We have all been watching the tragedy presently occurring in Haiti. It appears that the relief is starting to get through, but there is much to be done and we need to pray that the relief agencies and the governments providing aide put the Haitians ahead of national squabbles and politics.
The majority of us will make donations to relief organizations, I just recommend that you choose carefully and make sure it is a reputable organization.
In a crisis like this, the world usually pulls together, as they did for the victims of the terrible tsunami in Asia a few years ago.
President Obama has promised aid and our planes and goods are in Port a Prince. Obama also asked Bill Clinton and George W Bush to spear head the United States aid effort and both former presidents graciously agreed.
What I do not understand is why critics of Obama need to use this kind of situation to attack the President. It is probably evident from my blog that in many ways President Obama has disappointed me, but I do believe that the man is sincere and not just a cold blooded politician. Unfortunately the Rush Limbaughs of the world will use any excuse to go on the attack. His comments concerning the situation in Haiti makes you wonder if his life is simply about ratings and staying controversial and forgetting all about people.
Anyway, we need to watch how things progress in Haiti and both that order and relief are provided quicker than after Katerina.
Keep the victims, the relief workers, and all of the families in your prayers.
Sometimes, the best we can do is put everything in God's hands and pray for the best.
Its Common Sense!
Showing posts with label World Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Politics. Show all posts
Friday, January 15, 2010
Monday, December 7, 2009
Iranian Student Protest
Iranian students are protesting against the current administration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and clerics who actually control Iran. The University of Tehran has been put under a virtual lock down, surrounded by the militia and police, as well as the Republican Guard.
The students feel that the government is repressing them and not allowing them to be free to express themselves.
For those in my age group this is a form of deja vue. Remember the late '70's when the students at Tehran University were protesting against the Shah and how he was not allowing them the freedom to express themselves? Remember how those same students became the beginning of the Republican Guard and stormed the United States Embassy, terrorizing the employees and causing then President Jimmy Carter to order a failed rescue attempt that cost him his chance for reelection?
It is the children of the '70's protesters who are now protesting what has happened to their country? Did their parents allow the pendulum to swing too far in the opposite direction or do this youths have more insight than their parents and a desire for a truly better world?
I hope it is the second. I also hope that the students and their supporters will be able to bring about reform and the beginnings of a true democracy in Iran.
It will take time, all things like this do, but with the proper support, these young protesters just might be able to pull off the change in Iranian politics that the USA and Europe have been unable to sway.
Let's support the youth and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
The students feel that the government is repressing them and not allowing them to be free to express themselves.
For those in my age group this is a form of deja vue. Remember the late '70's when the students at Tehran University were protesting against the Shah and how he was not allowing them the freedom to express themselves? Remember how those same students became the beginning of the Republican Guard and stormed the United States Embassy, terrorizing the employees and causing then President Jimmy Carter to order a failed rescue attempt that cost him his chance for reelection?
It is the children of the '70's protesters who are now protesting what has happened to their country? Did their parents allow the pendulum to swing too far in the opposite direction or do this youths have more insight than their parents and a desire for a truly better world?
I hope it is the second. I also hope that the students and their supporters will be able to bring about reform and the beginnings of a true democracy in Iran.
It will take time, all things like this do, but with the proper support, these young protesters just might be able to pull off the change in Iranian politics that the USA and Europe have been unable to sway.
Let's support the youth and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Afghanistan Surge - HELP!!!
I watched President Obama's speech this evening regarding sending an additional thirty thousand troops to Afghanistan to put down the Taliban and al Qaeda while giving the Afghan people a chance for something better.
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Friday, October 23, 2009
Will A New Election Help Afghanistan?
Let's face it, there was plenty of fraud in the Afghanistan election, and probably not just by the Karzai crowd. Now there will be a run off. In all probability there will be more fraud, but hopefully with more of the world watching, the UN/NATO observers can keep things more on the up and up.
What will be interesting to see after the election, regardless of what happens and who wins, is if President Obama will honor the promises of all around assistance the United States offered Afghanistan. Just as important is if the United States will honor the pledges it made to Pakistan.
Again I question - why other Islamic nations are not at the fore front in attempting to bring peace to the region? Where are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Indonesia and even Turkey? Why cannot they send a peace keeping force, not only to monitor the elections but to show the people of Afghanistan that they have religious allies, not just western democratic allies?
The Islamic world needs to take the lead and show that Islam is a religion of peace. Regrettably we in the West are believing more and more every day that Islam is a religion of close minded conservative fanatics who believe that the answer to all problems is death if who do not agree with what they say.
The Islamic world needs to remind the West that they are a people of deep spirituality, who still field some of the finest doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians and religious men in the world.
Islam needs to show peace and harmony, not chaos and war.
Maybe if other Islamic nations provide the support and guidance for the upcoming Afghanistan election, the world will see Al Qaeda and the Taliban for what they truly are, a very small and narrow minded group of fanatics within a much larger and much more enlightened Islamic majority.
Its Common Sense!
What will be interesting to see after the election, regardless of what happens and who wins, is if President Obama will honor the promises of all around assistance the United States offered Afghanistan. Just as important is if the United States will honor the pledges it made to Pakistan.
Again I question - why other Islamic nations are not at the fore front in attempting to bring peace to the region? Where are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Indonesia and even Turkey? Why cannot they send a peace keeping force, not only to monitor the elections but to show the people of Afghanistan that they have religious allies, not just western democratic allies?
The Islamic world needs to take the lead and show that Islam is a religion of peace. Regrettably we in the West are believing more and more every day that Islam is a religion of close minded conservative fanatics who believe that the answer to all problems is death if who do not agree with what they say.
The Islamic world needs to remind the West that they are a people of deep spirituality, who still field some of the finest doctors, teachers, lawyers, politicians and religious men in the world.
Islam needs to show peace and harmony, not chaos and war.
Maybe if other Islamic nations provide the support and guidance for the upcoming Afghanistan election, the world will see Al Qaeda and the Taliban for what they truly are, a very small and narrow minded group of fanatics within a much larger and much more enlightened Islamic majority.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Afghanistan Election - Try Number 2
Even though it is evident Karzai and his cronies tried to win Afghanistan's presidental election with a little (ok, a lot of help) Karzai has agreed to run off foot in early November. The fact that he has given in without a lot of kicking and crying means, 1. that he still thinks he can win (if he cheats this time his people will hopefully be much more clever), 2. he knows he cannot survive without US and NATO support (daah!!) 3. if the USA leaves he's a dead man anyway you look at it.
So, kudos to Afghanistan. They are really trying. Even if democracy is not for them, no one can say they did not try it out.
It will be interesting to see if the Taliban gets any representation in their parliament or not. That would make things interesting.
The next month should prove to an interesting time in Afghanistan. They need the opportunity to hold their election the right way this time.
Let's hope that the fighting stays in Pakistan. If the US & NATO troops can move to the border with Pakistan, maybe a combined effort can do some serious damage to the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. Hopefully it will lessen tensions in Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan to allow the people to vote.
We will watch and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
So, kudos to Afghanistan. They are really trying. Even if democracy is not for them, no one can say they did not try it out.
It will be interesting to see if the Taliban gets any representation in their parliament or not. That would make things interesting.
The next month should prove to an interesting time in Afghanistan. They need the opportunity to hold their election the right way this time.
Let's hope that the fighting stays in Pakistan. If the US & NATO troops can move to the border with Pakistan, maybe a combined effort can do some serious damage to the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. Hopefully it will lessen tensions in Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan to allow the people to vote.
We will watch and hope for the best.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Olympics 2016
Well the waiting is over and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics. With Brazil hosting the World Cup (Soccer Championship where teams from around the world compete in 2014, unlike American baseball's World Series which features two teams from the United States)Brazil will probably be in good shape. The recent discovery of two large oil fields will definitely help stimulate the economy and the building and tourist dollars will keep a lot of people employed in one form or another for the next decade.
Since my wife is Brazilian I am happy that Brazil gets to be the first South American country to ever host the Olympics.
Of course we have to comment on the whole process. Because the American President and First Lady got involved in lobbying for the city of Chicago, President Lula came to represent Rio de Janeiro, King Juan Carlos came for Madrid and members of the royal family put in an appearance for Tokyo.
The world is in an economic crisis and the leaders of the world decided that the priority is to promote sportsmanship and athletics, maybe to distract peoples' attention away from the fact that more than half the world is unemployed and living under the poverty level. I realize that competitions like the Olympics bring short term employment, but they can also bring long term debt and these factors need to be balanced and considered very carefully.
Personally, I think the mayors of the cities involved, along with their committees should have handled the presentations. The appearance of the heavy guns, especially in Chicago's case of the Obamas and the Oprah. My opinion is that they did more harm than good and we will wait and see if the members of the Olympic Board share their thoughts.
Anyway, the vote is done, now hopefully President Obama can get back to the White House and concentrate on the economy and health care.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Since my wife is Brazilian I am happy that Brazil gets to be the first South American country to ever host the Olympics.
Of course we have to comment on the whole process. Because the American President and First Lady got involved in lobbying for the city of Chicago, President Lula came to represent Rio de Janeiro, King Juan Carlos came for Madrid and members of the royal family put in an appearance for Tokyo.
The world is in an economic crisis and the leaders of the world decided that the priority is to promote sportsmanship and athletics, maybe to distract peoples' attention away from the fact that more than half the world is unemployed and living under the poverty level. I realize that competitions like the Olympics bring short term employment, but they can also bring long term debt and these factors need to be balanced and considered very carefully.
Personally, I think the mayors of the cities involved, along with their committees should have handled the presentations. The appearance of the heavy guns, especially in Chicago's case of the Obamas and the Oprah. My opinion is that they did more harm than good and we will wait and see if the members of the Olympic Board share their thoughts.
Anyway, the vote is done, now hopefully President Obama can get back to the White House and concentrate on the economy and health care.
Time will tell.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, July 6, 2009
World Wide Unrest - Is There A Conspiracy?
It appears that unrest is spread across the globe. The Uighurs, an ethnic minority in the Xingjiang Province of western China and the majority Han Chinese are clashing over jobs and land in this mineral rich area. Chinese troops have been sent in to put down what appears to be a rebellion, which the Chinese government states was incited by a Uighur woman living in the United States using the Internet to spread rebellion.
As they have been doing in Tibet, the Chinese government is responding with a heavy hand. No doubt human rights violations are ocurring, but is the government of the USA protesting? Where is Hillary Clinton to make a statement?
In Iran it now appears that there is dissension in the ruling clerical body, with some of the imams coming forward and disagreeing with the Supreme Leader's decision on the recent election. Could these clerics be planning to join with the dissidents? Is civil war in Iran's near future?
Honduras also looks like it could be heading for a civil war. After the ousted president was unable to land his plane yesterday, rioters took to the streets. It is evident that the working class of this Central American country is not happy with the military take over and that they could get support from other Latin American countries, most notably Venezuela, to stage a revolt of their own.
And finally, there is North Korea shooting off missiles. Are they really crazy? What is their goal?
I know I left out other hot spots, the Balkans, the Sudan, Somalia, Thailand, etc, unrest appears to be everywhere, and one needs to ask, what is going on?
Is this just normal life, or are there forces behind the scenes manipulating things for their own profit and power? Is there a conspiracy out there somewhere? A multi-national conglomerate out for world power?
I know, you're thinking I've read too many Robert Ludlum books and seen too many shows like "Prison Break". Maybe you're right.
On the other hand, maybe I'm right. More than twenty years ago I read a book by Taylor Caldwell entitled "Captains & Kings", about international financiers manipulating world occurrences for their own benefit. Maybe the same is happening now.
Just because someone is paranoid, doesn't mean there aren't conspiracies.
Who really has the power?
Its something to consider carefully.
As they have been doing in Tibet, the Chinese government is responding with a heavy hand. No doubt human rights violations are ocurring, but is the government of the USA protesting? Where is Hillary Clinton to make a statement?
In Iran it now appears that there is dissension in the ruling clerical body, with some of the imams coming forward and disagreeing with the Supreme Leader's decision on the recent election. Could these clerics be planning to join with the dissidents? Is civil war in Iran's near future?
Honduras also looks like it could be heading for a civil war. After the ousted president was unable to land his plane yesterday, rioters took to the streets. It is evident that the working class of this Central American country is not happy with the military take over and that they could get support from other Latin American countries, most notably Venezuela, to stage a revolt of their own.
And finally, there is North Korea shooting off missiles. Are they really crazy? What is their goal?
I know I left out other hot spots, the Balkans, the Sudan, Somalia, Thailand, etc, unrest appears to be everywhere, and one needs to ask, what is going on?
Is this just normal life, or are there forces behind the scenes manipulating things for their own profit and power? Is there a conspiracy out there somewhere? A multi-national conglomerate out for world power?
I know, you're thinking I've read too many Robert Ludlum books and seen too many shows like "Prison Break". Maybe you're right.
On the other hand, maybe I'm right. More than twenty years ago I read a book by Taylor Caldwell entitled "Captains & Kings", about international financiers manipulating world occurrences for their own benefit. Maybe the same is happening now.
Just because someone is paranoid, doesn't mean there aren't conspiracies.
Who really has the power?
Its something to consider carefully.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Iran _ Crack down continues
Iran's leadership continues to take a hard line. According to reports the Iranian government arrested nine Iranians working for the British embassy and are going to take them to trial as being part of a conspiracy to to bring down the current government by supporting the dissidents. In addition, it appears the message they want to get out is that both Britain and the USA played major roles in trying to to disrupt the "unity" of their Islamic Republic.
One of the more interesting quotes to come out of this is the following. Ayatollah Jannati, one of the Supreme Leader's top advisers remind Iranians that Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, stated "anyone disrupts unity has not only committed a sin but also has committed treason against the Islamic Republic and the system."
Isn't that a fascinating statement? Who defines "unity"? Evidently the party in power. If disrupting "unity" is a sin & treason, then all good citizens would have to act as sheep do whatever their leaders, "elected" or not, tell them to do.
How is that democracy? Where is freedom of speech? How arrogant are these clerics that they think they know what is best in every area?
Centuries ago, the leaders of England thought they knew what was best for their colonies world wide, and thirteen of those colonies joined together, composed, signed and sent the document who's signing we celebrate in the United States tomorrow.
In a democracy, freedom of speech is paramount. You follow the law, but you have the right to try and change any laws you feel are unjust through protest.
The leaders of Iran need to take in a world vision of history and not just their little place. Too many people now can access to the world view, for the majority the "dark ages" are over.
Maybe if the Iranian leadership opens up an honest dialogue with the dissidents, they will find areas of compromise, satisfactory to all, and the chance for Iran to emerge as a true leader of Islamic Reform, rather than Islamic Isolationism.
Its Common Sense!
One of the more interesting quotes to come out of this is the following. Ayatollah Jannati, one of the Supreme Leader's top advisers remind Iranians that Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, stated "anyone disrupts unity has not only committed a sin but also has committed treason against the Islamic Republic and the system."
Isn't that a fascinating statement? Who defines "unity"? Evidently the party in power. If disrupting "unity" is a sin & treason, then all good citizens would have to act as sheep do whatever their leaders, "elected" or not, tell them to do.
How is that democracy? Where is freedom of speech? How arrogant are these clerics that they think they know what is best in every area?
Centuries ago, the leaders of England thought they knew what was best for their colonies world wide, and thirteen of those colonies joined together, composed, signed and sent the document who's signing we celebrate in the United States tomorrow.
In a democracy, freedom of speech is paramount. You follow the law, but you have the right to try and change any laws you feel are unjust through protest.
The leaders of Iran need to take in a world vision of history and not just their little place. Too many people now can access to the world view, for the majority the "dark ages" are over.
Maybe if the Iranian leadership opens up an honest dialogue with the dissidents, they will find areas of compromise, satisfactory to all, and the chance for Iran to emerge as a true leader of Islamic Reform, rather than Islamic Isolationism.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Iraq Withdrawal
This coming Tuesday US troops will begin withdrawing from major Iraq cities, turning over protection duties to the Iraq security forces. Evidently there are mixed feeling on both sides.
The positive group is saying the Iraq troops are more than capable of assuming the responsibility of protecting their country. They want the Allied forces out of their country as soon as possible, so they can show the world they can control their own destiny.
Then there are those who fear, based on the recent increase of car bombing and other violence, that the withdrawal of the Allied forces will only bring Iraq that much closer to a civil war.
I was never in favor of this war, right from the beginning. Part of the reason is that I am a member of the Viet Nam generation and I still see the images of people on top of the US embassy waiting for the helicopters to come and take them to safety, while the Vietnamese who had been our allies, stood barred at the embassy gate, hoping for salvation but knowing their fate was in the hands of the victors from Hanoi.
I do not think we will see American on the roof of the USA embassy in Baghdad. However, we will probably see a stream of Iraqis coming to the embassy looking for visas to get them out of Iraq.
For all of the rhetoric, I still see a civil war looming in Iraq's near future. I truly believe that the Kurds will take advantage of the confusion to try once again to form an independent country.
The Sunnis and Shiites have always just tolerated each other, and with interested parties wanting to preach their own agenda, both sides will receive outside support from those wanting to turn Iraq into the next Islamic theocracy.
The important thing, as all this unfolds, is to make sure no more American lives are lost in a war that never should have happened. It is time to concentrate on the only war we should have been involved in, Afghanistan. Maybe now, with all of our efforts devoted there, something positive, effective and final can be accomplished.
Its Common Sense!
The positive group is saying the Iraq troops are more than capable of assuming the responsibility of protecting their country. They want the Allied forces out of their country as soon as possible, so they can show the world they can control their own destiny.
Then there are those who fear, based on the recent increase of car bombing and other violence, that the withdrawal of the Allied forces will only bring Iraq that much closer to a civil war.
I was never in favor of this war, right from the beginning. Part of the reason is that I am a member of the Viet Nam generation and I still see the images of people on top of the US embassy waiting for the helicopters to come and take them to safety, while the Vietnamese who had been our allies, stood barred at the embassy gate, hoping for salvation but knowing their fate was in the hands of the victors from Hanoi.
I do not think we will see American on the roof of the USA embassy in Baghdad. However, we will probably see a stream of Iraqis coming to the embassy looking for visas to get them out of Iraq.
For all of the rhetoric, I still see a civil war looming in Iraq's near future. I truly believe that the Kurds will take advantage of the confusion to try once again to form an independent country.
The Sunnis and Shiites have always just tolerated each other, and with interested parties wanting to preach their own agenda, both sides will receive outside support from those wanting to turn Iraq into the next Islamic theocracy.
The important thing, as all this unfolds, is to make sure no more American lives are lost in a war that never should have happened. It is time to concentrate on the only war we should have been involved in, Afghanistan. Maybe now, with all of our efforts devoted there, something positive, effective and final can be accomplished.
Its Common Sense!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Iran - How should the USA respond?
The last week has shown some amazing images come out of Iran, those that escaped the censors. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, is suddenly a very public figure to the entire world. For most of the us the Supreme Leader was always someone in the shadows, the great spiritual leader, whose goal is supposedly to bring his country closer to God.
This past week shows that not only has he not been successful, but that he may be forcing his countrymen to take sides in what could turn out to be a civil war. For thirty years the Ayatollahs have ruled from behind closed doors, making all the major decisions and having a figure head to be their public voice. That has now changed. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came forth and told the people not only were they not to question the election results, but that they were not to protest, they were not to question and they were not to have their own thoughts.
What century is this man living in?
Those who are protesting are the intelligentsia of Iran. Students, the middle class, those who know what is going on in the world. These are people seeking a true democracy and all that comes with it.
Iran has suffered since the mid-50's when the CIA help the Shah take power, when they had no rights, and then after the '79 revolution they have suffered at the hands of extremists clerics.
The Iran people want their freedom and I hope they get it. But, it is important that they get it on their own. No help, especially from Western nations who will call in the debt. I may not agree with President Obama on many things, but I think he is right on course on this issue.
The USA can comment that the election looked rigged, hell that's obvious. But it is the people of Iran who have to fight to get their freedom. For too long they have been held down by one form of tyranny or another. Its up to them to raise the cry of freedom and make it their reality.
Its Common Sense!
This past week shows that not only has he not been successful, but that he may be forcing his countrymen to take sides in what could turn out to be a civil war. For thirty years the Ayatollahs have ruled from behind closed doors, making all the major decisions and having a figure head to be their public voice. That has now changed. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came forth and told the people not only were they not to question the election results, but that they were not to protest, they were not to question and they were not to have their own thoughts.
What century is this man living in?
Those who are protesting are the intelligentsia of Iran. Students, the middle class, those who know what is going on in the world. These are people seeking a true democracy and all that comes with it.
Iran has suffered since the mid-50's when the CIA help the Shah take power, when they had no rights, and then after the '79 revolution they have suffered at the hands of extremists clerics.
The Iran people want their freedom and I hope they get it. But, it is important that they get it on their own. No help, especially from Western nations who will call in the debt. I may not agree with President Obama on many things, but I think he is right on course on this issue.
The USA can comment that the election looked rigged, hell that's obvious. But it is the people of Iran who have to fight to get their freedom. For too long they have been held down by one form of tyranny or another. Its up to them to raise the cry of freedom and make it their reality.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What's North Korea's Plan?
What is Kim Jong-II of North Korea up to? Why all the missile tests? Why the nuclear talk?
Does he want to test the new American president? Does he want to give the world the impression he's crazy? ( an impression that is succeeding). Does he want the world to fear him and see him as a world leader of importance?
Or have some of his advisers convinced him that a show of force and belligerence will bring out the powerful world nations looking to calm him down. Countries that will offer food, clothing, technology - the necessities of life that his people so desperately need - if he will back off the war rhetoric.
Let's face it. The missile tests have not been a sweeping success in any one's mind. However, if the nuclear power plant is as shaky as the missiles, then we all could be in for a lot of trouble.
China and Russia sent delegations to placate Kim, and for all the tough talk I'm sure the Obama administration will send aide, as long as the USA keeps face. (After all, we did enough butt kissing when Clinton and Gethner were in China last month.)
I think that there are members of Kim's inner circle who are gaining influence and are going to attempt to strengthen their country, by strengthening their people. People who are not hungry are receptive to change and new ideas. With the right leadership, North Korea can end up being a rival to South Korea and China in the manufacturing of inexpensive (cheap) items.
North Korea needs to be watched carefully over the next several months. Change there could happen much quieter than it appears to be happening in Iran, but it just could happen.
Let's hope that finally, some sensible minds are moving into positions of authority in North Korea.
Its Common Sense!
Does he want to test the new American president? Does he want to give the world the impression he's crazy? ( an impression that is succeeding). Does he want the world to fear him and see him as a world leader of importance?
Or have some of his advisers convinced him that a show of force and belligerence will bring out the powerful world nations looking to calm him down. Countries that will offer food, clothing, technology - the necessities of life that his people so desperately need - if he will back off the war rhetoric.
Let's face it. The missile tests have not been a sweeping success in any one's mind. However, if the nuclear power plant is as shaky as the missiles, then we all could be in for a lot of trouble.
China and Russia sent delegations to placate Kim, and for all the tough talk I'm sure the Obama administration will send aide, as long as the USA keeps face. (After all, we did enough butt kissing when Clinton and Gethner were in China last month.)
I think that there are members of Kim's inner circle who are gaining influence and are going to attempt to strengthen their country, by strengthening their people. People who are not hungry are receptive to change and new ideas. With the right leadership, North Korea can end up being a rival to South Korea and China in the manufacturing of inexpensive (cheap) items.
North Korea needs to be watched carefully over the next several months. Change there could happen much quieter than it appears to be happening in Iran, but it just could happen.
Let's hope that finally, some sensible minds are moving into positions of authority in North Korea.
Its Common Sense!
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