As we all now know, the Nobel Commission selected President Obama to be this year's recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. From all indications it was as much a shock to Obama as it was to the rest of the world. After all, other than some speeches, President Obama has done very little to take any measurable actions towards world peace.
It could be that the selection committee was impressed with his rhetoric and the idea that the USA was attempting to embark on a role as working with other nations for peace, rather than striking out independently as it had for the previous eight years.
Regardless of the reasons, the committee has now put Obama in a position where everyone will be watching his every move, ready to criticize regardless of what he decides.
We know that the next year will have many decisions effecting world peace. What will happen when the USA & her allies withdrawal from Iraq? Will there be peace or will things get worse? (I think a three way civil war, Sunni, Shiite and Kurd.)
In Afghanistan will the concentration be on Al Qaeda or due to the recent invasion of the Pakistan Pentagon by Taliban militants, will the USA also need to concentrate on destroying the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan to prove we are Pakistan's ally?
And finally of course there is Israel and Palestine. What will the USA do there?
And let's not forget Iran, the real joker in the deck.
Action in some of the most violent places in the world. How will the Obama Administration bring peace, or at the very least stability? Is it something that his Administration should even attempt?
During the next few years it will be interesting to see if the Nobel Peace Prize will prove to be a burden too heavy for Obama to wear.
We will need to watch and see if his actions are guided by living up to the Prize, or putting the USA's interest's first. Let's hope the latter has the priority.
Its Common Sense!
Showing posts with label International Relations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International Relations. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
New Leadership for Japan
The Liberal Democrats, the conservative and pro-business party that has controlled Japanese politics since 1955 finally lost to the Democrats. I guess the Democrats are the more more liberal party.
The leader of the Democrats will be forming a new government in the next month and plans to improve relations with other Asian countries, especially China. He has also stated that he wants to maintain the relationship his country currently enjoys with the USA.
With the coming of a new government, and hopefully new mind set to Japan, I think it is time for the USA government to begin renegotiating trade agreements that put the USA and Japan more on equal footing as far as imports and exports goes.
For way too long I believe that the USA has been far to generous to the Asian manufacturing giants of China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Its time for the USA to be on an equal footing.
Maybe more intense trade will allow less outsourcing and bring labor and real competition to the market place. American products need to be upgraded to compete equally with products coming out of Asia.
Since I doubt we will ever get a fair trade agreement with China, Japan is the place to start.
Its Common Sense!
The leader of the Democrats will be forming a new government in the next month and plans to improve relations with other Asian countries, especially China. He has also stated that he wants to maintain the relationship his country currently enjoys with the USA.
With the coming of a new government, and hopefully new mind set to Japan, I think it is time for the USA government to begin renegotiating trade agreements that put the USA and Japan more on equal footing as far as imports and exports goes.
For way too long I believe that the USA has been far to generous to the Asian manufacturing giants of China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Its time for the USA to be on an equal footing.
Maybe more intense trade will allow less outsourcing and bring labor and real competition to the market place. American products need to be upgraded to compete equally with products coming out of Asia.
Since I doubt we will ever get a fair trade agreement with China, Japan is the place to start.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Afghanistan Election
Thursday the people of Afghanistan held their second national election since the USA and her allies kicked the Taliban out of power. This election did not go as smoothly as the first and their are reports of violence and intimidation. However, even though fewer people voted this go round more than fifty percent did, which shows that the majority still want some form of democracy where they have a say in how they will live.
I give a lot of credit to the women who bravely went forth to cast their ballots, knowing that they are marked and if the Taliban ever regains power they will pay dearly for their bravery.
I also give credit to the members of families who voted their conscience rather than the mandate of the family or village elder.
Once again, members of a struggling democracy show their courage under fire - literally and figuratively - and they deserve credit for their effort.
Their courage then raises the question, should USA and NATO forces continue to be a presence in Afghanistan or is it time to withdrawal?
I know its a hard question to answer. In Iraq, where USA withdrawals are underway, we see reports of the daily escalation of violence and there are very few who do not believe that Iraq will fall into a civil war once the USA and her allies pull out entirely.
I believe the same will be true in Afghanistan. The various regions and tribes will be at each others' throats, as they have been for centuries. Maybe that is the thing the West needs to realize and work with.
The in fighting in places like Iraq and Afghanistan is centuries old, and although it may seem senseless and stupid to us in the West, for the people involved it has a deep meaning.
Rather than troops, guns, and bullets the West should be stressing, rebuilding, education, sanitation and decent jobs. Hopefully, an educated people will talk first, rather than shoot first, and hopefully out of that will come discussion, debate and finally compromise, but hopefully not thousands of deaths.
Once again I fear our leaders have failed to look at history and attempt to help following a historical perspective as opposed to the "we know what's right for you" perspective.
We in the West and especially the USA, need to allow people to create their own national identities, not to merely copy ours, because in our ego we think ours is a perfect democracy, where in truth we know there are many flaws.
We need to support Iraq and Afghanistan with food, medicine, and education, but we have to allow them to fight their own internal battles so that they will be able to create the kind of democracy that is best for them.
Its Common Sense!
I give a lot of credit to the women who bravely went forth to cast their ballots, knowing that they are marked and if the Taliban ever regains power they will pay dearly for their bravery.
I also give credit to the members of families who voted their conscience rather than the mandate of the family or village elder.
Once again, members of a struggling democracy show their courage under fire - literally and figuratively - and they deserve credit for their effort.
Their courage then raises the question, should USA and NATO forces continue to be a presence in Afghanistan or is it time to withdrawal?
I know its a hard question to answer. In Iraq, where USA withdrawals are underway, we see reports of the daily escalation of violence and there are very few who do not believe that Iraq will fall into a civil war once the USA and her allies pull out entirely.
I believe the same will be true in Afghanistan. The various regions and tribes will be at each others' throats, as they have been for centuries. Maybe that is the thing the West needs to realize and work with.
The in fighting in places like Iraq and Afghanistan is centuries old, and although it may seem senseless and stupid to us in the West, for the people involved it has a deep meaning.
Rather than troops, guns, and bullets the West should be stressing, rebuilding, education, sanitation and decent jobs. Hopefully, an educated people will talk first, rather than shoot first, and hopefully out of that will come discussion, debate and finally compromise, but hopefully not thousands of deaths.
Once again I fear our leaders have failed to look at history and attempt to help following a historical perspective as opposed to the "we know what's right for you" perspective.
We in the West and especially the USA, need to allow people to create their own national identities, not to merely copy ours, because in our ego we think ours is a perfect democracy, where in truth we know there are many flaws.
We need to support Iraq and Afghanistan with food, medicine, and education, but we have to allow them to fight their own internal battles so that they will be able to create the kind of democracy that is best for them.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Obama & Russia
President Obama states he supports Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's efforts to reform and improve the Russian judicial system. After all, it sounds noble. However, I have a lot of doubts.
If one studies Russian/Soviet Union/Russian history, there is little regard for a true equal legal system during centuries of various rulers. Russian law was always controlled by the parties in power, the people had very little say in the matter.
Although President Medvedev says he wants reform, I do not see him as the true ruling force in Russia. Putin still holds the reins of power, at least in my mind, and I cannot imagine him releasing any power to anyone.
I believe Putin will continue to control the courts, just as he will justify clear human rights violations as being necessary actions to protect Russia.
Hopefully President Obama will have his eyes open when he meets with the Russians. It is true that working out a good trade agreement will be beneficial to our country during these hard financial times. But, that being said, Obama needs to protect the integrity of the USA at the same time.
Thus far I have been disappointed in the Obama Administration's track record in dealing with nations such as China, who clearly violate human rights, yet because of the debt the USA owes them, Obama's people are remaining silent. I fear the same silence will come out of the talks with the Russians, especially if there is a financial benefit to the USA that will make Obama look good, at least for the short term.
The financial crisis is causing the leadership of our nation to form strange alliances, with nations/people we need to keep at arm's length. I fear that when all is said done, our country will be weaker, not stronger because of the unsavory compromises the government has made.
Time will tell.
In the mean time, keep track of how the stimulus dollars are being spent, who is actually being helped, and how big the debt is that our grandchildren will inherit.
Bother your representatives and frequently remind them that you are keeping tabs on their performance and that come election day, you will be voting to put someone you trust in Washington. Actions speak louder than words. Let your reps know you are watching those actions.
Its Common Sense!
If one studies Russian/Soviet Union/Russian history, there is little regard for a true equal legal system during centuries of various rulers. Russian law was always controlled by the parties in power, the people had very little say in the matter.
Although President Medvedev says he wants reform, I do not see him as the true ruling force in Russia. Putin still holds the reins of power, at least in my mind, and I cannot imagine him releasing any power to anyone.
I believe Putin will continue to control the courts, just as he will justify clear human rights violations as being necessary actions to protect Russia.
Hopefully President Obama will have his eyes open when he meets with the Russians. It is true that working out a good trade agreement will be beneficial to our country during these hard financial times. But, that being said, Obama needs to protect the integrity of the USA at the same time.
Thus far I have been disappointed in the Obama Administration's track record in dealing with nations such as China, who clearly violate human rights, yet because of the debt the USA owes them, Obama's people are remaining silent. I fear the same silence will come out of the talks with the Russians, especially if there is a financial benefit to the USA that will make Obama look good, at least for the short term.
The financial crisis is causing the leadership of our nation to form strange alliances, with nations/people we need to keep at arm's length. I fear that when all is said done, our country will be weaker, not stronger because of the unsavory compromises the government has made.
Time will tell.
In the mean time, keep track of how the stimulus dollars are being spent, who is actually being helped, and how big the debt is that our grandchildren will inherit.
Bother your representatives and frequently remind them that you are keeping tabs on their performance and that come election day, you will be voting to put someone you trust in Washington. Actions speak louder than words. Let your reps know you are watching those actions.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, June 15, 2009
What's the truth in Iran?
Who is the real victor of Iran's presidential election? Is President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad lying when he says that he beat Mir Hossein Mousavi?
You tell me. Something like thirty-eight million votes needed to be counted by hand, and yet that was accomplished in somewhere between six to eight hours. Amazing!!. No hanging chads, no questionable handwriting.
I would like to know who actually counted the ballots and that fast, because my understanding is that none of the process was computerized. That means people keeping a hand tally of votes and then all areas reporting to the central balloting office with the results.
Now I know that some of you will think I am cynical of Iran's Democratic practices, but you have to admit that even Superman would have trouble counting that many votes that quickly.
Of course the sad truth of the matter is that the clerics who actually run Iran - after all Iran is a theocracy, not a democracy- feel they have more power and influence over of Ahmadinejad than they ever would have over Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Logic told us the outcome even before the election took place. The question is, why did Iran even bother? Is there more resistance in Iran than we initially thought? Are things boiling up? Is there a possibility of a civil war taking place in Iran in the near future?
I don't know. I need to know more. Which way is the Revolutionary Guard leaning? Do the mullahs really have the power they think they have?
A lot of questions with no answers. However, trying to get those answers should be interesting, and the situation in Iran could bring on yet another new dimension to the troubles going on the Middle East.
For the time being we will have to sit back, watch, and hope that we (the USA) remain neutral observers and don't get sucked into the middle of it.
Its Common Sense!
You tell me. Something like thirty-eight million votes needed to be counted by hand, and yet that was accomplished in somewhere between six to eight hours. Amazing!!. No hanging chads, no questionable handwriting.
I would like to know who actually counted the ballots and that fast, because my understanding is that none of the process was computerized. That means people keeping a hand tally of votes and then all areas reporting to the central balloting office with the results.
Now I know that some of you will think I am cynical of Iran's Democratic practices, but you have to admit that even Superman would have trouble counting that many votes that quickly.
Of course the sad truth of the matter is that the clerics who actually run Iran - after all Iran is a theocracy, not a democracy- feel they have more power and influence over of Ahmadinejad than they ever would have over Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Logic told us the outcome even before the election took place. The question is, why did Iran even bother? Is there more resistance in Iran than we initially thought? Are things boiling up? Is there a possibility of a civil war taking place in Iran in the near future?
I don't know. I need to know more. Which way is the Revolutionary Guard leaning? Do the mullahs really have the power they think they have?
A lot of questions with no answers. However, trying to get those answers should be interesting, and the situation in Iran could bring on yet another new dimension to the troubles going on the Middle East.
For the time being we will have to sit back, watch, and hope that we (the USA) remain neutral observers and don't get sucked into the middle of it.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Cuba
President Obama, after meeting with Mexico's president to discuss many topics, principally how to deal with the drug war on our common border, is off to Trinidad for a meeting of the countries of the Americas. One hot topic is the USA relationship with Cuba. The vast majority of countries feel it is time to end the embargo and for the USA to open normal trade relations with Cuba.
Now I know, Cuba is a communist country, ruled by a dictator and has a poor record on human rights. Thank God we do not have trade relationships with other countries who fall into that category. (Forget about China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Not to mention those that aren't communist but a definitely are run by dictators and have no human rights.)
I think the time has come for the USA to let Cuba back into the fold. After all, some of the most successful business people in southern Florida are Cuban. Let them head home and maybe they can help stimulate the economies of both countries. If we open relations with Cuba, the Castro boys will be forced, slowly but surely, to relinquish power, just like it happened in all of the Iron Curtain countries.
The time has come to forget about being mad the CIA misjudged that Castro would oust Batista, the nose bleed of the Bay of Pigs and the bad mouthing Fidel has given us for decades. Let's grow up and move forward. For our economy to revive, we need good trading relationships with our Americas neighbors. Opening up trade and travel with Cuba is an enormous good well gesture that will cost us very little in the long run.
Its Common Sense!
Now I know, Cuba is a communist country, ruled by a dictator and has a poor record on human rights. Thank God we do not have trade relationships with other countries who fall into that category. (Forget about China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Not to mention those that aren't communist but a definitely are run by dictators and have no human rights.)
I think the time has come for the USA to let Cuba back into the fold. After all, some of the most successful business people in southern Florida are Cuban. Let them head home and maybe they can help stimulate the economies of both countries. If we open relations with Cuba, the Castro boys will be forced, slowly but surely, to relinquish power, just like it happened in all of the Iron Curtain countries.
The time has come to forget about being mad the CIA misjudged that Castro would oust Batista, the nose bleed of the Bay of Pigs and the bad mouthing Fidel has given us for decades. Let's grow up and move forward. For our economy to revive, we need good trading relationships with our Americas neighbors. Opening up trade and travel with Cuba is an enormous good well gesture that will cost us very little in the long run.
Its Common Sense!
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