The Iraq Surge

International Crisis Group - 75 Iraq after the Surge II: The Need for a New Pol

Some good points were made in this analysis, maybe someone, somewhere should be listening.

Global Peace Index 2008 - Global Peace Index

Global Peace Index 2008 - Global Peace Index


The USA is not doing too well in the peace category.

Is It Iran?

Is it just me or has the rhetoric coming out of Washington edged up a notch on Iran?

CIA Director Michael Hayden said Wednesday that Iranian policy, at the highest government level, is to help kill Americans in Iraq, the boldest pronouncement of Iranian involvement by a U.S. official to date.

The Pentagon said Wednesday Iran is continuing to provide weapons and other material to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, in addition to its alleged continuing support for Shiite militias in Iraq. Officials spoke to reporters Wednesday shortly after a second U.S. aircraft carrier strike group arrived in the Persian Gulf. VOA's Al Pessin reports from the Pentagon.

Iran will likely have nuclear bomb technology in 2008, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz said Wednesday, citing an updated Israeli intelligence assessment.

In the past, the general consensus in the intelligence community has been that Iran had hit some technical difficulties with enrichment and that its attainment of nuclear capability was much further off. In fact, a recent Israeli Military Intelligence assessment showed that the "point of no return" with regards to Iran going nuclear was 2010.

These are all quotes from sources in this day's news. Are they trying to do this to influence the political process? Or is it just words to try and bluff Iran?

A Stable Government In Iraq

I was watching an interview with Gov. Crist of Fla. yesterday. He spouted the crap about the people of Fla. no being represented, but first of all it was him and is Repub cronies that did this and caused the prob.

But he lauded the attributes of McCain and condemned the new DNC add about McCain's comment of a 100 years in Iraq. He then went on to say, "we need to establish a government in Iraq that is stable...before we pull out of the country".

........Thinking................

need to establish? Would that truly be a democracy? What part of the US establishing a stable government democratic? Basically, we DID invade Iraq for the purpose of nation building. At least that is the way I read this statement. And you?

Another War?

Today are the primaries for Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island. It wiill be an interesting and long day for political junkies like me. But before that I need to address the possiblity of yet another conflict that could get ugly for the US.

well, Professor where are we talking about this time? South American, most notable the anger between Colombia and Ecuador. It seems that the army of Colombia crossed the border to go after the leftist organization, FARC and di d kill one of its commanders. There is protest flying all over Washington and the UN. Now Chavez of Venezuela who is an ally of Ecuador, has sent roops and equipment to their border with Colombia.

Now we have a stand off between those who align with Chavez and those who align with the US. This could get really ugly, if not handled properly. Considering there are US troops in Colombia helping that country fight the war on drugs, which is yet another sore spot in the region.

Since Bush has his head up his butt, the possibility of this escalating into a full blown war is a great possibility. You asked for it--you got it!

The War Heats Up

Recently at a press conference, Pres. Bush has challenged the allies of the US to send more assistance to Afghanistan. Actually he is asking for more combat troops. The resurgent Taleban is becoming a major problem for the country. The US cannot send too many more combat troops to the country; they are needed in Iraq. There is some success there and he needs to keepp the pressure on. His legacy is at stake and that is far more important than fighting the people that actually gave us 9/11.

But the question now is, just how receptive will the allies be to sending more troops to Afghanistan? Everyone of our allies is having war problems . I think his calls will fall on deaf ears. Bush is hanging himself slowly with a rope of his own making. Could not happen to a better person.

Can You Say, Gulf Of Tonkin?

High speed boats attack or attempt to attack US warships. Does that sound familiar? try 02 Aug 1964, Gulf of Tonkin, when the US ship Maddox was attacked by high speed NVA boats. It help lead the way for a US build up in S. Vietnam.

Bush has issued a warning to Iran over the recent incident in the straits of Hormuz. He has basically said "do not do it again". Ok, I am a skeptic! But WMD was a lie. This admin has been lying since 9/11. I know one would think I was a conspiracy theory freakizoid, but things are not always as they are portrayed by the govt. Sorry guys. I lost blood in Vietnam. The country has lost too many innocent lives. I just do not want to see history repeat itself.

All i ask is that you check the facts and then make your decision. logical thinking is not onew of the US greatest assets, but it should be.

Pakistan Without Benazir

Pakistan Without Benazir


Holding true to the idea of saying nothing bad about the dead, the media is turning Bhutto into a martyr. The truth is far from democratic.

Bhutto--They Got Her!

Sad that the death of Benazir Bhutto had to replace all the crap in the news like tigers attack, car crash, plane crashes, yada, yada. This could be disastrous for the country of Pakistan. Ms Bhutto was shot twice and then her attacker blew his ass up, killing many with him.

Pakistan is basically, 4 countries within the borders of one. It is slowly falling apart. Musharaff has a couple of options....my choice and prediction is he may declare a state of emergency--again. This will be an attempt to quieten down his opposition.

My personal opinion is that this was an inside job....but of course to keep the funds flowing it will be blamed on al Qaeda or some similar organization. The problem is that Bhutto was far from the saint that she will now become because of her death. But will she be deified in her country...Bush and most of the candidates will say what a great leader she was and that she will be sorely missed.

I will not jump on the bandwagon and turn her into some martyr. Her push for more democracy in Pakistan was motivated by greed and ambition, her ascension to power would be a replay of her days as PM.

Yes, her assassination was a tragedy and may be a step backwards for Pakistan, but what will it bring to the table in the Bush war on terrorism?

Russia Delivers First Nuke Fuel

Okay as of yesterday, Russia has delivered the first of the shipments of nuke fuel to Iran to be used for commercial nuke power. OK, now what will the US do? Will Bush use it to ratch up the anti-Iran rhetoric?

Okay, the Bush admin has said the Iran must stop support for Hezbollah and Hamas, But in 2003 Iran offered to do just that but Bush was riding a wave of patriotism and decided to ignore the offer. Now they want to appear to be taking the higher ground. At that time Iran also offered to help against al-Qaeda as well. Again this was not acceptable to the Admin at that time.

The time is now if we are to engage Iran in helping with the region. My question is will the opportunity be missed? Again?

Iran's rush For Nukes.

OOPS! That was bullsh*t! The newest NIE states that with high confidence they can say that Iran stop the pursuit of a nuke weapon in 2003. Ok, that is good news, but not for Bush. What can he say after predicting Iran with a nuke would start WWIII? well he says nothing has changed--Iran is still a threat---they are still thinking about a nuke weapon---so now the US is the thought police? They are a threat because onbe day they may consider a nuke weapon...thinking....thinking....I got nothing--this is a dumbass statement.

Now ask yourself this--when did Bush and the Boyz know this? Was it told to them months ago? Like before he made his WWIII statement? Hadley, a Bush spokesman, said that he was pretty sure that it was known a few months ago. Then Bush did know his statement was bullsh*t! That fear card is a very useful tool in politics. Bush sold the idea of a WWIII, like Apple seels an IPod.

Sorry people, but I gotta crap in your chili! How does it feel to be played for a sucker, time after time? You asked for it, you got it! A good f*cking! Be well!

CHUQ

Rethink Iraqi Federalism

I have been thinking on the federalism thing for Iraq. At first it sounded pretty good, but then I could see a problem brewing and then Biden intro his bill on the partitioning of the country and I am against it now.

First of all, a definition of federalism: a principle of political organization which permits former independent states to combine under a common central government while retaining some portion of their former power and identity. The principle may also be used to decentralize an existing unitary state.

Used to decentralize an existing unitary state--there is the crux of the thing! This whole thing and situation is to stop a strong central government in Iraq. In which the US would probably get more and better access to the oil reserves and so for. With a strong central government like that with Saddam, there was no way to control the resources, except through him. With a weak central govt. the states would be easy targets for exploitation. And there is the reason the push for federalism.

CHUQ


Factoid: The cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be costing $1.5 trillion, that would be the equivalent to a family of four paying $20,200. How is that!

Deja-Vu--All Over Again!

Yes I am an old fart so I remember Iran on so many levels. I remember that in 1953, the Us helped the Shah return to power, which lasted until 1979. I remember the tactics of brutality the Shah used to oppress the people of Iran; all with the knowledge of the US. His brutal rule was dotted with executions, imprisonments, and lack of personal freedoms.

Does any of this sound familiar in any way? Protests by students and businessmen and women. All violently crapped on by the Iranian secret police, the savak, I believe. I recall in 1978 when hostages were taken at the US embassy in Tehran. I remember the flight of the Shah from Iran when he lost total control and had to go on vacation in 1979, never to return. And I remember the mullahs taking the reigns of power and here we are today.

Why do I bring this all up? Take a good look at Pakistan. It is all happening again. the protests, the arresting of hundreds, the crapping on demonstrations, and the whole time the US is behind their man in the country 100%.The only, ONLY difference is Pakistan has 20-30 nukes and Iran did not.

This is one a constant time loop. There is nothing new. It has all been done before. Now ask yourself, just how did that work out before, for the US? Time to wake up! The US and its attack dogs are causing a major problem in Pakistan and the fundamentalist Muslims could gain a major upper hand in the area.

If they do, the US has NO ONE to blame but the man in the dark suit in the big white house.

CHUQ

Speaking Of Dictators

The US is still behind Gen. Musharraf; he is a dictator. But that should not come as a surprise. The US has always been behind a dictator or two. NO? Try these on for size, diem of South Vietnam, Batista of Cuba, Pinochet of Chile and my all time fav, the Shah of Iran. All these were authoritarian and dictators in one form of another. So the backing of the Pakistani PM is no surprise to me. I have watched the US back undemocratic leaders for the sake of business or foreign policy. yet they demand democracy from Palestinians and then when it occurs they ignore the outcome.

But they jump on Burma for being undemocratic. Somewhere someone has got to see they lunacy here. So by all accounts, the US is for democracy, as long as it benefits them and them alone.

I just would like for everyone in this country to shut the f*ck up about pursuing democracy in other countries. It not about democracy! it is however, all about what is best for business. The people of any said country may take it in the butt as long as business is not effected.

Hypocritical ass wads! This is the way of things.

CHUQ

Look At Pakistan

A look at some of the restrictions and suspended rights in the state of emergency declared by Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf:

• Protection of life and liberty.

• The right to free movement.

• The right of detainees to be informed of their offense and given access to lawyers.

• Protection of property rights.

• The right to assemble in public.

• The right to free speech.

• Equal rights for all citizens before law and equal legal protection.

• Media coverage of suicide bombings and militant activity is curtailed by new rules. Broadcasters also face a three-year jail term if they "ridicule" members of the government or armed forces.

This probably will not last very long. The US is half assing it with Pakistan. Democracy was never the real thing just a justification for involvement in the country. Money WILL NOT stop. Musharaf is a dictator and the US is well aware of it. His support on the War On terror buys him a lot of latitude.

The General has arrested his opposition, then the supreme court judges have been arrested, then, the press has been shut down with the exception of the state owned ones. Now what part of this sounds democratic? The State of emergency is in reality is martial law and the General is a dictator. It is just that simple, sports fans.

CHUQ

Rumsfeld Snowflakes

In a series of internal musings and memos to his staff, then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld argued that Muslims avoid "physical labor," and wrote of the need to "keep elevating the threat," "link Iraq to Iran" and develop "bumper sticker statements" to rally public support for an increasingly unpopular war.

The memos, often referred to as "snowflakes," shed light on Rumsfeld's brusque management style and on his efforts to address key challenges during his tenure as Pentagon chief. Spanning from 2002 to shortly after his resignation following the 2006 congressional elections, a sampling of his trademark missives obtained Wednesday reveals a defense secretary disdainful of media criticism and driven to reshape public opinion of the Iraq war.

Seems Rumsfeld set the stage for the present probs we are having with Iran. Hopefully, no one is surprised. But wait!!! Did not Bush say that the War On Terror was not a bumpersticker? But yet Rummy used the term!

CHUQ

A Case For Self-Defense

I am hoping that you recall last year when Israel invaded Lebanon and pretty much destroyed the entire country's infrastructure. The Israelis were after Hezbollah for its part in scattered attacks and the capture of 2 Israeli soldiers. Shall I go on?

At that time during a news briefing when asked about the invasion, Pres. Bush said, Israel has a right to defend itself against its enemies. He also said that if you harbor terrorists you are just as guilty of terror as the terrorists.

If you take the Pres. at his word, where is the problem with Turkey's impending invasion of N. Iraq? They are defending themselves and the PKK are a terrorist organization that is being harbored in N. Iraq. Where is the problem?

Could it be that only Israel may defend themselves? Let us see here, Hezbollah held 2 Israeli soldiers hostage, right? The PKK is holding 8 Turkish soldiers hostage, where the difference? Hezbollah is designated as a terrorists organization, BTW so is the PKK. Where is the difference? Well, Israel is a parliamentary democracy, so is Turkey. Where the difference?

OK mental midgets, you really want to know where the difference is? AIPAC! This lobbying group has a lot more bought influence than any Turkish lobby. It is all about MONEY! One could make the case that Israel is a Judeo-Christian religion and Turkey is Muslim. You may not want to hear that, but it does make a difference.

The real reason that Bush is trying to stave off an invasion by Turkey is because of his legacy. He is afraid that it will get even more bad than it is now. He has beat his chest about going after terrorist wherever they are found, yet he and his entourage have allowed a terrorist group to operate out of a country they control.

Watch this an see which way the Turks will go. Will they take the plunge and embarass Bush by invading Northern Iraq?

CHUQ
26 Oct 07

The Horror That Is Burma

SH*T! he is at it again! The Pres had yet another news conference where he spouted more of his hypocritical horsesh*t!

He spoke with Laura on one side and good ol' Condy on the other. I am still not certain why they were there, they said nothing and actually looked kinda bored. Anyway, I digress. Bush announced newer sanctions against Myanmar, Burma to you. The US will target certain people within the junta and their families. Companies will also be watched. Does that mean that Paris will not be able to buy a ruby? HA HA HA! Of course, she will, these sanctions are toothless at best.

The Pres mentioned the horror of the lack of human rights. Thinking...thinking...what about GITMO? He was horrified by the deaths in Burma. I ask what about the deaths in Darfur or Iraq or ............? My point is this whole sanction thing is a cop out! It is nothing short of a band aid for a gunshot wound. They have no teeth. The only hope there is that if things get too bad, more people will join the protests for democracy. But on the other side of that coin, the more that join, the more will die when the junta responds to the protests.

Talks are wanted. Palestine have talked on and off for 40+ years and how has that worked out? I say arm the people, they will do what is best for them, not what is best for the US. you want a free Burma, armed struggle looks like the last measure.

Iraqi Troop Drawdown

The Congress has been impotent to end the war, as a matter of fact they gave the Pres the funds to continue the war. Wait.......74% of the American people did not want the Pres to get the funds! Thinking....thinking.....if the people are the voice of the country--NO ONE IS LISTENING! Why? Come on you know the answer! It is all about who gets elected! It was never about what the people want!

Okay, the Pres wants to prove that his lame ass program, the Surge, is working so there will be a troop draw down by next year. Oh yeah, just in time for the Primaries--coincidence? Only if you are stupid enough to believe in such. His plan is to bring approximately 30, 000 troops home by the end of the year. Again just in time for the elections. Coincidence? Yada Yada.

This sounds really good right? Our boys and girls get to come home, finally. But wait! Yesterday there was a report that some National Guard units were being called up to go by the beginning of the year of 08. Oh yeah, some 20,000 of them.

Have you been paying attention? What part of that sounds like a draw down to you? The so-called draw Down is nothing but a political ploy to help repubs in the upcoming election. They can say we are bring the troops home. true that, but they are sending almost as many over to Iraq.

See what happens when you pay attention? You see politicians for what they are manipulating pricks and most important, f*cking LAIRS!

Burma---What is The Difference

Well to begin with Professor it is Myanmar, at least for now. Let's go to the news--yesterday the military junta and its lackeys killed 9 pro-democracy protesters in the streets of Yangon or is it Rangoon or maybe it is ............ It is all so damn confusing!

But yet, an Israeli air strike kills 11 people in Gaza and the news is silent. What is the difference? Professor..Professor....Professor (he said shaking his head).....the difference is Israel is a "democracy' and Myanmar is a military dictatorship. And that means.....? Israel is a good guy that we support and Myanmar is not.

So the difference is politics? Pretty good answer and yes it is. The whole situation and the condemnation is about politics. The Congress is in the process of condemning the UN because the UN condemned Israel. That whole thing is just silly.

I apologize but the dead do not care what side of a political question you are on. Gaza is in the hands of terrorists and as such it apparently is just ducky to kill civilians as long as you use the word terrorists someplace in the story.

So because no one else has the nuts to do it--I CONDEMN THE GOVERNMENT OF MYANMAR AND ISRAEL FOR THE DEATHS OF CIVILIANS.

So speaks the Professor!