Total number of comments: 143 (since 2013-11-28 14:42:43)
Arn Varnold
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Thoughts on the Middle East, History and Religion
Thoughts on the Middle East, History and Religion
Total number of comments: 143 (since 2013-11-28 14:42:43)
Showing comments 100 - 1
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Showing comments 100 - 1
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I don't much care about who, what, when, where. What I care about is the U.S. militancy and the proclivity towards being the world's policeman.
The U.N. is the agency declared to deal with world problems and our (U.S.'s) constant erosion of their authority is the real problem.
We now have a U.N. head (Ban Ki-moon) who is a U.S. pawn, which obviates the spirit of the whole purpose of the U.N.
It seems pointless at this juncture to expect a just and pointed solution to a problem facing the whole world.
The "Syria" problem is being orchestrated by the U.S.; at least until the Russians stepped in.
Only now is a genuine solution possible.
Such a stance reeks of hypocrisy. And the definition of hypocrisy applies: The homage vice pays to virtue.
Really? I follow my principles with action. I don't agree with supporting a government that commits war crimes as a matter of policy.
I have thus withdrawn all moral and material support.
Hypocrisy indeed, not...
Conscience is an interesting quality; some have it some don't...
I imagine you'd think the same of the citizens who left Germany just prior to WWII.
Oh wait, it's not the same; or is it?
Yes, the hubris of our government.
I get the distinct impression we are no longer in control of said government.
The arrogance and presumption of knowing "better" than the governed is disturbing in the extreme.
Which is something I saw a long time ago; and I elected to find a way out.
More than a decade later I see no evidence "the people" have done much of anything to reverse the deterioration of the U.S. democracy.
And more importantly their representation in said democracy; which, frankly, I view as a standing joke.
I'm hearing Taps playing, in the not too distant future.
I'm old; but I think of the children; what of the children?
Everything points to Summers withdrawal as the best possible outcome.
Technically he's apparently competent; but morally he's a major fail.
Moral failings are a hallmark of present day America...
I completely do not understand why anybody reads the MSM of the U.S.
With a gateway to the world a click away; what in the world do people want?
Lullaby's, Pablum, affirmation of their belief system; what?
The pervasive provincialism of Americans (I'm American) just beggars understanding, in this, the 21st century...
A fair assessment, IMO.
It's interesting to note that the actions of the American Empire have opened it up to many valid criticisms by the very ones like Putin; war crimes among the more egregious points.
Psychopathy (or at least sociopathy) seems to rule among the more aggressive world leaders and politicians.
Doubtful? Scholars and international law leave little doubt about the legality of an attack by the U.S.
A very timely interview with Noam Chomsky on Democracy Now;
link to democracynow.org
It leaves little doubt regarding our hypocritical position in the world...
Hmm, not sure I understand your point.
I'm aware of history; I was addressing our part of that history, which goes back longer than my age of 68.
Addendum: I also acknowledge there is now very little, to no, difference between the two dominant political parties in America when it comes to "foreign policy". .
On the morning of 9/11, the first words out of my mouth were (besides, holy sh*t), blowback! I was immediately told to watch what I say by a friend.
We have a very long negative history in the M.E., so that's not an unreasonable assumption.
But, aren't the Neo-cons an American version of Al Quaeda?
A minority voice acting out a radical militarism affecting the way Americans are viewed by the world at large?
The violence by both is extreme at best...
I find nothing humorous in today's reportage of government to government relationships; at least as far as America goes in its march of hegemony.
But; I must say that Kerry's gross incompetence and Putin's grasp of the moment, brought an ongoing chuckle from me.
Hammer to nail; foot to mouth; it was a true moment of levity and revelation.
And yes, Obama is grasping this kernel, to save his political ass.
Actually, no; I'm not a product of that system.
I am deeply disturbed by the complicit relationship between a number of leading universities and the government.
There is also a huge financial dependence on the part of, again, universities and big business.
The American educational system at the university level in in a crisis of ethics of genuine education.
I think the evidence is obvious when one follows the political discourse of our degreed politicians.
A total failure of critical thinking and logic.
I wonder, I genuinely wonder; do the clowns, Kerry and Obama, realize how utterly ridiculous they appear to anybody with an operational brain?
When they insist to talk about "secret" evidence, they cannot show, that proves Assad used chemical weapons, beyond a doubt?
The play acting going on would shame an 8th grader off the stage.
Infants all; my pet theory is; Americans do not mature after their senior year of high school; which would go a long way towards explaining this inane and immature charade called coalition building.
Gods be good, where is Klatu...
Here's a link to Moyers (Phil Donahue) interviewing Bacevitch last week.
link to billmoyers.com
I like this guy a lot; good brain.
This is such an excellent example of the ego of empire trumping the common sense of empire; which is of course, an oxymoron.
Prolong? In my worst case imaginings, I see this war expanding to unthinkable proportions of scale...
Yours is a most curious comment sounding much like an apologist for inexcusable behavior.
Leaving out all but recent history; the U.S. was directly involved with the gassing of roughly 5,000 Kurds; most non-combatants.
Where's your logic?
Kudos to you Juan; our leaders belong in an asylum (remember The King of Hearts?); the lies and hypocrisy are just stunning in their breadth and depth.
Anyone who doesn't know this by now is, well, beyond redemption, IMO.
Our leaders have no right to claim the moral high ground; they lost that in the Indian Wars of the 1800's and it's been downhill ever since.
Brilliant; that's as good a summary as I've ever read.
Oddly, it leaves me somewhat optimistic for the first time in months (if not years).
TomDispatch is one of the top 5 blogs(?) anywhere.
Kudos to you Juan for posting this gem...
It begs no less than incredulity...
Well, O stuck his foot in it this time. A clear case of ego preceding thought.
Mr. Nobel Peace Prize will now be more likely to strike, to save face.
There are already reports (BBC) he's being advised to expand the breadth of the strikes into the Syrian government facilities, politicians, and infrastructure.
This report from Fair is very disturbing if accurate. It's well worth a read.
link to fair.org
Hubris trumps common sense.
I posted this on another thread, but seems worth repeating here.
One thing not really pressed; ever since the UN was founded there have been/are presently factions of U.S. political scene who strive to disengage from the UN altogether.
I seem to recall the Bircher’s were adamantly opposed to U.S. membership and historically there have been calls to break away from the UN; always radically right wing in nature.
It seems they have finally won and it’s a bloody democrat who is handing them this victory.
We’re just going to ignore the UN and do whatever the hell we please; who the hell will stop us?
The rest of the world could, but seem timid to act…
Ah, the worm turns. Egypt is now a player, as they should be; but likely will be ignored because they're not behaving; not playing nice, by our definitions. And who are we to define definitions?
As I've mentioned before; there is another super power; it's the rest of the world.
As the U.S. becomes more unilateral it necessarily excludes the rest of that very world and it's (the rest of the world) now demanding a voice in what happens to the world and their own selves.
Chalmers Johnson, a brilliant (IMHO) mind, may well have coined the term "Blowback"; if we continue in our present course, we will guarantee blowback!
Quite simply, if we, in our hubris, think control is perpetual war, then by the gods, that's exactly what we'll get!
We have choices, but they only matter if we can think in a critical way. What, truly, is the outcome we want?
Think on that and then act accordingly; any other option is unthinkable, IMO...
One thing not really pressed; ever since the UN was founded there have been/are presently factions of U.S. political scene who strive to disengage from the UN altogether.
I seem to recall the Bircher's were adamantly opposed to U.S. membership and historically there have been calls to break away from the UN; always radically right wing in nature.
It seems they have finally won and it's a bloody democrat who is handing them this victory.
We're just going to ignore the UN and do whatever the hell we please; who the hell will stop us?
The rest of the world could, but seem timid to act...
I left the U.S. (as I swore I would) 6 weeks after Bush pulled the trigger.
I knew it was all a lie; Scot Ritter laid out the whole thing, along with many whose names I can't remember.
Only an idiot or a brainwashed individual could deny the facts that were and were not there.
From that point on; I have never trusted (or believed) a thing from the U.S. government.
I'm goddamn 68 years old and was brought up on honesty, integrity, and the U.S. constitution. I was also educated in the biggest propaganda machine in the free world; the U.S. school system.
But I was very fortunate; my parents were "free thinkers" and taught me and my siblings critical thinking.
Hammer to nail; the U.S. is failing on all fronts and I see no way it's not going down: Not from outside threats but from internal rot!
I dunno, minimum wage jobs come pretty close.
Neo-serfdom is upon us...
I don't know what it will take to break the grip big oil has on civilization; possibly something as simple as when embarking on a long journey; taking that first step.
Which is to say we have taken that first step and consumers (I am addressing responsible customers; not consumerism) do have a say; but only if they are NOT willing to take the shit doled out by big business. Consumerism is a disease perpetrated by the irresponsible wealthy business owners.
Personal boycotts (I boycott) are not particularly effective if only one person is doing it (but I applaud the effort) . But the power of multiples changes things.
One step at a time...
I actually got a chuckle from the opening paragraph of Quigly's article, as stated by US Senators Ron Wyden and Mark Udall.
I would be stunned if was NOT as bad as I have imagined!
And, speaking of Wyden and Udall, they have proved half worthy in this circus of the absurd; my understanding is that they could have broken this thing wide open on the senate floor; where they are immune from arrest or prosecution for anything they say.
I am reminded of Mike Gravel reading the Pentagon papers on the senate floor; there's a man of worth/integrity.
Our politicians today are a fucking disgrace to the office and the constitution they are sworn to up hold.
I would daresay they are guilty of treason...
That, by the evidence, is not possible...
If, what you say is true; you are behaving exactly as "they" would want.
Remember; fear is a thief, do not let it steal from you.
As time goes by, I'm rarely surprised by corruption.
I've lived in a country (not U.S.) run by patronage (top down) for more than 10 years and its given me a genuine education in corruption; they're rife with it; they depend on it; business cannot exist without it, and the government would collapse without it.
To see this so rampant in the U.S. doesn't surprise me as much as it begs a question (for me); what is the reason I didn't see this (in the U.S.) before?
An inquiry into this question is most illuminating...
Impossible to be shocked or surprised at this in lieu of the past 6 years.
What's surprising is Palast getting real/genuine evidence of the collusion.
Palast is an interesting, if somewhat eccentric, guy. He comes across as a sensationalist at times (passionate?), but seems to be fact based and well researched.
I often visit his site, which is down at the moment. Thanks for the link to Vice, which I hadn't heard of prior.
Summers should be doing time or at least be recognized for his dishonesty; Obama seems to have a talent for picking exactly the wrong people for any given task/job.
We'll see...
That was a very interesting read. And if true (content), then the Jeannie is out of the bottle.
We are truly living in interesting times...
Not being an honest broker has cost the U.S. dearly worldwide.
We've clearly fucked up everything we've touched in the M.E.
Long past the time to let that part of the world straighten out their own problems, unassisted by our incompetent, and mostly deadly, interference.
Seems our own house is falling apart very rapidly...
Thanks, proud to be a member of that club...
Yes, all unsubstantiated and very suspicious; if only because of the Swedish government's own prosecutorial behavior.
@ Nancy; I dumped my tv in '94 because it was/is nothing but a great wasteland.
Some things never change, yes?
Ugh! The above shold read the "lack of indicting corrupt banking practices".
My bad...
I guess the thing I can't quite wrap my mind around is this; where's the outrage that I grew up with when injustice was attempted?
My view from a decade "outside" is one of horror at the complacency of the American public.
The travesties against the people, the constitution, the indicting of the corrupt banking practices, the silence regarding institutional torture (of everybody), and all of the criminal behavior of the U.S. government in general.
Nothing! The Occupy Movement? That was a joke! Fools who had no idea about the real world or any clue how to deal with it.
You all are going to get the harvest of the seeds you have planted. But in fact, you do not even know what those seeds are/were, that you planted.
You don't think; you lack an innate curiosity; you have no idea what critical thinking is all about.
Harsh? You betcha! Wake the hell up!
You are about to lose everything...
No argument there; but I would also suggest the Spanish judge, Baltasar Garzón. His courage is inspiring...
It's relevant to note that Manning did exactly as international law dictates; report war crimes and don't follow illegal orders.
Under international law he is obligated to do as he did.
The question is; who will bring the real outlaws to justice?
When the galoots are in charge, that question is relegated to irrelevance...
What I do see is a dwindling gathering of supporters of U.S. policies worldwide; further evidence of empire crashing, albeit, in slow mo...
@ mfi; nice to see you here, and agree wholeheartedly.
Your Saturday Chorale is my meditation. 😉
In this day and age; who knows the "truth"; an elusive concept at best.
In the fog of war things get manipulated by whomever is deemed the most influential.
I trust nothing and nobody...
This is so serious!
So in our face!
So, I don't give a shit about your rights!
So, you have no rights!
And so; what the hell are YOU going to do about it?
Nothing; that's what!
This is the crux of what so infuriates me; we get kicked, beaten, abused and just lay down.
This is not the America I grew up in; and by the gods; it's exactly why I left!
You all are getting exactly the thing you have voted for.
Yes, your vote back on ya! How about them apples?
I find it very interesting (and disturbing) there are not more comments on this thread.
Why is that? Or, rather what is the reason (why is never a good question)?
It's the single most important thing facing us today; nuclear war pales in significance.
People would likely survive a nuclear war; but this?
Only Gaia will survive this holocaust...
Above; they're; not their...
No leaders?
Just how would that be possible in a nation of sheep who think their wolves?
Sorry, just don't see it as a possibility...
The answer to your rhetorical title is a resounding no.
It would seem Bin Laden learned his lessons well in his dealings with the U.S. in the Soviet era in Afghanistan.
As near as I can tell his plan is on track (as regards the U.S.[we're being soundly defeated by the radical elements of Islam]) and our surrogates in the M.E. are impotent and, like us, self defeating.
We think/believe our superior technology is toughness; we've no idea what true toughness is; we're wimps.
Putin is a genuine tough guy; Al Qaeda is tough.
I would venture in the present world we're not only not tough; but fail utterly to understand what true toughness is.
It's what we're up against and we don't get it; thus we are in our death spiral.
We, in our lust for control, will soon realize there is another super power; the rest of the planet.
Islam is not our natural enemy; our hubris is that, in spades...
@ Daryoush; But we in the US live in a democratic country.
~~~~~~~~~
I would suggest that is, in fact, no longer true.
This link to a Chomsky speech should be required reading;
link to alternet.org
I would add that with Obama's comments today; is he still in control?
It would appear not; more a harlequin for the masses...
Thanks for the list. You are too kind to the lazy people to whom this is news.
But then it also points to the big picture, in which most just can't quite connect all of the dots.
Which is of course exactly why all of this theater is allowed to continue.
May the Gods help us if we ever, collectively, all wake up at the same moment...
What's particularly relevant is the video clip Amy plays of Obama as a congressman, speaking to this very point.
Words alone cannot convey my contempt for the man who would be president...
This is well past the point of the absurd!
The only possible explanation is the U.S. is complicit in the destruction of Palestine. End of story and the beginning of he end; the M.E. will ultimately be the end of us.
And the beat goes on until it doesn't; coming soon, to an area near you...
As an expat who's living in a neighboring country; I'm less than thrilled by Aung San Su Kyi's reaction to this travesty of human rights abuses.
Her lack of speaking out strongly regarding this issue is extremely disturbing. As a fellow Gemini (same birthday month) I have been a huge fan of hers; but now find myself withered under her apparent inaction.
That said; Asian, specifically S.E. Asian, cultures are complicated and not easily understood by western views and investments. So, I'm trying not to judge too quickly what is apparent on the surface, but lost to western understanding.
The Rohingya have long been an abused minority and, frankly, one in which I'm very concerned for their future survival.
It's not looking good. They are exploited by every "other" they come into contact with.
It's also apparent that I'm powerless (as a farang [western white guy]) to really do anything to help.
The international community is well aware of the situation and could certainly benefit from Aung San Su Kyi's support; if she deems it worthy...
Again, lot's of discussion (not a bad thing); but what are YOU going to DO about it?
Words and lot of denial about the actual situation will be met with automatic tightening of the remaining freedoms.
If the collective you, wait to be directly affected; it will then be too late: You know, when they come for you...
I would also like to add kudos to you Juan.
This is as good as it gets for accurate reportage...
If there was any doubt about where we now stand regarding the constitution; all doubt should be now be crystal clear.
We have crossed the River Styx.
Returning will take a heroic effort and I see no heroes...
Not a fan of Dr. Gupta, but it speaks well of him he can see the light and change his position.
The other guy speaks as a typical evangelical; what's wrong with getting high? Nothing in my POV.
Oh nuts; this was for the Iran post/thread.
We are a bit crazy on logic with sanctions. Remember Iraq before the ’03 invasion? The only ones (people) who were affected were the; namely women and children (primarily) and generally average citizens.
We’ve lost something important in our metric of humane behavior. We now share a bed with despots…
Amy Goodman featured this particular action on her superb website; link to democracynow.org
No problem with that; it's just that people seem to have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time.
So, keep walking and stop chewing...
Wow, 53 comments. Given the topic, that should be significant; and for this site it is; however, what relevance does it have in the world we're discussing?
Looking around over the last decade; I'd say not much.
Where's the action?
After years of activism; I left. It was the only reasonable option available.
To those forever posting on blogs I would suggest: Stop talking and do something...
I couldn't possibly leave a comment here; impossible to overcome the rage to make a cogent post...
Very timely article; I said years ago that Iraq was the testing ground for what will be employed in America.
Today's latest is the FBI's malware attack on The TOR project via it's host FireFox. Unfortunately TOR is apparently being used by child pornographers to hid their identities.
As the old adage goes; I would prefer some guilty go free, rather than one innocent person be wrongly convicted. Child pornographers are scum; but I don't want to see the demise of the TOR Project.
I'm appalled by American's apathy at the steady drumbeat of the loss of liberties and freedom. At this juncture; I see no way back.
Oh, LOS = Land of Smiles.
A decade in, here in LOS; I'm not in the least surprised at the incompetence. The spill at Koh Samet was underplayed as minor for more than a day; then, lo and behold, an international cry for help; it was far bigger than first reported.
Oil trumps all; everywhere.
The little blue dot is black on the inside...
As funny as it is (not); what a shame Carlin has to nail the fall so succinctly via his comedic genius.
Carlin is one of my VERY few heroes; following him from the beginning has been a journey into hell. His comedy is a historical record of our demise...
I would suggest there is a big difference between talking tough and being tough.
Putin is a genuine tough guy; he could very likely, literally, kick the ass of every politician in American, including the president.
This plays into perceptions; and in world politics, Putin knows who's tough. I wouldn't count on him blinking first...
Right after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Noam Chomsky, in an extremely prescient statement, said that this does not bode well for the world. The only thing holding the U.S. in check, was the Soviet Union, and now (then) that balance is gone.
I am constantly reminded; of Chomsky's understanding of how things really work.
I'm at a loss to understand the apparent apathy in America.
Anybody?
Snowden's own self professed qualifications are a pretty good indicator. A talent for IT and little else apparently...
Yes, that struck me as well. I fear we are very close to the point of no return; act now or forever live with the NSA.
On another note; it's really encouraging to see Snowden's father's change of heart. He sees with clear eyes now...
Weiner is, by definition, a psychopath, IMO.
His wife is an enabler; and together they want political power. I have no doubt the mayor-ship of New York City would have been a stepping stone to the governorship of New York and then on to congress once again, and then the presidency of the U.S.
I trust neither one of that couple. If he is not finished, he should be. A very dangerous guy...
It's interesting how, what is common knowledge to those of us paying attention, must come from governments to gain legitimacy.
It does, however, deny cover to Obama and his ilk when they lie about what they are doing/have done.
Politicians today must necessarily suffer from psychopathy, so they can pursue their vile goals of power and the wealth that power brings.
I'm glad I'm old; it's heart wrenching to watch this theater of the macabre from my own government.
The EU seems to be the only responsible party involved; and, they have taken action.
As long as the U.S. uses Israel as it's surrogate, there is literally no hope.
Apartheid is the most apt description of what's going on in Palestine!
Israel is the one your mother warned you about...
You'll be fine. Once out, you'll look back and ask yourself why it took so long.
I'm over a decade gone. Bush invading Iraq did it for me.
The MSM is so full of shit; they can't even do honest reportage.
I don't even call it garbage any longer; garbage has value; what they waste electrons on doesn't have any value; so, I call it grabage, because that's what it is, and what it's worth is, nothing!
Thanks Juan for this post/thread.
I have long railed against the illegality and pure nonsense/hyperbole of Israel and the U.S. concerning Iran in general and their LEGAL nuclear program specifically. Mohamed ElBaradei wasn't a tool of the west and spoke truth to power. Sadly that's past.
Israel is in active violation of so many UN sanctions I've lost count.
Boycott the Apartheid State of Israel!
I'm so happy Amy Goodman's Democracy Now was cited for reporting excellence.
Her's is one of a very few sites I trust and rely upon for accurate reportage...
I'm a very long term expat and consider the bulk of U.S. News to be a joke or just pure entertainment; at least for idiots.
Oh, gods be good; the U.S. is terrified of its own citizens.
As well they should be; but this is for all the wrong reasons...
Earth to George O; you were right...
The man speaks to truth...
We're beating the world to death with the word and concept of democracy.
It's not for everybody.
I'm a decade in to living in a country (as an expat) that touts democracy, but delivers anything but. My chosen country will never understand, much less embrace, the concept of democracy as touted by the west.
For myself; I'm burned out on the rhetoric and constant droning on about a concept that is not universal; that of democracy.
The U.S. needs to get over itself and move on to more realistic forms of governance for many of the worlds people.
This thread is pure gold! I love Tom Dispatch; Tom gets it and posts accordingly.
Thanks Juan for posting this here. You rock!
I find it somewhat incredible that the EU (Germany especially) is "shocked" by this information.
After lo, these many years, they don't know who they're dealing with?
Now, that's shocking! Their naivete is what's shocking.
While I may not agree with the U.S.'s policies, let's get real here; Germany is the apparent driver of EU economic policies and therefor makes a credible target.
This is a likely a heads up for the stupid and will likely determine an increased security across the board.
That may be the most cogent reply here. 😉
Addendum: Her's a link to a very enlightening interview/podcast with Bill Black (the economist).
link to fromalpha2omega.podomatic.com
In it are some facts regarding Correa, his economics, and the Ecuadorian press.
They certainly are not reported in the MSM which engages in pure propaganda.
My comment was @ Dave Fisher...
Indeed; the U.S. press for the most part is a tool.
Unfortunately that's as far as most read.
It is, in large part, why Americans are so ignorant regarding the world at large.
...but don't forget, Russia is back. They have a huge investment in Syria; the naval base being one. Then there is their support of Iran. They know our game and will not hesitate to bugger our efforts. No-Fly Zone is out of the question because Russia WILL install the latest S-300 AA missile system. It's not to be underestimated; it's highly considered as very effective.
And Edward Snowden is on his way to Moscow as I type this on an Aeroflot flight with the transponder turned off.
Russia is back, a new sheriff or should I say cop, in town.
I wish I didn't; but I see the reason as this; how goes Cheney, goes the rest of the cabal. In other words, the collapse of the whole machine.
Who in this present (and recent past) political structure isn't guilty of the most heinous of crimes?
Unfortunately it goes way back; so where to start and where to end?
The best we can hope for, IMO, is an end to this behavior going forward.
Oh, sorry, I nodded off and must have been dreaming; never mind...
All but a very few of our politicians are highly paid liars.
That's a top down proposition which finally clarifies the real schism between us and them.
Why have we, the collective we, let this get so far along?
Dear me; where does it stop? First overseas and lo and behold; it works. So now we'll add just one more slight dimension to our domestic spying; drones over America.
This isn't surprising, really. But what is surprising is the acceptance and lack of outrage. Very telling. Need I go on?
Iran is painted so badly by the west that even when they offer positive comments they are demonized by the west.
It's pretty clear to me that the west (America) will only accept total capitulation.
Which means Iran has no right to exist. A hopeless demand that will never be met by an ancient civilization that predates us by thousands of years.
I can see no good outcome for this unnecessary exercise of hegemony by an immature western culture hell bent on domination of the planet.
Bryant's casual demeanor in describing his experience is possibly the most disturbing part of this.
I for one, am very pleased to see Russia back in an adversarial position against our hegemonic march in the M.E.
Persia is as important today as it has been through history.
I quit trusting the government during the Vietnam War.
I can't see believing any politician again, ever.
That would seem to be the end of democracy in America, leaving only the illusion...