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Middle East Internet outages now affect 85 million

By Tim Conneally, BetaNews

February 6, 2008, 6:48 PM

With FLAG telecom now reporting damages to the FALCON undersea cable that actually occurred on January 23, one week before the four publicized cable cuts, experts are now beginning to reveal just how expansive the disruptions have been.

The severence of undersea cables FLAG Europe-Asia and SEA-ME-WE 4 about 8.3 km off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, affected at least 60 million users in India, 12 million in Pakistan, 6 million in Egypt, and 4.7 Million in Saudi Arabia, according to DU telecom Executive Director Mahesh Jaishanker, in a statement to the United Arab Emirates-based Khaleej Times.

A further 1.7 million Internet users in the UAE were reported to be affected by research site TeleGeography. Qatar and Bahrain also rely heavily on the Internet for various business functions, but there is yet no estimate on how many have been affected there. Dr. Hessa Al Jaber, Secretary General of ictQATAR, the country's telecom regulatory authority, has said a national contingency plan will be set in place to prevent future service interuptions like these.

Though repairs have reportedly begun on FALCON, and FLAG Europe-Asia, SEA-ME-WE-4 still awaits attention.

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By prndll

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 7:36 AM

I wonder if this would mean fewer morons logging onto Yahoo that can't say anything but "hello"???

Score: 0

By dvferret

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 8:49 AM

lol that would be funny if that turned out to be true.

Score: 0

By daq

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 12:04 PM

There will be all kinds of interesting statistics when this is over.
Did tech support actually get better when they had to redirect it to N. America?
Which sites got no hits @ all?
etc.

Score: 0

By drviper76

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 2:15 AM

iraq and israel never even went down when the cable line was cut they are running off a different line but seams funny because the under sea cable lines cant be cut by dropping an anchor

Score: 0

By Paul Skinner

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 11:11 AM

"because the under sea cable lines cant be cut by dropping an anchor"

Expert on these things, are you?

Score: 0

By BeyondYourFrontDoor

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 3:23 PM

The cables are simply laid on the bottom of the ocean. An anchor can cut them, a critter can bite them, or a diver and a hacksaw can cut them. It's no big mystery that these things are easy targets for ill-intent. Or, fragile targets for mishaps...

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 1:45 PM

He's a Dr., obviously. :p

We also have a digital video ferret around here somewhere. ;)

Score: 0

By kashin

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 2:08 AM

What I want to know is what caused so many cables to be suddenly cut, all at the same time. What could possible cause them all to be cut in unison, unless it was deliberate?

All the searches on Google turn up "conspiracy theories" and fingers pointing at foul play. I really doubt that it's a coincidence that all these cables get cut around the same time. Here's one of the links Google gave me.

http://www.idm.net.au/story.asp?id=9297

Score: 0

By joeshmoe7

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 12:44 AM

It's Aquaman, and he's really pissed off.

Score: 0

By dvferret

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 10:48 AM

huh?

EDIT: NVM

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 12:14 PM

What?

D'oh! :p

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 9:25 AM

Sweet.

I knew it.

Score: 0

By Truth.Is.No.Defence

edited Feb 6, 2008 - 10:14 PM

These cable cuts are a deliberate attempt to disrupt the opening of the Iranian Oil Bourse that is selling it's oil in other currencies other that the worthless US dollar. It's exactly the same reason why America invaded Iraq, which was to stop Saddam Hussein in selling Iraq's oil in Euros and dumping the US dollar.

http://www.globalresearc...context=va&aid=8000

New reports have now brought the total number of cables cut to 9.

http://www.rense.com/general80/cable.htm

Folks this is nothing more than the drums of war being struck for an attack on Iran. America's economy is deflating fast, and the only way to get the people to not notice it is to stage another war.

the Boshevik, NEOCON, ZIONISTS, are at it again...SSDD.

Score: 0

By Avion Airplane

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 11:37 AM

Truth.Is.No.Defence - Im so sorry you are angry at the USA and Isrial..... you should try to be more tolerant. I read the articals in the web page ......hmmmmm lot of accusations my friend. All we know it could be faulty plastic coating on the cables from the lack of oil ?.....

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 9:24 AM

the Boshevik, NEOCON, ZIONISTS, are at it again...SSDD.

Don't forget the retard conspiracy nutjobs posting racially offensive, ignorant, and just plain braindead BS all over the forums.

I bet they had something to do with it to.

Looks like someone's daddy should have used protection...

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 3:25 PM

If only you could abort at 16yo.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 4:49 PM

Of course you can:

Lethal injection, electric chair...

Or if you read the paper:

Strangulation, drive-by, multiple knife wounds to the abdomen...

Society seems to frown on most of those for some reason...

Score: 0

By mjm01010101

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 8:06 AM

uh, there are lot easier ways to keep people trading in your currency: for one: balance your fiscal budget every year. The Euros and Canadians actually attempt to do this and aren't far off. The u.S.? not so much. they even PLAN for budget shortfalls. That doesn't leave world money traders with confidence in your currency.

Strong economy, check, but weakening.
Balanced budget, no check
Massive, I mean such utterly ridiculous massive, 10 trillion projected debt in 2008? check.

We are so screwed...

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 10:34 AM

Just don't mention a recession, toolie will have a fit.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 12:12 PM

Yeah. Because people spreading the media's and left's lies about the economy and causing panic among the masses shouldn't piss anyone off, right?

...and they call *me* a tool.

Score: 0

By kashin

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 7:27 PM

"Yeah. Because people spreading the media's and left's lies about the economy and causing panic among the masses shouldn't piss anyone off, right?"

Americans remind of those monkeys with their hands over their ears, eyes and mouth. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Back when Bush proceeded to run America into the ground, people were not allowed to speak out against him. So much for freedom of speech in the "land of the free". If you did speak out, you were branded un-American or supporting the terrorists. Invade Iraq to take their oil under the disguise of "fighting terror" even though they had nothing to do with 9/11? Sure Mr. President. As long as nobody is allowed to speak out about you running the country into the ground, it's not really happening. Now they're trying to pull the same thing with the recession issue. If you don't talk about it, then it's not really happening. It's not like pretending you don't have Herpes when you obviously do. Sure, you can try and ignore the burning sensation and hope it goes away, but eventually you'll have to face facts and get some Valtrex. America is going down the toilet and everyone can see it. Just look at the auto industry as a great example. Soon the Chinese will flood America with their $5000 cars and the American auto industry will completely collapse. Investors are leaving the US faster than rats leave a sinking ship.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 8, 2008 - 11:47 AM

THe crap keeps spewing...do you even have an 'off' direction for that valve?

Oil? Yeah, that's it. We've taken over *zero* fields in Iraq. Our supply has actually *lessened*, but yeah, that's what it was all about.

So much for freedom of speech in the "land of the free". If you did speak out, you were branded un-American or supporting the terrorists.

You're so cute. in 2004, I *was* a democrat. Guess what? I spoke out. I argued with conservatives just like I argue now with Liberals. The only difference is that I am actually using my brain this time. :)

Back when Bush proceeded to run America into the ground

Anything to back this up? No? Didn't seriously think so.

Just look at the auto industry as a great example. Soon the Chinese will flood America with their $5000 cars and the American auto industry will completely collapse. Investors are leaving the US faster than rats leave a sinking ship.

Riiiight, so we'll just fill the plants with low-paid illegal immigrants to keep them here, right? That'll help us a lot....

Ya know, for someone who *claims* no-one's allowed to speak out against the current administration, you sure seem to be giving it a go. Sure, you're clueless, but you're speaking out. :)

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 1:16 PM

I agree, better off living in ignorance and hope it goes away.

Panic ?, never. Better off understanding the problem and making every effort to remedy the situation by careful planning from the top. On second thoughts I see your point.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 1:41 PM

I agree, better off living in ignorance and hope it goes away.

Okay, smart-guy. Exactly how does making the general public believe something that isn't true (recession) fall under "informing and preparing" the masses? It doesn't. Reporting on slowing growth is one thing. Using that to elicit fear and uncertainty in the populace to advance an unrelated political agenda is another.

Better off understanding the problem and making every effort to remedy the situation by careful planning from the top.

This is all well and good, but inciting media frenzy, spreading FUD and causing panic among the sheep doesn't accomplish *any* of that.

Score: 0

By kashin

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 7:34 PM

"Reporting on slowing growth is one thing. Using that to elicit fear and uncertainty in the populace to advance an unrelated political agenda is another."

You mean like back in 2004 when Bush was trying to get re-elected, so they turned their fear mongering on the maximum setting in order to convince Americans there was even more terrorist threat coming? They used the media to imbue fear into every American willing to listen, just to make sure they voted republican. Sure, there is no recession. The fact that the Bush administration has produced astronomical budget deficits year after year, coupled with slow growth (or none at all) in almost all sectors is just a bad coincidence. Pay no attention to it. I think people like PC_Tool are just concerned a democrat may get elected this year, so they'd prefer to pretend their republican government is doing a fine job.

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 1:47 PM

To be honest, I doubt anyone has even noticed our multi thread comments about the economy.

Fact is I never mentioned panic, your the one who brought up panic. I not saying simply talking about it will help it go away either. I suppose its like alcoholics, they have to admit there is a problem before you can even come close to solving the problem.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 4:46 PM

The gov can admit it, though I have my doubts as to the *existance* of a problem at this point, but it';s always a good idea to keep an eye on the future....

It's not really the media's problem, and yet, due to the upcoming election year...*anything* to make the current administration look like a failure in every capacity is apparently fair game...including flat out lies about the state of the economy.

Score: 0

By kashin

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 7:36 PM

"make the current administration look like a failure in every capacity is apparently fair game"

And in which capacity have they NOT been a complete failure? Please, humor us.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 8, 2008 - 11:38 AM

...I knew I'd hook one of them...

I bet you blame them for the housing bit too, eh?

At least you folks are good for a laugh now and then...

Score: 0

By Crispy777

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 8:30 AM

Hey 10 trillion is just 1 000 000 000 000 dollars. There are 303 000 000 US citizens. Thats just $3300 per capita + interests.

I'm sure our friend Niro is happy to pay that while getting butthumped by the police for wearing the wrong T-shirt or some other serious crime.

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 10:36 AM

Never mind ... You might have a clinton to bail you out soon. I allways thought the US needed a womans touch, Bill thought so :)

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 12:10 PM

...and electing Hilary would bring us one step closer to that. ;)

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 1:24 PM

We had one for over 15 years. Everything of any value has been sold off, with the manufacturing industry crippled and a coal industry in tatters.

I blame the IRA for missing...

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 1:44 PM

The comment you replied to was intended to be sarcastic and imply that Hilary, if elected, would get us closer to having a woman president, without actually getting us there.

(not that a president being male or female should have any effect on anything other than perhaps fashion trends...god forbid)

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 1:54 PM

I got it ... but think she is actually quite feminine in the media I have seen of her. She cried on TV for gods sake !! LOL

Compared to Maggie, she's like a barbie doll.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 4:45 PM

A barbie doll in a pant-suit...

The common joke around here is that Bill is the woman in that relationship.

Score: 0

By Niro

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 9:26 AM

LOL I see someone has learned to use the reply button...next step, increase your IQ, might take alot longer then learning the reply button unfortunately.

Score: 0

By Niro

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 10:40 PM

LOL you people crack me up...

Score: 0

By Crispy777

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 8:26 AM

You work for the government, right? You have been paid to backstab your own people, I assume.

Score: 0

By Niro

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 9:27 AM

Yes...exactly.

Score: 0

By Crispy777

edited Feb 6, 2008 - 9:04 PM

You really are a Tool, aren't you?

'Affected' means that if you cut 5 out of 6 you only have 1. So basicly their internet is almost down to a halt due to congestion.

'Affected' also means that news and information, like let's say a terrorist attack made by the USA against Iran, will not get out of the country if the last cable is cut... That is what 'affected' means.

Affected also means that the world economy is now hanging by 1 cable, which I think will be cut any minute now.

5 accidents in a row, no - Conspiracy, most definately.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 10:29 AM

'Affected' means that if you cut 5 out of 6 you only have 1. So basicly their internet is almost down to a halt due to congestion.

That would affect all 6.

'Affected' also means that news and information, like let's say a terrorist attack made by the USA against Iran, will not get out of the country if the last cable is cut... That is what 'affected' means.

That would affect damn near everyone on the planet.

So...

Which is it, tardboy?

Score: 0

By dvferret

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 10:46 AM

Dang your ticked off today.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 12:13 PM

Hmmm...

Just responding in kind, really.

Gotta give him credit for originality though. Calling me "a tool" was pure brilliance...

*sighs*

Score: 0

By Niro

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 9:42 PM

You know...there exists a reply button. People that can't figure out how to use it, are probably not smart enough to post anything meaningful anyway...

Score: 0

By foxfyre

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 9:59 PM

Hear hear!

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 6, 2008 - 8:37 PM

So, any ideas as to what they mean by "affected"?

Disabled?

Slowed?

Access to some sites iffy?

Had to read news stories about it that didn't provide any detailed or tangible information?

I mean, heck, by that last one, *I* am affected by the severed cables.

There has to be some criteria, it says 60 million in India, which has a population of over 1.1 billion.

India Population: 1,129,866,154 (July 2007 est.)

What's the criteria? If it's "complete outage" it's bad. If it's "heard about it and felt bad".....

Score: 0

By dvferret

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 8:51 AM

Speaking of Indian population, its pathetic. They need to stop reproducing.

Im sure its hard to have a decent infrastructure to support over a billion people in a small dumpy area (in some areas).

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 7:21 AM

Careful, you might get a -1

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 9:19 AM

Dude, relax.

Take a Valium if you need to.

They modded your post down because it was no longer relevant ad you would have looked like an idiot because the mistake had been corrected.

Now you just look like a whiny bia***.

Score: 0

By Galway

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 10:30 AM

Dude, relax.

Take a Valium if you need to.

It was a 6 word comment, light humour, call it what you want.

Now you just look like a whiny bia***.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Feb 7, 2008 - 10:34 AM

Glad you caught on to that.

Don't ya love how they "star" bia***.

They should really "star" anything with stars in it as well, because it might represent a bad word....

Score: 0

By dvferret

edited Feb 7, 2008 - 10:44 AM

For what?

Score: 0

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