Blog about politics (mideast and pro-Israel, Canadian and local Montreal), world events, and random thoughts.

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The World I Know is updated on a semi-regular basis by segacs.

Think I'm the greatest thing since chocolate-covered strawberries? Think I'm certifiably insane? E-mail me at segacs2.at.yahoo.ca.

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Comments are open and unmoderated, although obscene or abusive remarks may be deleted. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of segacs's world i know.

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12:03 AM
Darfur refugees in Israel

Lisa posts her thoughts following a fascinating interview with five refugees from Darfur currently staying on an Israeli kibbutz. An absolute must-read.

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11:52 PM
Unite the Greens?

No, not a merger, just some limited cooperation.

The deal between the Liberals and the Green Party that will see the Libs step back so that Elizabeth May can compete seriously for a seat, is, on the surface, a smart move for both parties. The Liberals have made it clear that, under Dion's leadership, the environment is their #1 issue. The Greens have always made the environment their #1 issue. So they're competing for the same pool of voters, and that pool is getting bigger every day as climate change has gradually shifted from being a "polls well but irrelevant on voting day" issue to an issue that can actually affect election results.

But will it backfire? If the Libs move left, will that just open up more space for the Conservatives to make gains in the middle? Conversely, it was arguably the Green Party that - despite a lack of elected MPs - elevated the environment to such a key voting issue in the first place.

The Liberal Party can't afford to become a one-issue party, even if it is tempting for them to spend the entire next election campaign attacking the Harper government on its environmental record. (The ads are already in the can, I hear). That's what fringe parties are useful for; bringing single issues to the forefront. But both parties that can govern - the Libs and the Tories - need to campaign on a range of issues representing the broad spectrum of governmental responsibilities. Anything less simply isn't fair to Canadians.

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11:44 PM
Suspects in custody

Two suspects have been arrested for a string of hate crimes against the Montreal Jewish community, including the foiled firebombing of the Ben Weider Centre two weeks ago:

Omar Bulphred, 21, and Azim Ibragimov, 23, appeared briefly in Quebec Court on Friday to be arraigned on charges stemming from incidents that began last fall. Both were denied bail.

[ . . . ]

Each man is charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to forcibly confine someone. Those crimes are alleged to have taken place between March 30 and April 8.

They also face charges of possession of an explosive in connection with the Sept. 2 firebombing of Skver-Toldos Orthodox Jewish Boys School in Outremont.

Each faces one count of damage to property by fire or explosion after a car parked on de l’Authion Ave. in the city’s Mercier district was firebombed Sept. 12.

As well, the two are alleged to have uttered death threats against a member of the Jewish community, and to have threatened to burn, destroy or damage property belonging to the Jewish community.

The most recent attack occurred on April 3, the first day of Passover, when a firebomb exploded at the YM-YWHA Ben Weider Jewish Community Centre, also known as the Snowdon Y. Employees called police at 11:15 p.m. after they heard an explosion at the facility’s main entrance on Westbury Ave. No one was injured and there was no damage to the building.

Not a lot of details are emerging just yet, but the ones that have been published are just plain bizarre - especially the kidnapping conspiracy charges. The two are being brought up on hate charges, and more information is sure to emerge if and when they go to trial.

Bastards. (Or, on advice of my imaginary lawyer, alleged bastards).

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11:41 PM
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Some big changes taking place in my life right now. That's one of the reasons for the light blogging, lately. No more details at the moment, but stay tuned.

Supposedly, change is good for you. Time will tell.

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12:44 AM
Heartbreak

What is there left to say?

If only the reffing had been more fair... if only Huet hadn't let in that soft goal in the first period... if only Steve Begin hadn't taken the world's worst double-minor for the world's dumbest slash... if only...

Ah well, there's always next season.

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