay out a ''fairly steady'' flow of forces into the region, the official said Tuesday. And Clinton has not decided how he will respond to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's defiance of U.N. weapons inspections. ''A decision has not been made as to the use of force,'' Gen. Hugh Shelton, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said this morning on NBC's ''Today.'' ''I think Saddam clearly understands, as we have said publicly, that all options are on the table.'' Saddam's defiance of the United Nations ''poses a threat to an area that is a vital national interest to the United States, and ... he poses a threat not only to his neighbors but to the 20,000 men and women of the United States that serve in that region,'' Shelton said. One military option is a short-notice attack that would not require a big new U.S. buildup in the Gulf, U.S. officials say. Hundreds of cruise missiles already are in the region for just such a strike. Against that backdrop, 11 buses and other vehicles carrying more than 100 U.N. arms inspectors and other workers pulled out of Baghdad today, headed for Jordan. Eric Falt, spokesman for U.N. humanitarian programs in Iraq, told reporters in Baghdad that the move was ''precautionary'' and taken ''solely with the safety of U.N. staff in mind.'' At present, there are 23,500 U.S. troops in the Gulf region. The new orders could double that number, returning the Gulf force to the size it was in February during the most recent standoff over weapons inspections. There also are 23 ships and 173 aircraft in the area. Eight Navy ships are loaded with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, believed to be a top choice for hitting potential Iraqi targets, should a strike be ordered. Clinton met Tuesday on Iraq with his national security team, and should he opt for additional forces, the ground troops would be flown into Kuwait to defend that country against a potential threat from Iraqi army units. There are some 2,000 Army soldiers there now on a regularly scheduled exercise. As the military planning progressed, meanwhile, a State Department official said diplomacy had its limits. ''What is not needed, and there is no plan for it, is negotiations with Saddam Hussein,'' spokesman James P. Rubin said. ''We have no doubt many governments are conveying that message,'' Rubin added. Cohen announced he'd ordered the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and a Marine task force to speed their move to the Gulf. He told reporters he ordered the moves in the event Clinton decided to attack. That could put two aircraft carriers and two Marine expeditionary units in the region by Thanksgiving. Each carrier has about 70 warplanes, which would allow for more sustained strikes against Iraqi targets, particularly if nations in the region are loathe to allow U.S. aircraft to mount attacks from their soil. Increased numbers of Marines or Army units on the ground in Kuwait would provide increased security, as well. Defense Department spokesman Kenneth Bacon, speaking at a Pentagon briefing, said the current force could be bolstered in short order with a large number of troops left on alert following the last go-round with Saddam in February. At that time, there were 44,000 troops, 430 aircraft and 34 ships in the Gulf region. Bacon declined to say whether any forces had been placed on alert. But he said some Navy and Air Force units were on a ''96-hour tether ... to be ready to pull up stakes and get to the Gulf within 96 hours.'' Cohen warned that if Saddam continues to refuse the U.N. inspections, he risks strikes that would cause a ''significant degradation'' of his military strength. ''Iraq is on notice,'' Cohen said. ''The military option is still on the table.'' The latest standoff began after Iraq announced Oct. 31 it was halting cooperation with the U.N. Special Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the destruction of Iraq's chemical and biological weapons and long-range missiles. Iraq must get rid of its weapons of mass destruction before the Security Council will lift the sanctions that were imposed on its sale of oil following the Gulf War. Iraq has said it will not resume cooperation on inspections until the Security Council begins to move toward ending the sanctions.

To: Sidney Reilly who wrote (758)	11/11/1998 8:48:00 PM
From: SOROS	Respond to of 1151

Russia Today - 11/11/98 MOSCOW, Nov. 11, 1998 -- (Reuters) Use of force to make Iraq comply with U.N. demands would worsen the crisis and nullify years of work by U.N. arms inspectors, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said on Wednesday. Ivanov was speaking as chief U.N. arms inspector Richard Butler ordered all his foreign staff out of Iraq in case of U.S. military action after Baghdad ended cooperation with teams seeking to scrap the country's weapons of mass destruction. "Russia considers that use of force will not provide a way out of this situation, will not permit a solution to this problem," Ivanov said at a joint news conference with visiting Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy. "It can only cancel out all the huge amount of work which was carried out over seven years, and complicate the situation in the region and around the region," he said. Russia was continuing to work with Iraq, regional states and other powers, as well as with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to find a diplomatic solution, Ivanov said. But the Russian minister reaffirmed earlier statements that it was up to Baghdad to resolve the crisis by resuming full cooperation with the U.N. inspection commission, UNSCOM, so the United Nations can consider whether to lift sanctions on Iraq. The United States said on Tuesday that "time is running out" for Iraq to comply with U.N. arms inspections, but Baghdad insisted lifting trade sanctions imposed by the United Nations in 1990 was the key to ending the standoff. U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen said President Bill Clinton was still considering diplomatic and military options in the crisis. Russia, which has long-standing ties with Iraq and is reluctant to see Washington flex its military muscle around the world, has opposed use of force throughout the years of periodic crises with Baghdad. This time, however, Moscow has expressed clear exasperation with Iraq for provoking the latest standoff, and has refrained from direct criticism of the U.S. approach. ( (c) 1998 Reuters)

To: Sidney Reilly who wrote (758)	11/11/1998 8:52:00 PM
From: SOROS	Respond to of 1151

Inside China Today - 11/11/98 WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 1998 -- (Reuters) The Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, said on Tuesday he had postponed making a formal public response to a Chinese initiative that could lead to dialogue on the Himalayan territory's future. The Buddhist leader, who saw President Bill Clinton at the White House on Tuesday in defiance of Chinese wishes, told reporters that to avoid misunderstandings, he first had to consult the Chinese government through informal channels. "Up to now the consultations have not materialized, so therefore I am not ready to make a public response. It depends on my consultation, because I want, after my formal response, no more accusations," he said. "He [Clinton] explained...his meeting with [President] Jiang Zemin and his efforts," the Dalai Lama added, declining to offer details. "Sometimes more open discussion is useful; sometimes more silence is useful. So I feel it is better to remain low key." The Dalai Lama had been thinking of using his trip to the United States to answer an invitation to dialogue extended by President Jiang Zemin during Clinton's trip to China in June. (Pictured in archive photo, U.S. President Bill Clinton (right) and President Jiang (left) meet in Beijing during the 1998 Sino-U.S. summit.) Jiang set two conditions: that the Dalai Lama recognizes Tibet as an inalienable part of China and Taiwan as a Chinese province. The Dalai Lama long ago renounced Tibetan independence as a goal but has never taken a position on Taiwan. He reiterated his stand on Tibet in a statement after meeting with Clinton on Tuesday. "I am not seeking independence for Tibet, nor do my actions seek its separation from the People's Republic of China," he said. "I am for autonomy, genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people, to preserve their distinct identity and way of life," he said. But the Chinese government has kept up attacks on the Buddhist leader, calling him an insincere propagandist and accusing him of avoiding the proper channels of communication. "The Dalai Lama has for a long time engaged in activities to split the motherland and preached independence for Tibet," Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao told a news briefing on Tuesday. "To this day, he has not repented," Zhu said. "We ask U.S. leaders not to meet the Dalai Lama, to avoid harming China-U.S. relations," he added. Separately, the state-run People's Daily accused the Dalai Lama of "playing tricks" during his nine-day U.S. visit. The Buddhist leader, referring obliquely to the attacks on him, said he wanted to be cautious because the Chinese sometimes turned small incidents into "grand accusations." "This is not good for building trust. I am trying to build mutual trust because once we develop some trust, then we can discuss some serious matters," he said. Sources close to the Tibetan government said the Dalai Lama (pictured) might have expected the White House to throw some light on exactly what the Chinese wanted from him. But U.S. officials, apparently anxious not to upset Beijing, denied they were playing any mediating role. Clinton did not schedule a meeting with the Dalai Lama but instead "dropped by" a meeting he had with first lady Hillary Clinton, spending about 30 minutes there. Similarly, at the State Department, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright "dropped by" a meeting between the Dalai Lama and assistant secretaries of state. A White House statement reiterated Clinton's desire to see China open discussions with the Dalai Lama. "The president expressed his strong support for efforts to foster a dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and his representatives to resolve differences," the White House said. State Department spokesman James Rubin noted: "We do not know what the Dalai Lama may have communicated to the Chinese government... We've urged dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities. The modalities and substance of any such dialogue are strictly for the Dalai Lama and the People's Republic of China to decide themselves." The Dalai Lama said his contacts were through Chinese businessmen and groups like the Atlanta-based Carter Center. "All these channels want to keep a low profile," he said. He gave no indication when he expected clarifications from Beijing. "In the last few weeks we have had a rather confusing signal (from the Chinese)," he added. He said the situation on the ground in Tibet remained "very bad" and Tibetan Buddhist learning was in danger of dying out because of Chinese influence. It was in Beijing's best interests to take his proposals seriously because they could achieve the Chinese government's main goals, stability and unity, he added. Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950, and the Dalai Lama fled to India nine years later after an abortive uprising against communist rule. China's critics accuse Beijing of engaging in a systematic attempt to crush Tibetan Buddhist culture and flood the region with ethnic Chinese settlers. Beijing rejects the criticism, arguing that five decades of communist rule freed 1 million Tibetan serfs, boosted the economy and raised the living standards of Tibetans. ( (c) 1998 Reuters)

To: Sidney Reilly who wrote (758)	11/11/1998 8:56:00 PM
From: SOROS	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1151

Rapture Watch The Philistines Return - Update 1998 It is undeniably true by God's Holy Word that the most horrible wars in mankind's history will soon be fought in and over the Middle-East. The biblical focus for these wars can be tightened to center on the tiny nation of Israel, and even further to the very city of Jerusalem. This is how it is prophesied to be at the close of this age-and is exactly how things are developing without question. In 1995, 1996, and 1997, we updated our message “The Philistines Return” with current news items to show that the direction of events continues to move on an unwavering course towards complete fulfillment in this generation. Before we again share this message, we now have updates from May and July in 1998, which are pertinent. First from the May 26, 1998 Denver Post article, which headlined “Arab summit would be blow to Israel”, we share this item due to its relevancy to our mention of Psalms 83. We quote...”Palestinians are working to convene an Arab summit that would declare relations with Israel frozen. The summit would pick up where a conference left off two years ago - with a warning that the Arab world would suspend normalization unless Israel carried out its obligations under the peace accords. Egypt, Jordan, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have agreed to attend the summit, to be convened shortly after the U.S. peace initiative has played itself out.” It should be noted that numerous news sources have been reporting, as of the second week of July 1998, that U.S. attempts at restarting negotiations “are almost played out.” Our second article from the July 8, 1998 edition of the Denver Post, which headlined, “Palestinians win larger U.N. role” is being shared due to its relevancy to our quoting of God's approaching judgement upon an “undesired nation”. Quoting from this article we read...”The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to give Palestinians a larger role in the United Nations and a voice in many of its peripheral activities. The Palestinians, already members of several groups of developing nations, hailed the vote as a first step toward full United Nations membership. Israel's representative Dore Gold, denounced the resolution's references to the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and the West Bank as a “transparent effort” to influence talks over the final status of disputed territories. His comments reflect growing fears in Israel that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat will declare a Palestinian state next year, raising the possibility of new bloodshed. The vote 124-4, with 57 countries not voting - overcame the strong opposition of the United States. There are no vetos in the assembly, and the majority vote carries. The resolution in effect creates a new “super-observer” status for the Palestinians - or Palestine, as the delegation has been known officially, since 1988. The Palestinians will now have the right to take part in General assembly debate and reply to other speeches; to co-sponsor resolutions on Middle East issues; and to take part in a range of United Nations conferences and meetings.” With the Arab/Israeli War of Psalms 83 looming on the immediate horizon, we will be reviewing our message “The Philistines Return”, which was first sent out in 1994. We quote - “We have repeatedly stated in the past that it is our belief that Bible prophecy reveals that the present attempts at peace in the Middle East between Israel and the Arabs will only lead to more violence and eventually an Arab/Israeli war. It is only after this war that we feel that the 7 year covenant of the Anti-Christ will be signed in that region. Resistance and defiance to the peace terms is growing on all sides. The hard line Likud Party is sure to regain control of the Israeli Government in 1996 and current sacrifices being made for a false peace will surely be overturned.” War can come anytime. On May 4, 1994, Israel made another giant step towards bringing about the prophesied final 7 year covenant, which will soon be strengthened by the last days European dictator commonly referred to as the Anti-Christ. With Israel's giving up of land to the Palestinians the level of danger of the prophesied Arab/Israeli war soon taking place has dramatically increased. All Israeli forces have now been withdrawn from the Gaza Strip and Jericho. Combat trained Palestinians now police these areas supplied with arms and vehicles from Egypt and Jordan. Prophecies such as those found in Zephaniah 2:8-11 and Isa. 31:1-3 clearly foretell of the treachery waiting in the hearts of the Ammonites of Jordan and the Egyptians. Turning to Zeph. 2:1-3, God indicates that this event is a warning, that it is time to repent for the day of His fierce anger is about to be poured out and there still remains a chance that a person may be hidden from it. The key verse here is verse 1, where God tells the Philistines to gather their “undesired nation” together before the day of God's judgement. Before we quote this incredible prophecy from Zeph. 2:4-7, we need to share the following facts concerning this passage. First is that the Gaza Strip, which has been given to the Palestinians, is located on the sea coast and is the location of the still thriving city of Gaza. Secondly is that the name Ashkelon mentioned here is one of the five chief cities of the ancient Philistines, which remains in existence and is located twelve miles north of Gaza. Third, the names of modern Ashdod, Ekron and the Cherethites (Karanthites) are also names for two cities and a tribe of the ancient Philistines. Lastly, and this is a critical point, the Palestinians of today who are gathering this very day as a nation and who now possess the Gaza Strip, are the modern-day descendants of these Philistines of endtime prophecy. Quoting from Zeph. 2 we read, “For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the Word of the Lord is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant. And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flock. And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed there upon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the Lord their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.” Consider and marvel at the divine knowledge the Lord has demonstrated to us by His loving grace. Some prophecy teachers who have studied this passage have believed that the “undesirable nation”, which is spoken of in verse 1 of Chapter 2 is Israel, we must disagree in light of current events and presently being fulfilled Bible prophecy. Although this prophecy would fit Israel to some degree, we are convinced the better interpretation lies with this pertaining to the Palestinian regathering as an “undesired nation” just before the day of God's wrath. Two points seem to support this. First, is that Israel becoming a nation in these last days was desired by God according to prophecy, and secondly, in verse 5 God specifically refers to the ancient Philistine Cherethites as being a nation again at the time of His judgement. They were to be gathered along the sea coast in the Gaza area just as has taken place at present. On the other hand, the Jews are to be both punished and blessed during this upcoming conflict; with those Jews God finds faithful to once more take possession of the modern Philistines newly acquired land. Remember that the Jews were not a nation in that region until 1948, but now in this day even had the authority over the Gaza Strip to deliver it into the hands of the Philistines, who now wave the national flag of Palestine over the territories. We urge that every unbeliever weigh the following portion of this prophecy from verses 2 and 3 on the most sensitive balance scales of their conscience - “Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgement; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.” People who devoutly study Bible prophecy and follow current events realize that the prophetic truth of the Bible is overwhelmingly being proven and coming to pass. The irrefutable evidence by God's Word is that these are the lasts days and the day to be forgiven for one's sins is right now. You do not want to be outside of God's only plan for salvation when the final chapter of this story is played out. Turn to God's only begotten Son Jesus Christ this moment with faith, accepting the sacrifice He made on the cross for your sins with His own precious blood. It is not always easy to die to self, but it is at that moment of true belief in the Saviour Jesus Christ that you embark upon the glorious road of eternal life with God. Jamma M.

To: Sidney Reilly who wrote (758)	11/13/1998 8:05:00 PM
From: SOROS	Respond to of 1151

USA Today - 11/13/98 WASHINGTON - Concerned that the Year 2000 computer bug could disrupt military early-warning systems, the United States is reaching out to the world's nuclear powers in an unprecedented effort to avoid an accidental conflict. Pentagon officials say they are confident that U.S. nuclear command and control systems will be ready for the so-called Y2K problem, but worry that foreign early warning systems could malfunction and falsely indicate an attack. "We're working with all the nuclear powers we can have a relationship with, to physically share people," says Marvin Langston, who directs Pentagon Y2K programs. "Their people will sit in our control centers and our people in their control centers to keep the communications open." Efforts are also being made through the State Department and intelligence community to establish "back channel" contacts with nations that deny having nuclear capability and others hostile toward the United States, he says. Although plans are not finalized, Deputy Secretary of Defense John Hamre says he hopes to have some cooperative efforts in place next year. "We have agreed we will have a center that will provide resources," says Hamre, adding, "We'll move as fast as we can with the Russians." There is general agreement that Y2K - a date-sensitive programming problem that could disable computers after Dec. 31, 1999 - will not cause missiles to launch mistakenly, but early-warning systems could malfunction. For instance, in January 1995, Russian equipment mistook a NASA launch for a missile attack. "We have a huge stake in Russia's early warning systems working properly," says former senator Sam Nunn, who raised concerns last June. Russian authorities first focused on Y2K this summer, finding their space-based tracking equipment was likely to fail. "Up to 80% of all defense ministry systems could be affected," says Sergey Rogov, an adviser to the Russian Duma on Year 2000 issues. An arms control think tank, British American Security Information Council, issued a report Thursday questioning the Pentagon's ability to secure its nuclear systems from Y2K distress. The Government Accounting Office and members of Congress have questioned the ability of the Pentagon, and other government agencies, to complete all its Y2K efforts before Jan. 1, 2000. Rogov says that "maybe the Year 2000 problem provides us with the impetus to go into the next century with an entirely different relationship of our two nuclear forces."