Total number of comments: 103 (since 2013-11-28 14:42:48)
Peter R Fowler
Showing comments 103 - 101
Page: 2 1
Showing comments 103 - 101
Page: 2 1
Thoughts on the Middle East, History and Religion
Thoughts on the Middle East, History and Religion
Total number of comments: 103 (since 2013-11-28 14:42:48)
Showing comments 103 - 101
Page: 2 1
Showing comments 103 - 101
Page: 2 1
© 2025 All Rights Reserved
Prof, I am one of Your Biggest Fans; I read all your print.
I have been wondering why serious strikes like this did not happen long ago? Its a tiny country really, in population terms = so forces not that large, but They can mess things up for a long time? Why? Is it just for Business? Oil / Guns etc. How do They buy Guns etc? With Oil money? And is that what all the fuss is about? Can't be just about religion cos there has yet to be one that says kill all others, so must be about money? BW Peter
Dear Prof Juan, I agree with all you say, but what a screw up! This needed training like I had - one guy, to negotiate then draw a 45 from concealed and Double Tap so fast before the other guy can blink or squeeze and shoot anyone he is dead - instead of a foootball scrum all shooting at once - wonder who shot the two hostages? So Sad! BW Peter
Reason1id comment to Slate.com:
"David Petraeus, as CIA director, is no doubt sensitive to this dilemma. In 2006, back when he was a three-star general, he wrote in the Army’s counterinsurgency field manual, “An operation that kills five insurgents is counterproductive if collateral damage leads to the recruitment of fifty more insurgents.” Sometimes, as the manual acknowledged, it’s so important to kill those five insurgents, the risk of siring more is worth taking. Still, the gamble should be acknowledged and weighed—and not just by those tossing the dice."
The US ignores UN "Laws" "Human Rights" - "collateral damage" are innocents, women and children.
Your President's policies and actions are Criminal and Disgusting.
Wake up; realize why you have more enemies than friends these days.
Amazing how our thoughts are so similar
I was thinking the same as above so I did; Cheers!
Also all day I had the "fool all the people" in my mind then read in on your site.
You are still my Hero please keep up the great work
Best wishes
Peter
“When a government is dependent upon bankers for money, they and not the leaders of the government control the situation, since the hand that gives is above the hand that takes. Money has no motherland; financiers are without patriotism and without decency; their sole object is gain.”
― Napoleon Bonaparte
Add this to that modern education is limited to TV's mind numbing drivel and how to use a smartphone to play games............
The hope that some appreciation of the mess the US is in raised by the comments so might lead somewhere is quickly drowned by any thoughts of how difficult the task is to fix the mess; and how there might be a way upwards and with whom?
link to guardian.co.uk
Ian Black, Middle East editor
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 7 June 2012 15.50 BST
"One immediate problem is Iran, which the west says is part of the problem and cannot help with the solution. Turkey and Saudi Arabia would be welcome.
The key, though, is Russia. If the Syrian crisis can be resolved politically, it will involve negotiations on Assad's departure – a solution modelled on the way Yemen's Ali Abdullah Saleh was cajoled, with copper-bottomed guarantees, into surrendering power, albeit leaving much of the regime intact.
"Moscow has huge leverage," said one official. "It could tell Assad that his time is up." The diplomatic language is being polished and the briefing notes updated. "Taking forward the transitional process" isn't a guarantee that Syria's bloodshed will end any time soon. But it looks, for the moment at least, like being the world's best remedy for atrocity.
I cannot imagine surer way to motivate a would be suicidal terrorist into action than to kill one of his loved ones at a funeral.
Still it's just The Boss on the joy stick, just a computer game yeah? Family game?
They've bin Droned, it's not murder is it?
Laws don't apply; there are clever enough words so as to be sure not to be called to account.
What a sad place the US is at and for sure going down further; not a saviour in sight.
Bibi's your man.
Poor folks only get about 20% of their GDP from US Aid.
More money in war/almost/some for King Bibi; more excuses for for "Aid".
Missile shield is to cover his bum and so not to buy US Uni degrees in case kids get smart n stop aid.
Imagine if every 10 million folk place needs a nuclear missile shield?
Betchya he has a deals with both Balmy and Romney; they can lose not him.
Applause for the Professor and the best analysis of the last 20 years
Only problem who out of the 99% are going to lift up out of the mess and follow the lessons above? Needs more than Occupy.
The 1% want it to stay just the way it is.
Make America Great again and export it the The World too.
Would help some if the world wasn't wasting so much - War is the best example I can think of - Bomb anyone lately?
Seems perfectly reasonable to me
Never mind. Syria will be easy yeah?
Easier to break than to fix.
Gifted Intellectuals at Edge tells us that in the recent "Banking Crisis" huge sums of money just disappeared out of the modern Virtual Banking system; I believe that the money was "Hacked" out of sight.
"A few hundred millionaires now own as much wealth as the world’s poorest 2.5 billion people," who "live on less than two dollars a day"
This modern world appears only to satisfy the Banker's lusts with wars and excessive bonuses (and/or kinky sex).
What's a poor Politician left to do?
Excellent!
Unfortunately needs the history and the big words removing, and making into a cartoon strip for some Washington morons to follow it.
The "Why?" is the starvation diet of oil supplies to Israel so that it needs a take over of Syria and the hiatus of the Iran situation is cover for this move to be under the UN with Arab, Saudi Kuwait, support.
Rick is just advancing to the rear; sobbing?
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"
The Catch 22 of the new about to be imposed “Ministries of Truth” for US and UK are somewhat laughable if they aren't sadly tragic.
The questions for those intellectually challenged imposing these monstrous impositions on personal liberties are;
OK, so now how do you yourselves, and your kids, avoid being scrutinized? And the impositions too, with the illegal uses of the advantages sure to happen? Especially once you are no longer in power?
Once, I was in a secret operation that the incoming government immediately disbanded and never understood what it was or anything about it.
Originally it had been created by Churchill.
Shouldn't Representatives of the folks have to pass an IQ/mental fitness evaluation before being allowed to have any authority?
Reasonable - Thanks
Averting the worst consequences of human-induced climate change is a "great moral issue" on a par with slavery, according to the leading Nasa climate scientist Prof Jim Hansen.
He argues that storing up expensive and destructive consequences for society in future is an "injustice of one generation to others".
Hansen, who will next Tuesday be awarded the prestigious Edinburgh Medal for his contribution to science, will also in his acceptance speech call for a worldwide tax on all carbon emissions.
George W. Bush refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, calling it a job killer that placed unfair economic burdens on the United States while letting poorer countries off the hook.
There is something profoundly weird and disturbing about how firmly Israel has a cord around the nuts of the leadership of the US staked to the ground -it makes no sense economically, or defense wise.
Especially as "The jury is out on whether Israeli optimism and dedication to social justice can finally win out over the pessimists and the hawks"
The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday.
“We are trying to reach an agreement with the US that will spread out over a number of years,” a senior Israeli official said, referring to the additional funds that the US allocates to Israel’s missile systems such as the Arrow, which destroys ballistic missiles, and the Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets.
According to Israeli officials, the negotiations on the new funding are expected to be concluded within the coming months.
The US already grants Israel about USD 3 billion in military assistance annually under a 10-year memorandum of understanding signed in 2007.
Israel’s new request seeks about USD 1 billion in aid from the US to purchase four additional Iron Dome batteries and to fund the development of David’s Sling, another missile system, which is built against medium-range rockets.
Another Israeli official said that the discussions were being held ‘despite the budget problems that the Americans are having.’
According to a report published by the Congressional Research Service, Washington has given more than USD 67 billion in military aid to Israel over the years. This year alone, Washington has allotted USD 3.1 billion, around one-fifth of its military budget, to Tel Aviv.
Americans also allow the Israeli Army to use their emergency reserve arsenal in Israel. The value of the weapons held in the emergency supplies is USD 1.2 billion.
Did I miss something?
Has there been a virus infection around the world destroying integrity and honor over the last 30 years, particularly in the US? And US Presidents/Candidates?
Where are the post WW2 values I grew up with?
I have a new born Son, 3rd day, do I tell him as he grows: nothing and no one can be trusted, expect to be tortured?
Kindly argue some more with these fine words;
its not just the wine, also the spirit is soothed.
Ben White
"the only reason there is a ‘Jewish majority’ at all, is because of the historic fact of the forced exclusion of Palestinians from their homes and lands."
Dear Travis, Thanks for the additional input. To clarify I simply was responding to the posts suggesting “Israel has been that way so long let em have it” by quoting from this site with the simple summary link to betterbytheyear.org.
Personally I am very sympathetic to the Palestinians cause and supportive of a peaceful solution.
Being a year older than Israel I can recall the events, but not all the details.
A point easily forgotten are the original folks on the land assigned dispossessed and forced out, currently a total now of 7 million see themselves dispossessed of their homes and expect a solution.
I think Israel has behaved very badly amplifying the numbers from World War 2 to double for power to their cause and they have roughshod over the Palestinians ever since Israel was created.
Why the US has to support Israel beyond reason and to the detriment of the Palestinian rights beats me, except if it money and lobby influence. Simply its a disgrace adding to the rest of the ME proving the US cant handle it and others should; UN.
Just now a fuss is being made over Syria but there are still 2,5 million Palestinians incarcerated within what should be their own land, plus those 7 million said to be spread over the world; I do not see an answer for them.
There is no fair deal to peace process in negotiation just distraction with Iran so Palestine is forgotten.
I am mindful of the other events accelerating different groups rise to power which will change the scene for Israel and the prospect of more serious problems for them in the near future - Iran they look like taking too far, I expect to their own detriment.
"Palestinians have lived under Israeli occupation since 1967. In 1979 Egypt and Israel signed a peace agreement, but it wasn’t until the early 1990’s that a peace process began. Part of this process involved the handing over of Gaza and the West Bank to Palestinian control, but a final agreement between the people of Israel and Palestine is yet to be reached."
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israel's military has imposed a general closure on the occupied West Bank as it prepares to face protests marking Land Day, officials said Friday. "In accordance with the directives of the Minister of Defense and as part of the situation assessments in the IDF, a general closure will be implemented in the Judea and Samaria region," a statement said.
Amazes me that anyone tried anymore "Up The Khyber".
I grew up on the tales as a child, and I have seen the mountains from Pakistan - they are awesome! Looked like The Rockies to me
As the "Moral High Ground" has been lost by the US, if there ever was any, it is UN Nego time from here.
"Between 1849 and 1947 the military history of the frontier was a succession of punitive expeditions against offending Pashtun (or Pathan) tribes, punctuated by three wars against Afghanistan. Many British officers who went on to distinguished command in the First and Second World Wars learnt their soldiering on the North-West Frontier, which they called the Grim."
link to en.wikipedia.org
The should be irresistible offer to all concerned there - is:
The US will leave as soon as you Guys make a deal!
I know that's supposed to be the plan but the Devil is in the detail. Like what do the Taliban get in order to play house?
It appears that President Obama would have to take the case to Israel’s Supreme Court to get a fair decision; as only they are brave enough to deny Netanyahu's team the right to trespass on The West Bank.
Simply there is not enough defense oil Business in Peace.
US Russia both want legal nuclear arms reduction, not like Israel, an illegal nuke for every home. Israel Pop <8 mil Iran Pop 78 mil x10 (Wow! Wouldn't you think twice or more x10 before p'ing off someone that big! N smart too! In ur own back yard?)
If the UN process totally supported by the US won Peace with solutions on complex issues like the claims of 7 mil Palestinians refugees since 1948, then there might be a chance of successful negotiation in Afghanistan with the Taliban at the table too.
- "JERUSALEM (Reuters) -- Israel said on Monday it has severed contacts with the UN Human Rights Council after its launch last week of an international investigation into settlements in the occupied West Bank."
So any denying UN access
- 500,000 Israelis and 2.5 million Palestinians live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas Israel has occupied since 1967.
I rest my case M'Lud
Monday 26 March 2012 Israel's Supreme Court has demanded that Jewish settlers evacuate an illegal West Bank outpost by 1 August
link to independent.co.uk
How do we get to the supremacy of International Law and The UN? Israel would not have a leg to stand on in a court over the Palesinians/67 etc, they know it so attack Iran yah!
Changes the priorities and the focus.
More power to the brave folk who Demo'd and in London too.
"And a day like this is hard to come by"
Many thanks and
Cheers!
All really just about Oil business?
Tony Blair agreement with Colonel Gaddafi “prisoner transfer” and a £15bn oil deal for BP.
WikiLeaks Stratfor "The Libyans diddled the oil company for a couple of years”
Thanks for the posting.
I would not have seen it otherwise.
Brilliant! Spectacular!
Which ones were Romney, Santorum?
Gingrich the one at the end wearing the orange mask?
"MS. NULAND: Well, first let me say that the 19th session of the Human Rights Council did have a number of successes including on Syria and other things that we care about. And I would guess that we’ll have a more comprehensive statement on the session in a couple – either later today or in a couple of days.
But obviously, the 19th session was marred by the vote by some member-states to create yet another one-sided UN mechanism targeting Israel. And as reflected in our vote against the measure, we strongly opposed the creation of this fact-finding mission to Israel, a mission that does not advance the cause of peace and which further politicizes the situation and distracts attention from what really needs to happen, which is for these parties to get back to the table.
QUESTION: You said by some member-states. In fact, it was all member-states except 11. You voted no and 10 abstained. How many was it --
MS. NULAND: As we always do."
link to bbc.co.uk
"US lawmakers have released $88.6m (£56m) in development aid for the Palestinians that has been frozen since for more than six months.
The move comes after two senior Republicans from the House of Representatives dropped their opposition to freeing the funds.
One of them, Rep Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, said the money must not go to the Gaza Strip, which is run by Hamas.
However, she said she would continue to block the remaining $58.6m in aid."
"GENEVA: The UN Human Rights Council on Thursday passed a resolution ordering a first probe into how Israeli settlements may be infringing on the rights of the Palestinians.
The resolution was adopted by the 47-member council with 36 votes in favour and 10 abstentions. Only the United States voted against it."
Isn't it overdue for the US to seek independence from Israel?
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Germany on Thursday pledged to fund two new schools in the Gaza Strip, the UN agency for refugees said. Germany will contribute €3 million ($3.96 million) to UNRWA to enhance the agency's free schooling program
Dear Lea sorry your 20 million is a bit short from my sources I understand the numbers are more like 10 million WW1 and 50 million WW2, which makes any point about no more war even more important. Especially the nuclear one being set up by the Israelis with Iran.
Plus there was Korea Vietnam Balkans etc.
Civilians men women and children are very distressing numbers 27 million WW2
Does President Obama get to use the Net by himself or is he filtered too?
"about 28 million, or 38 percent of the population, in 2009.
The Persian blogosphere is considered one of the most active in the world. The number of active bloggers includes approximately 60,000 routinely updated blogs, according to the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University."
I am not sure if I made my points strongly enough. I have been head aching about these issues for a while. There have been religious nutters afoot since before Charles 1st. I believe it is time for someone with the cajones of a Roosevelt or a Churchill to stand up and say The Declaration of Human Rights is “The Boss” above all other including Religions and they must be made if necessary by the force of the United Nations to submit to this. The US must cease to be the World’s Self Appointed Policeman in its own interests and Politicians all too must be made to comply and stop spouting religious and racial and war nonsense. I see this as the only hope for our humanity which has lost its way.
Anyone should have the right to be Divinely motivated to be nutcases to their own Right or left but inflicting their nuttiness on others to the extremes of murder is a alarming growing modern attrocity committed for jealousy, money, oil reserves, and territory, as well as religion. It's as though there is a pressing urgent need for a reinforcing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be more effectively policed and enforced by the UN with a reinforcing of Women's Rights too. GOP Candidates should be first in the queue for copies.
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
I think the rise in the sea levels is due to all the obese folks in the US and Europe, now over 30% of the pops; they are too big! Them going in the sea is the problem.
Seriously though, how much carbon was wasted over making all those millions of fat tums n bums?
Integrity seems to have been flushed by the food comps too, along with the oil and defense boys.
We don't deserve any planet especially not this beautiful place.
The Diggers had the same number of casualties in one hour at Gallipoli - we've know the region is cruel since Lawrence so what's new apart from Oil vested interests and the source of funding for rebels/insurgents?
link to bbc.co.uk
17 March 2012 By Tom Little BBC Monitoring
"Syria's Kurds appear divided and unsure whether to join the uprising"
Methinks anyone sure what to do has a vested interest in the outcome
Worries me what this is all about, oil again? A pipeline? Iran reserves?
"Damascus /NationalTurk – Qatar finances and arms radical intervention force based in Turkey to activate it in Syria with the purpose to defeat the government of Tyrant president Bashar al-Assad reports the Israeli website DEBKAFile"
The Afghan murders are now the biggest problem in the world.
I am a "Perpetual Traveler" for 30 years, work, missions and pleasure; often the only white face for sq kms
Today for the first time in my life I was racially assaulted and attacked in public on transport
When accused of being an American Dog and attacked I said I was German and could not speak the language; I am English and fluent; I handled it OK; next time?
I have buried more than my share; today I had tears as I thought: How about the mothers?
The Soldier is beyond forgiveness so is the System and the Warmongers all
My Hero would've approved this positive approach:
"To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war"
Churchill, Winston White House luncheon, June 26, 1954
Israel will only strike Iranian nuclear facilities in September or after the United States presidential elections in November, a White House official told the British Sunday Times newspaper after a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama last week.
According to the report, Obama has taken Israel’s warnings about a possible strike in Iran very seriously. The Washington source added that the president “might visit in the summer to reassure the Israelis that the US commitment to defend Israel is unshakable and thus thwart a possible autumn attack.”
So Israel did not get The President's approval for Open Season on Iran just for Palestinians? Syrian rebels matter but Palestinians in their own territory don't count? A dozen got killed as if in spite over Iran. Like went home and kicked the cat.
I'm confused about which lives are important and to whom!
Rush in Wonderland apologizes for the poor choice of words "Republicans who took acid" and for his parents ever having sex.
Scientists tested the effect of a single dose of LSD for Warmongering in 536 adults. Researchers found that 59% of Republicans who took acid either dramatically cut back their wishes for war or became peaceful.
Don't expect Gamers, Ipad owners, armchair politicians, social networking fbookers, the currently empowered majority, to rise up and complain to effect with the moral courage and concern of the Ban The Bombers of the 60s; just all media and business now; sadly.
Toss ur coin for whose gonna be in power and when all hell breaks loose in Iran too.
Israel has a lot to answer for, but to whom? US is embedded in their policies.
Good one! I was hoping for a toon on:
"I've a right to apologize," said Limbaugh sharply... "Just about as much right," said the Duchess, "as pigs have to fly."
Benjamin Netanyahu is out of US Control.
"has warned he will not countenance a long delay in launching an attack on Iran's nuclear sites. He told Israel's Channel 2 station he did not have a stopwatch, but added: "This is not a matter of days or weeks. It is also not a matter of years."
link to bbc.co.uk 9 March 2012 Last updated at 15:39 GMT
Israel launches deadly air strikes on Gaza
link to bbc.co.uk 10 March 2012 Last updated at 00:40 GMT
The Palestinian population registry is controlled by Israel, which has occupied the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem since 1967.
I does not make sense for the parties to pressure Iran so, unless what?
A policy to control the ME?
Palestinian land grab?
Defense business?
Oil business?
Political financial support?
All of the above?
Has anyone done an economic analysis of the benefits to the/any vested interests?
What specifically is so vital to Israel's and US Republican interests to go to such extremes of pressure, with President Obama going along for most, thankfully not all, of the ride.
"The Meaning of Life" was carefully written on paper whilst on the loo.
Unfortunately it was used it so it was lost forever.
Human avarice as demonstrated in the Banking business recently and the wars makes it unlikely mankind will find a solution in any hurry; money talks.
Never mind; Facebook has secured $8 billion ahead of the social network's eagerly anticipated plan to cure the global warming problem.
Whilst SCUBA diving around the Pacific I have slept on the beaches of Paradise many times; I wonder if my grandchildren will see and enjoy them too?
"Since 2008, Iraq has awarded 15 oil and gas deals to international energy companies, the first major investments in the country's energy industry in more than three decades.
Baghdad aims to raise daily output to 12 million barrels by 2017, a level that would put it nearly on par with Saudi Arabia's current production capacity."
"energy giant ExxonMobil, under pressure from the Iraqi government for signing a deal with the northern Kurdish region, will make a "final decision" in days, a government spokesman said on Wednesday."
Nuclear Puff n Blow in the media
So is it all just about "The Business Agenda"? Defense, Oil? (=Land Grab?)
US Defense spend is really big, Oil Gas is huge business:-
link to rickety.us
Defense Spending From Top 30 Countries in 2010
$ Rank Country $ Bin %GDP $/Capita
1 United States 698.3 4.7 2,260
2 China 119.4 2.2 88
3 United Kingdom 59.6 2.7 963
4 France 59.3 2.5 915
5 Russia 58.7 4.3 419
6 Japan 54.5 1 429
7 Saudi Arabia 45.2 11.2 1,727
16 UAE 16.1 7.3 3,410
14 Israel 18 6.3 1,929
link to petrostrategies.org
Worldwide Reserves, Oil Million Bls Nat Gas Bln Cu Ft
1 National Iranian Oil Company 137,010 1,045,670
2 Saudi Arabian Oil Company 260,100 275,200
3 Petroleos de Venezuela.S.A. 211,170 178,860
4 Qatar General Petroleum Corporation 25,380 895,800
5 Iraq National Oil Company 115,000 119,940
6 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company 92,200 212,000
7 Kuwait Petroleum Corporation 101,500 63,000
You are right here is part of the article:-
link to haaretz.com
"An elephant and an ant will meet in Washington on Monday for a critical summit. But wait, who here is the elephant and who the ant? Who is the superpower and who the patronage state?
A new chapter is being written in the history of nations. Never before has a small country dictated to a superpower; never before has the chirp of the cricket sounded like a roar; never has the elephant resembled the ant - and vice versa. No Roman province dared tell Julius Caesar what to do, no tribe ever dreamed of forcing Genghis Khan to act in accordance with its own tribal interests. Only Israel does this. On Monday, when Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the White House, it will be hard to tell which one is the real leader of the world."
Given that Netanyahu's current rhetoric is too deadly and serious to ignore and uses up so much energy why would all bother if its just a bluff?
Can it be simply to smoke the Palestinian issue and the land grab? Has it been that way all along?
I am so sorry my friend you are the reason for this: "Ha! Ha! Ha! The American is so stupid. We use their own US AID to pay our own US media to get the candidates, senators and representatives we want in power so we can get our business done"
"The president has failed the Arab Spring, it's become the Arab Winter in too many respects," Romney said. "It's pretty straight forward in my view. If Barack Obama gets re-elected, Iran will have a nuclear weapon and the world will change if that's the case." "Syria is Iran's only Arab ally. It's also their route to the sea. It is also their route to arming Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is just going to attack Israel from Lebanon."
A major theme of Gingrich's campaign has been his intention to bring gas prices down to $2.50 a gallon by encouraging more offshore drilling and tapping into resources in Alaska.
OK. But then it surely must be in someones business interests for this crazy stuff to occur, some group must benefit? Defense? Oil? Does that make it worthwhile? Not to me.
Professor, Gentlemen, Ladies, all here is a convincing counter to the loonies, the vested interests, and the media, the challenge is to get the message out so that The President is not alone in dealing with the intense Israeli pressure in this coming week to support what would be another ME catastrophe.
Syria blames 'booby traps' for Red Cross Baba Amr delay
link to bbc.co.uk
typo 's
Presumably Mr Santorum's is a product of an alternative means of reproduction? Asexual? Non human?
"Santorum acknowledged" that Alice was "being absurd,"
I apologize to Rush in Wonderland
"I've a right to apologize," said Limbaugh sharply... "Just about as much right," said the Duchess, "as pigs have to fly."
I suppose if one had secretly gone over to "The Other Side" and needed to convince one's Partner of one's intent never to be intimate ever again with The Fairer Sex offending them all forever is the way to go.
What was that about pearls? Oh stupid me I need Wiki!
Well said!
"Iran, they say, has not launched a war since the 19th century; Israel has never been completely at peace."
link to economist.com
Dear Isobel I am referring to Syria, her recent spoken plans for supporting opposition militants there.
My thoughts are it is on route to bothering Iran more.
My wish is Syria and Iran are not meddled with as it only suits the oil business and Israel to disturb both in my opinion.
Another War is clearly in some groups interests.
In my experience only those in power, (e.g. President Obama) get direct access to the real intel, opposition, hopefuls, us, (inc me too now), get leftovers, leaks, and “The Best Money Can Buy” (Stratfor?), what we are being fed these days about Iran, Syria, Israel is clearly is someone’s business interests, not in The National Interest (methinks), so are the People expected to believe the rubbish and vote?
Vote for whose business interest?
Mrs Clinton appears to be on the warpath, even if its by remote control, why?
Peace = Ransom to Profit
link to guardian.co.uk
Now the plan is clear for the ME
Dante's No 8: Divide n Drill
One hopes the US Voters can tell the difference between The Simpsons and The Republican Debates? There is one isn't there?
LATimes is getting ready for The Oscars
'Super PAC' leaders profit from lack of oversight
link to latimes.com
link to spacewar.com
Defense industry at risk from slow demand
The U.S. defense industry, currently top of global rankings with a record $700 billion turnover in 2009, risks losing its pre-eminence due to slowing demand and growing competition from rivals in Asia and South America.
Warnings of an impending slump followed a spate of defense cutbacks in Europe, the end of U.S. combat role in Iraq and predictions of a drop in U.S. military procurement. The Obama administration's plans to cut $100 billion in Pentagon overhead from 2012-16 is also set to affect on the industry overall.
Personally I am saddened to be making disrespectful derogatory comments on the alarming trends towards another unnecessary war in the ME.
I have a whole lifetime of respect for the US as my freedom to wander the globe has been at the hands of the brave leveraged by the US committed so deeply in WW2.
Being just a kid I read the tales of bravery coming out of the Korean War like I was reading Tales of King Arthur. I am confused about Vietnam and how that went to pot.
But lines of democracy were drawn and even communism seems to have ended up sort of democratic these days.
Moneyed oil and religion seem to take things off the track, added to an information distribution system designed to convince Americans to buy the worst for the nicest reasons displayed by the prettiest people (product models not politicians!).
The world is sadly messed up since 9/11 and desperately needs the US to come to its senses to lead on to more peace and development not more business/Israeli inspired catastrophes.
How does the Professor’s thoughts and the learned Contributors messages get out to be heard by the Majority over the loud noises paid for by the Self Interested?
Professor, not intended for pub:
Was this the script of Ron Paul on an Israeli Muppet show? Nuts!
link to spectator.org
CNN Arizona GOP Debate Post-Mortem
By AARON GOLDSTEIN on 2.22.12 @ 10:56PM
“Paul may think he can be elected President but as long as he maintains his Tehran Ron posture he won't win. Whatever reservations the American public might have about going to war with Iran, the American public will not back someone who is an apologist for the Iranian regime.
Thank you Professor. You've reminded me of how wonderful the work is; I hadn't read any for about 50 years. I've always thought that the history of the US was only worth a busy afternoon compared to Asia Egypt Rome Greece China etc.
Mind my school was given a Royal Charter by Liz the first 500+ years ago.
What a pleasure to read the verses you post!
Changing the Israel hold the electoral vote is probably more difficult than was giving women the right to vote
Mitchell Bard, a former editor of AIPAC's Near East Report," Though the Jewish population in the United States is roughly six million, or a little over 2 % of the U.S. population, almost 90 percent live in twelve key electoral college states. "These states alone," writes Bard, "are worth enough electoral votes to elect the president."
Admiral Thomas Moorer, former Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, has spoken with blunt exasperation about the Jewish-Israeli hold on the United States:
“I've never seen a President -- I don't care who he is -- stand up to them [the Israelis]. It just boggles the mind. They always get what they want.
So a Loony attack on Iran is likely being on the Israel menu
AIPAC’s success is due to its ability to reward legislators
What a joke if this is US aid coming back full circle
Just a rip off kick back distribution system
link to en.wikipedia.org
University of Chicago professor John Mearsheimer and Harvard University Kennedy School of Government professor Stephen Walt. In the working paper and resulting book they accuse AIPAC of being "the most powerful and best known" component of a larger pro-Israel lobby that distorts American foreign policy. They write:
AIPAC's success is due to its ability to reward legislators and congressional candidates who support its agenda, and to punish those who challenge it. ... AIPAC makes sure that its friends get strong financial support from the myriad pro-Israel PACs. Those seen as hostile to Israel, on the other hand, can be sure that AIPAC will direct campaign contributions to their political opponents. ... The bottom line is that AIPAC, which is a de facto agent for a foreign government, has a stranglehold on the U.S. Congress. Open debate about U.S. policy towards Israel does not occur there, even though that policy has important consequences for the entire world.
The idea of anyone lobbing single or multiple nuclear warheads around in the Middle East seems to me to be about as ludicrous as a nuclear threat on Luxembourg!
Course one can be tested in the back garden at night no one will know!
But on the top of the World Trade Centre I had no idea that some Looneys would take it out and bankrupt me in my new business as a consequence.
My real concern is that the oil business doesn’t lead us all to mayhem, as lives do seem cheap on the path to profits.
I have yet to figure out where “Do Not Kill” comes in the Blasphemy pecking order in the religions; not high up enough for me!
The only sensible thing to do is to legally transfer the Dept of Defense to the Oil Industry. It will make the accounting and budgeting much easier and increase the profitability.
In a couple of years when there isn’t any blue on the map Israel will so secure and the Straits of Hormuz so safe we will all just watch baseball.
The big deal will be the Carbon Price and its impact on a gallon. Nice world eh?
Next The War Business will be floated.
War will just be a robotic computer game anyway.
Buy your Drone Credits here! Cheaply kill terrorists from the comfort of your own lounge. Quantity discounts.
Just for you Professor:-
Latest News!
UN Treaty Bans Aerial Bombing Worldwide!
Wall Street has worst Crash since 1930’s
US Government revokes Foreign Policy of: - We’ll Bomb You into liking Us
Iranian portable personal reactor eliminates the need for oil, fits in cars and boats too!
C/o BBC:
In World War II, the Allies dropped 3.4 million tons of bombs across Europe and Asia. In Vietnam, an incredible seven million tons were dropped on Indo-China.
The cost has also increased. In the second Gulf War, the US launched its wave of shock and awe against Iraq by firing 800 Tomahawk Cruise missiles over a period of just 48 hours.
Each one cost $0.5m. Today, a single Eurofighter Typhoon costs around £50m and the proposed Joint Strike Fighter is likely to come in at more than £100m each.
For entire campaigns, the scale of spending is staggering.
It is estimated that the war in Afghanistan has already cost the British taxpayer £18bn. And yet for all the sophistication of its military equipment, Nato's victory over an opponent armed with little more than Kalashnikovs and homemade bombs is far from certain.
Having the best weapons is usually decisive, but not always.
Saul David is Professor of War Studies at the University of Buckingham
South East Asia has plenty of examples of development and tolerance/co-existence these days; is it just because external interference has stopped/is less?
Excellent analysis; I agree completely, mind my school 55 years ago had a choice learn Latin or Greek or both!
But moving on, where is the Leadership Bridge to join common Arab greatness and assets into a Union to rival the EU and US? Still arguing over Religion doesn’t cut it.
How does the region get over The Hubris; The Squabbles; The Vengeances; The Jealousies, and forget The Grievances?
fyi: link to nationmultimedia.com
"Ronald Reagan spread weapons all around northern Pakistan"
During those times I stood outside the Pakistan Ordnance Factory and looked up at the mountains where the Sun should be and wondered why anyone would bother to fight in clearly the most hostile environment on earth, mindful of my own country's foolishness there two hundred years before.
I am a first born of the Long Range Desert Group/SAS so got to be sent to warn folks bombs would go being off in place; check about rifles n sell missiles; blackmail counties into honesty n stuff.
In these times I wonder how countries, tribes, religious groups, get to dominate policies and cause wars and deaths through insurrections about poppies, oil, and versions of religion tied to wealth, and, who decides the right and wrong of a cause? Not the UN for sure.
The Groups doing the spend/pushing/insurrection only amount to a small city size and many of the countries only have populations the size of a large city.
Modern morality/ethics seem have lost ground so who decides who is right or wrong or is it just those to benefit?
How big/rich does the tail have to be to wag the dog?
Surely the blockade of Iran enough to cause food hardships is a dangerous push beyond reason.
Is the real danger of nuclear the threat to oil?
"Today, we see this in the myopia that plagues most Western news reporting and analysis from the Muslim world."
Plane by Taxis to Hotel and to crisis and back home to report, a’la 1840s, French novelist Gustave Flaubert from the Champs-Élysées re Cairo.
Thirty years ago I was in Cario every month loved it and the folks I met there, pained by the current troubles and wish them good ASAP.
I have lived in the "Muslim World" by choice for the last 30 years; all I see is the fodder from the West for rise in the power of fundamentalism.
Islamic Women! Give me a break! Been in 50 countries women are women - all from a different planet anyway!
9/11 broke me financially, I had just put all my money in a UK travel business; but worse it seems to have broken the US's ability to accurately define the enemy and how to attack/defeat them. 15/19 Saudi origins beats me too, methinks groups pressing their version of their religion seem afoot on deadly business not whole counties with hosts of innocents. So, a follow up of a nuts selfish attack by Israel only serves some interests not the whole and makes a huge mess for everyone. Jaw Jaw not War War - get Iran benefiting from terrorist suppression/elimination. Saudi beats me too - how deep is the oil business complicit? And in what? Just oil? Israel? Version of Islam?
"a sort of monster, in my view" Mine too!
The Monsters are Armchair Warriors who's businesses benefit from others dying
Well what a surprise! I wonder which country has always been at war? Does the US need to be at war to make the economy work now? Watch out Iran they are looking for an excuse. And which ones just buys arms to subsidize other economies? Imagine what Saudis will do with advanced jets, Oman too.