American Foreign Policy have been highjacked by AIPAC & a known liar Netanyahu.
On one hand USA can go to wars to safe guard Israeli interest, on the other USA is so helpless that it cannot even Israel postponed to build illegal settlements on the occupied territories. On this subject, Netanyahu has put a dagger in the back of Obama more than once.
One of the causes of America’s down fall will be the undue influence of AIPAC & Israel.
john caddidy
“Just because the US and USSR managed to last decades w/o blowing each other off the face of the Earth doesn’t mean others will be so lucky.”
Others are not that stupid to wipe each other off the face of the earth.
If Sadam had the Bomb, a million Iraqi’s would not have been killed by telling lies upon lies by the axis of three evils.
The only way out in the present situation without having a nuclear capability if China also anchors its aircraft carrier with nukes at Bandar Abbas or any other Iran port. It is not that only USA & the west has its interest in the region, China’s interest is also growing in the same region by the day.
USA can with hold the UNESCO funds. It is no big deal anymore.
World has changed & changing rapidly. BRIC countries & other rising powers can foot the bill.
The old world order is changing. While the west is falling apart, BRIC countries & many others are rising rapidly.
The cold war, that was the glue to keep the west united, is showing the signs of wear & tear. There is no greater a purpose to remain united. In the long run, the end of cold war is not that good for the west to hold together.
Time is approaching fast when China will be in the forefront to resolve the world problems. It is just a matter of time.
Tribute to Steve Jobs from Islamic community of America written by Dr. Azhar Qader:
"AA
Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
President Obama
Mr. Apple. He was a household name. He was a gifted genius. He was a powerful communicator. He was a tremendous innovator. A fierce fighter who bounced back from each fall. A show man who knew how to shine on a stage. A brilliant mind ahead of the times.
From iMacs to iPads he gave us both toys to play and tools to perform. The gifts he gave us have now become the gifts we cherish and love. What better way to honor his memory than to better use the goods he gifted us all."
“The sovereign nation of Pakistan is engaging in hostile acts against the United States and our ally Afghanistan that must cease. I will leave it up to the experts, but if the experts believe that we need to elevate our response, they will have a lot of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill…”
What Lindsey Graham is saying is that Afghanistan is an ally, but Pakistan is just a sovereign state. He did not use word ally for Pakistan. It is Pakistan whose military personnel have been died much more on this war of terror than other countries.
China has replied at two different occasions to Americans with similar opinion as of “Dr. Strange Love” about Pakistan.
1. Pakistan is our Israel
2. Attack on Pakistan will be construed an attack on China.
Third point Professor Cole has pointed out that Pakistan is a nuclear power.
In the light of these facts, Mr. Graham’s rhetoric is no more than just rhetoric.
“Moreover, for the Egyptian transition to democracy to succeed, it is important that the US and Europe be supportive,” Says Professor Cole.
Would you shed some light professor Cole, how much the US and Europe does not want democracy to succeed in Egypt.
How much democracy in Egypt is against the interest of the US & Europe?
As Democracy in Iran & Chile was not in the best interest of the powers at the time.
"China offered Qaddafi Armaments in midst of war" and it is a news since China is involved.
Last time India & Pakistan had about a million man army facing each other at their borders. Guess who was trying to sell arms to INDIA worth a billion dollars. Tony Blair of Britain.
Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh is not a fool. He refused Tony Blair's offer.
So, if China was trying to sell arms to Ghadafi, it should not be so surprising.
During the last days of Bush & Cheney administration, I was taking a group of people to Kenya. I asked the hotels to quote me their rates. To my surprise & shock, one hotel from the remote area of Kenya quoted me their rates in Euros. I was astonished. The hotel was not accepting mighty US$.
A week ago, some hotels in Brazil raised their rates, my supplier tells me. Reason, value of dollar has gone down.
About 25 years ago, Brazil used to adjust its exchange rate with dollar every 10 to 12 months. At that time, it had few super rich and the masses poor.
Now Brazil, Turkey and many other developing countries has a large number of middle class while in the US middle class is shrinking.
Just printing large amounts of dollar bills will not do any good for a long time; many other countries have tried it & failed.
Nothing justifies killing, 10 to 15 million innocent black people. Christian King Leopold II turned Congo in the killing fields just as the other Christian Nazi dictator Hitler did. Hitler might have thought that he will also get away like the Butcher of Belgium King Leopold II.
1908-1960 Annexed by Belgium, rule by Belgian Parliament
Belgians plundered & looted the natural resources of the country as all other colonial powers. What Belgians did for the poor Congolese? Nothing, absolutely nothings just as Portuguese in Mozambique. They left the country dirt poor after plundering it for 475 years.
1960-65 Civil War
1965-96 Mobutu dictatorship
Here you are omitting who killed Patrice Lumumba, a democratically elected president of Congo, and who brought Mobutu in power just as Pinochet of Chile. Who kept Mobutu in power just as Marcos of The Philippines?
Mubarak was also our darling for more than 30 years. Thanks to the Youth of Egypt, he is on trial. “W” will never be tried as Dr. Cole is pointing out in today’s blog.
1996- Civil war and regional warlordism.
Many countries had civil wars for different reasons. USA had its own civil war.
Anti Gaddafi, forces have lost all the places they had captured to the superior power of Gaddafi.
West and Arab league will just give lip service for how to help anti Gaddafi forces. In the meantime, they will lose even Benghazi. Just keep your feet dragging.
The bottom line and simple reason not to help is ”Democracy in the Islamic countries is not in the best interest of the west or the allies of the west in the middle east.”
The Omagh bombing, a Para military car bombing of IRA killed 29 people in, considered the worst killing by IRA, injuring around 220 others.
The people killed were Protestants, Catholics, children’s, a pregnant woman with twins two Spanish tourists & other tourists of different nationalities.
That is what Peter King was supporting.
He should be tried by British, Irish and Spanish courts.
The Economist of Feb.12-18 issue on page 28 has a chart with a heading “Potential for unrest in the Arab world”. It has names of 17 countries. That did not surprise me.
However, the thing that is surprising & gave me the biggest laugh of the day when down the line from the top I read 5th name in the list, “Iraq”.
After spending billions of dollars, sacrificing over 4000 American, more than 100, 000 Iraqi lives & creating around 5 million Iraqi refugees, Iraq still remains number 5 on potential for unrest list, hungry for democratic change like Tunisia & Egypt.
Why Iraq is not an Island of peace, prosperity & tranquility? It should be an island of democracy in the midst of all this Middle East turmoil. However, it is not.
It shows how miserably Bush, Blair, Cheney & Rumsfeld have failed in bringing democracy in the Middle East on the barrel of the gun.
1. Army saying it will not fire on the Egyptian people.
2. Netanyahu asking Europeans & Americans to keep Mubarak in power.
According To American News Media, Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Look at the hypocrisy the only democracy is asking other democracies to keep Egyptian dictator in power.
I copy the following from the article by John Leyne of BBC.
“27 January 2011 Last updated at 09:28 ET
Egypt protests: Can Mubarak be toppled?
By Jon Leyne BBC News, Cairo
The military, the West, and many powerful and rich people here have a big investment in keeping President Mubarak, or at least ensuring an orderly transition to another leader friendly to the West and to business.”
It says it all. How west would like to keep Mubarak in power. The same west & western Media that complains about the Arab & Islamic world not to have Democracy, Freedom of Speech, Equal rights, Corruption, Education & so much more.
One demonstrator brought an empty canister of tear gas to Al-Jazera TV reporter in Cairo & showed him, it was clearly marked “Made in America”. How the Arab masses kept in line by America.
Democracy all over Islamic world is just not good for either America or the west. It always looks good when west complains that there is no democracy, but behind the scenes west does not want democracy.
Al-Jazeera has reported live from Cairo:
1. Security police has disappeared from the streets of Cairo.
2. Mubarak was supposed to address the nation more than 5 hours ago. Has not done so yet.
3. Curfew has been imposed all over the country. Protesters are ignoring it.
4. Army has been deployed on the streets of Cairo & other cities. Army have been welcomed by the protesters. Army is not firing on the protesters.
5. Protesters are not burning cars or busses. They are not destroying public property.
With all this, it appears that Mubarak is packing his suitcases to leave for Saudi Arabia or to be airlifted by American forces to a safe haven.
Here goes another American lifetime friend like Shah of Iran.
Mr. Baradi is back & saying he has to be with his people.
Now opposition has someone to rally around.
General atmosphere will get much hot before it cools down.
I hope US; UK & MI6 do not interfere on the pretext that all the demonstrations are due to Islamic Fundamentalism. They have to save 30-year-old Egyptian democracy under Mubarak. (As all three of them try to destroy Hamas to restore PA in Gaza Strip).
Adam Albrett says:
“What has happened in South Africa and what is happening in Belgium is not very encouraging.”
Thanks for the long comment.
I know what King Leopold has done in Belgian Congo during his reign of terror, but I do not know what Belgians are doing at present time. Would you please be kind enough to write about it or provide a link so I know what they are holding in their sleeve at present?
JSBE:
History of Iran does not start from 1979, with the Islamic revolution.
Iran was the first democracy in the Middle East, but it was not the liking of UK & USA, so the government of Iran was overthrown by the UK & USA. The resulting revolution of 1979 is the direct consequence what the lovers of democracy did in Iran in 1953.
If Iran starts obeying orders from London & Washington today, no matter what kind of government Iran has, no one will complain.
I never hear from the lovers of democracy what kind of democracy Iran has during dictatorial kingdom of Shah of Iran that west created and supported for quarter of a century.
Democracy everywhere is not in the best interest of the west. West has destroyed democracies many places & brought dictators like Pinochet of Chile, General Armah of Guatemala & Mobuto Sisiseko of Zaire to name a few. It is easy to bribe a single dictator than the whole country under a democracy.
I hope to see a democratic Tunisia like present day Turkey. I wish them all the best.
Fredricka Whitfield, CNN Anchor lady from 1 PM on Sunday just announced while showing a pictures of Tunisia demonstrations, you should watch 5 PM what is happening in Tunisia because it directly effects what you “Pay at the Gas Station”.
Finally, CNN has figured out that it will affect the pocket of American public so it has become a news item. If it does not hurt your pocket, it is no news. I turned the TV off in disgust.
Demonstrations, democracy or dictatorship does not mean anything until American news media demonize, humanize, or figured out that it will affects the pocket of an American.
Recently, during a documentary on CNN about Taliban, the Norwegian journalist was asked by host Anderson Cooper, you are “Humanizing” them after a scene in which Taliban leader was playing with his son & daughter, about 3 & 5 year old respectively.
In May of 2005, a young blonde girl was mysteriously disappeared on the tiny Island of Aruba. Fox news stationed Greta Van Susteren on the Island to give live reports for almost six months. (How an American can disappear in Aruba, because it never happens in the USA)
What happened in Tunisia, CNN just could not dehumanize “Islamic Terrorists” & since no American Blonde was involved so for FOX News, it was of no importance to cover.
PBS, as “P” stands for “Public”, did good job to inform the Public.
While the American news media & US, UK governments shout that in many Muslim countries press is not free, it is government control, so what is the difference when American free news media does not report what happened in Tunisia. Who is controlling the so-called free news media?
American news media stands shoulder to shoulder where the government controls the news media.
“When we’ve all internalized these two values championed by Rev. King, the United States of America and the world will be better places.” Professor Cole.
Indeed.
I would like to add one more non-violence method of fight that was led by Qaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, against British during undivided India.
He fought with British in their courts with their laws, their books & won. British were never able to come up with any charges against him to arrest him and put him in jail. He was the only leader in India unlike others; British could not lay hands on him.
I think one should remind Sen. Graham, how often people of Okinawa protest against US base there. They want US out from there.
In addition, the other place Sen. Graham should know what happened to US Naval base at Subic Bay in the Philippines. Who air lifted Marcos to Hawaii? There were no Pathan or Pushtoon tribes there.
It was almost the repeat of Khomeini revolution in the Philippines.
1. Do you think if Basque terrorist organization adopt no violence policy of Gandhi & Martin Luther King against Spain, the world opinion will turn against Spain and Basque terrorist organization will get a piece of Spain that they want as an independent country.
2. Similarly if IRA terrorists also follow Gandhi & martin Luther King’s footsteps, Britain would relinquish to IRA?
Look, in desperation what other prominent people have said:
Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death. Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775. An American Hero.
Mr. Nelson Mandela said “But, my lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die ....”
During Vietnam War, many monks dowsed themselves with gasoline & burned to death. At least one Vietnam Vet also did the same in 1965 on the steps of the Capitol, in Washington, DC.
What was the act of Japanese Kama kazi pilots? If they did not have planes, I am sure they would have done the same what Palestinians are doing now.
Recently, during a documentary made by a Norwegian Journalist about Taliban that was shown on CNN, Anderson cooper asked the Norwegian journalist that he is “Humanizing” Taliban.
It dawned on me that CNN is not a news media outlet, but an outlet to Dehumanize & Humanize as they please.
Almost every mighty power once thought that they are invincible, but anything that goes up eventually comes down.
One can survive longer with peace, harmony & prosperity not always with bombs and long sticks. Eventually losers do get as sophisticated, deadly & lethal arms & ammunition as the winners have. One just cannot prevent not to happen that.
Once many mighty are merely mentioned only in the footnotes of history.
Oh! How the world has changed. It is amazing & mind boggling.
The small area that you are showing in this map of UAE & Qatar, just 30 years ago, no one cared to know where it is located, now is a prestigious stop for world airlines & travelers alike. Among worlds 10 best airlines in the year of 2009 & 2010, three are from this tiny area. While 30 years ago no European airline used to stop in this geographical area, now airlines of this area are bypassing full Europe on way to UAE & Qatar on their non-stop flights from north & South America. One can ski year round in Dubai no matter what the outside temperature, while you cannot do this activity in Colorado or Banff year round.
It boosts the tallest building in the world & nowhere else but here you can buy Gold through the ATM machine.
While this area has made so much progress, still American TV newsmen cannot pronounce Qatar, their pronunciation is Gutter. It is equally amazing.
Churchill proudly said that he drew few lines on a napkin over a cup of tea, that way he created the country of Jordan.
British drew Balfour, Durand line & others. Divided Punjab & Bengal at the time of Indian Partition. Allocated Kashmir to India with Muslim majority area. Gave Palestine to the people those were not even from that area & uprooted the native.
While drawing a map of a country on a napkin or dividing areas by arbitrary lines without the consideration of the local political conditions or dividing the families, tribes & customs, thinking people have to follow what they have created. This way British left big swath of problems or intentionally created them, as they are famously known for “Divide & rule”.
On the other hand, when USSR divided Berlin by their wall, why Americans & Europeans did not accept it as a way of life? Why British & NATO are complaining that Afghans should observe an artificial border between Afghanistan & Pakistan? Country drawn on a napkin also has porous borders as the pours of a napkin.
If someone divides London like Berlin, would the Londoners accept the division?
If you look back closely US history of last 50 years, it will show whoever supports US interest or more beneficial to US interest, US will support that regime.
1. For thirty years, US did not even recognize mainland China. When Nixon realized China would be much better business wise, US dumped Democratic Taiwan in favor of communist China. American Embassy moved to Beijing from Taipei.
2. US toppled democratic governments namely of Guatemala, Chili & Iran to name just a few. Brought dictators those created hell in those countries. Those dictators supported by the USA killed thousands of innocent people. Does USA really care about democracy?
3. Similarly, dictators were overthrown like Sadam Hussain & Noriega of Panama after they no longer listen to Washington, one in the name of democracy other on drug charges.
If Maliki goes a little bit too much of course, what Washington likes, any false charges could be labeled against him, just as Bush & company invented WMD, and he will be overthrown covertly or overtly in no time.
It appears that the mantra of Democracy, democracy, democracy is no more than the fig leaf to fool the world.
Turkey lost the war to allied forces. British & allied forces tried to gobble down Turkey by dividing it into several parts as piece meal, as shown in the post war map.
It is amazing how Kamal Ataturk, in such a short time, drove out everyone from mainland Turkey. That is a real Conquesta. It did not take Turkey 781 years like Spain to take back its territory. In comparison to Turkey, Spanish conquesta looks like a fallacy.
A thief always thinks others are also thieves like him.
A criminal always thinks others are criminals like him.
Peter King, a long time supporter of IRA that killed many innocent British & others, think that Muslims are criminals like him supporting Al-Qaida.
Professor Cole is correct in pointing out that Peter King is on a witch-hunt & in his zeal may bring Spanish inquisition of 1492.
Peter King, a supporter of IRA should not be given a post in homeland security. He could demolish many basic rights & liberties of law-abiding people of this country.
Glen Beck & many similar elks have to be stopped by shoving facts & figures in their faces against the venom they are spewing day in & day out against the Islamic world & the USA, their own government.
Your last remark, in what category Glen falls himself, was a great stoke of pen. We admire your courage to stand up against these bigots.
During the dark ages of Europe, (while it was Islam’s Golden Age) European Christians use to blame everything on Jews. Like the great plague of Europe was blamed on Jews and because of that entire communities of Jews were slaughtered and wiped out. Similarly, the majority of European Christians blamed several other things on European Jews over the period.
As I see it, Muslims are in the dark ages at present; hence, the shark attacks has to be blamed on Jews.
However, Israel has exposed itself a lot during the last war that brought un-proportionate death and destruction in Lebanon and the attack on humanitarian aid flotilla for Gaza, killing several unarmed civilians. This behavior of Israel has increased anti-Semitic feelings in Europe much more than few years ago.
MikeL: - You are absolutely correct in your assessment how the mighty and powerful think.
People, those built Pyramids, thought exactly same since no one has built such a structure before. Same way British thought that sun will never set on their mighty empire.
If Washington will not make sound judgment, keeping its interest 1st than Jerusalem’s, it will go downhill very fast like USSR.
No. As there were Warsaw Ghetto uprisings, there are Gaza uprisings against Israel.
However, when people of Gaza stand against Israel and are killed by Israeli gunships they are labeled as "Terrorists" by the Israeli & so-called free news media.
Every powerful nation thinks that they can manipulate things any way they like.
It is 1588; British at the sea put Spanish invincibility to rest. Later British thought sun will never set on their empire. Alas, their days of glory are long gone; the sun hardly rises on British Isles.
The lonely super power cannot wage wars on borrowed money too long. If correct decisions are not made, there are long precipices on every side; those will take us downwards faster than any rollercoaster.
Central and south America is no longer backyard of USA. Emerging & reemerging powers are catching up fast. Some may over take the powers of today, sooner than many analysts predict.
No one has ruled Afghans ever. They are the most hardy & free spirited people. They have proved it over & over in their long history with the foreign invaders.
British & Soviets came with all their modern weapons & tanks; I do not think USA can do any better.
Many politicians & reporters like David Broder still think that other countries are Banana Republics. Time has changed. There are many immerging & reemerging economies & regional powers. One has to readjust to the realities of the present time.
Many countries are producing their own arms & ammunitions besides cars, tractors & many other things. Business of arms sales will also decrease.
For powerful countries, a time to live and let live is approaching fast. Israel cannot live on war footing all the time. It has to compromise to live peacefully. Nether USA can police the world all the time.
In comparing the video clips, The Tennessee Taliban seems more vicious. He almost killed the poor woman by putting & pressing her head by his dirty shoe & weight.
Yeah, you have to blame the camera angle.
You are no Angel; it was a vicious attack by a Christian Taliban in Tennessee.
David Darman says
In one case the act is in sync with social norms.
With your reasoning David, I believe you will agree the atrocities committed by KKK & lynching was the social norm in the USA. The two social evils lasted much longer in the USA than the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Professor Cole has already explained that beating women in Afghanistan is not the norm.
Luca says:
How would any of us feel (and for that matter how would Obama feel) about declaring the US as a “homeland for the Anglo-Saxon people”, or a “white and democratic”.
Lucas, you do not have to go too far in US history. From the inception of this country in 1776 to 1964, this country was exactly what you are saying, that is “white and democratic”.
Until 1964 blacks has no right to vote & before that white women had no right to vote either. Dr. King would not have made his famous speech “I have a Dream”; there was no need to have Civil Rights Movement either if blacks had same rights as whites.
Mr. Obama is the first non-white president that is why some far right whites are having difficult time to comprehend “The Change”.
Watson says: “Believers should be allowed to vote, but religion should be treated like alcohol, gambling, and fatty foods – permitted but frowned on. The government should run ads discouraging religion similar to those discouraging smoking.”
What would have you done Watson, if any of the following Clergymen would have been elected President of the United States of America:
Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister.
Reverend Jesse Jackson ran for president on the Democratic ticket in 1984 and 1988.
John Ashcroft, with heavy Pentecostal background ... ran unsuccessfully to be the 2004 Democratic nominee for U.S. President...
Pat Robertson, television evangelist, ex-Baptist minister and businessman who espouses American Christian Right political views. What he has said about Haiti earthquake?
White House will be full of smoke & religion. What edict these mullahs will use to run USA government?
What name would you give to American democracy, if any preacher becomes the president of USA?
Sigil says, “If Islam can’t be spread at the point of a sword, what were the armies of Islam doing in southern France mere decades after The Prophet died?”
Yes, armies fought wars, but Muslim armies were not allowed to slaughter innocent men, women & children. There were set Islamic laws of engagement. No sneak attacks as pointed out by Professor Cole few days back.
Muslim armies fought the battles but did not spread Islam by the sword unlike Christianity as in all over Latin America by Jesuit priests, Bible in one hand & gun in the other. Spain was conquered on the invitation of Spanish governor of King Roderick to take revenge because king has seduced the governor’s daughter.
After the conquest of Spain, it happened for the first time in the history of mankind that the Muslim armies did not slaughtered the general public of the Iberian Peninsula; instead, Jazzia tax was levied on them according to Islamic Law. This tax gave them the liberty to practice their religion, keep their property, customs & their way of life. This Jazzia tax exempted them to join the Muslim armies to fight the enemies of Islam.
It was this practice that within next two hundred years the whole Andalusia had majority of Muslims. It was this treatment of non-Muslims that brought them in droves to convert to Islam. Islamic culture and Arabic language became the lingua franca of the time. (Replacing Latin Language of Visigoths) Just one library of Qurtaba (Cordoba) has around 800,000 books, while all the libraries of Europe combined could not produce more than few hundred books. This is the time in European history known as The Dark Ages of Europe, while Andalusia was the ‘Ornament of the world” under Muslims & Islamic laws.
Professor Maria Rosa Menocal explains in her book “The Ornament of the world,” how Muslims, Jews & Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain.
Modern day Freedom of Religion, Liberty & Tolerance of different religions is not the creation of modern day Europe or America, It was practiced by Muslims for nearly 800 years in Al Andalus starting from A.D. 711.
“And from a purely rational perspective, Islamic governments throughout history and today; Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Yemen, Somalia, etc., etc., etc.; create forced conversions and quite oppressive conditions for their citizens.”
Warren, you must be listening too much to either Glen Beck or Rush.
Have you ever lived in any Muslim country that you are accusing off forced conversion?
I have met quite a few Americans, after completing their Ph D in Islamic studies, theology, Fiqh and Hadis, converted to Islam. Who forced them to study Islam for years? No one. Who forced them to convert? No one. It is all by their own FREE WILL. If you like, you can verify by calling University of Arizona, Islamic Department.
Despite all this negative publicity by Islamophobes, still so many times you read, “Islam is the fastest growing religion in the USA.”
It is not by forced conversion, but by studying & understanding Islam & Quran.
Who forced Muhammad Ali, Karim Abdul Jabbar, Malcolm X & many, many more to convert to Islam?
About 2 years ago, one Swiss legislature fought tooth & nails against Mosque minarets. After referendum was passed against mosque minarets, he converts to Islam. Now he has vowed to build the biggest mosque in Switzerland. Who forced him to convert?
"If I live long enough I will eventually write on all this." Juan Cole
Professor Cole, May God give you long life & strength to write a book on this subject, Amen summa Amen.
I can hardly wait for your book to read. As I can see, many people will benefit & learn so much from your book. We badly need your book on this subject.
Russian leaders think first about what’s good for Russia. American leaders instead think first about what’s good for Israel, which is a sign of continued American decay.
Frankly, I don’t think that this is true…
I think it is more than true.
President Regan was asked during AIPAC fund raising dinner, “What he will do for Israel”, not NY or America. US has used 79 times veto against Israel resolutions in the United Nations.
During the first Gulf War, money was never a problem. During that war, never herd President asking congress to approve billions of dollars for any aspect of the war. Same is true for Iran Contra war also.
Bush Senior was bringing democracy to Kuwait, & Saudis were footing the bill.
This time money has really become the problem since it is going from US treasury for the war of choice, chosen by Bush Jr, Tony Blair & lied to the public. Money has start pinching every one.
Many times “loan money” given to many countries with many strings attached with hefty interest rate is normally called “AID”. Just call it loan that is what it is. Why is it called AID?
If it is just aid then why every third world country is under the burden of Billions of dollars of debt?
It is not in the interest of America or Israel, so America will not do it.
However, time is approaching fast for such a possibility. Pretty soon, we will be seeing Chinese navy and aircraft carriers and air defense systems, many places around the globe, certainly in the Middle Ease. Most likely place to start with; "Persian Gulf."
Most of the senators & congressional representatives are bought by the AIPAC or Israel. American interest is secondary to them, first comes Israel, without Israeli support their political life will be over in the next election.
In this respect, most glaring example that comes to my mind is Chuck Percy of Illinois. To defeat Senator Percy, Jewish money was poured in from California & other places.
Viiit:
Israel never kills in Cold Blood. Israel kills in self-defense.
This time may be Lebanese shot in self-defense. If you need an inquiry, Lebanese will do its own investigation just as Israel did investigation after killing nine Turkish nationals.
But, Professor Cole, would you please shed some light what the American embassy’s function will be in Baghdad that took a Billion Dollars to build? How far reaching tentacles this embassy has? In addition, what about 13 bases would do those came in the news quite few times.
Turkish relations with Indonesia are also getting closer.
Hurriyet Daily News of Ankara, Turkey is reporting that Turkish & Indonesian nationals will no longer require Visa to visit each other’s countries.
I would love to see same kind of relations between many other Muslim countries. Most of all one voice & Unity among Muslim countries, 1.5 Billion strong.
Kathleen: Thanks for the video link. It will go around to many people.
Fox & CNN has spent more time on an unresolved 5 year old murder case in Aruba than what Israel did against the aid flotilla, killing 1 American & 9 Turkish innocent people.
Rachel Meadows, Keith & others totally ignored the since killing was done by Israel.
It really shows how much our FREE MEDIA is FREE.
Thanks Professor Juan, by bring things in correct prospective, that the big MEDIA is afraid to present.
As Prime Minister Erdogan has said he will send Turkish Navy ships to escort the next flotilla of Aid ships to break the Gaza siege.
I think he should do it for the following reasons:
If Israeli commandos shoot Turkish Ships, Turkey being a NATO member should be helped by other NATO members according to NATO charter. (USA & Canada are NATO members). If NATO members do not help Turkey, what Turkey’s membership is worth? It is worthless.
Mr. Erdogan should quit NATO. He will be a much bigger hero. He should form Islamic alliance starting with Turkey, Iran & Pakistan. NATO countries will have no face to accuse Iran, if Iran chooses to come out off IAEA, since NATO did not abide by its own rules by not standing with Turkey.
Other Muslim countries should join Islamic alliance from Morocco to Indonesia. 52 Islamic countries, 1.5 billion strong, should have one voice, one platform, one agenda.
It can change the world politics. Economically, socially & politically. Muslim blood will have value. It will not be as easy to spill as it is now.
Gaza should be liberated. The blood of Rachel Corrie, the AID & freedom activists & others should not go in vain.
I was watching Tony Harris interviewing Greta Berlin in a very subdued voice on the subject of 9 to 19 peace activists killed by Israeli commandos after they invaded Turkish ship carrying Aid items to Gaza strip people. Every question of Tony Harris was Israel said this, Israel said this, Israel said this, Israel said this & Israel said this, what you say to this.
After she said something like you are using Israeli talking points. The sudden change in attitude, mood and anger in the voice of CNN Anchor Tony Harris, gave me the biggest laugh & anger of the day in the middle of a very serious topic.
I am so glad Greta what you said. Tony Harris should use his own mind, not the talking points of Israel or AIPAC.
Whether it is USS Liberty bombed by Israeli planes killing 34 American sailors, or Rachel Corrie is bulldozed by Israeli Army bulldozer or an American killed by Israeli commandoes on a civilian unarmed aid flotilla of ships, unless Israel is held accountable by American public, Israel will continue killing Americans & others, each time it will be more embolden to do any crime.
American public should demand their Senators & congressmen for remaining silent & doing nothing against Israel. By their silence it appears they have sold their soul, they are not working for America but act as an agent of another country.
In the long term it is not good either for America or Israel itself. It looks both are following the footsteps of the Pharaoh & both know the end result.
Professor Cole:
When Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, USA & Britain & some other countries helped the mujahidin to fight against Soviets, and eventually soviets have to withdraw from Afghanistan.
Is it possible that Russians are helping the afghan insurgents to fight against Coalition and American forces in Afghanistan to get even with Americans? Would you please shed some light on this subject?
Since the creation of Israel, things have changed quite a bit. The blind faith & support for Israel is not good either for USA or for Israel itself. Israel will fail in subjugating Palestinians as others have failed e.g. South Africans apartheid regime for blacks or king Leopold in Angola and many others.
Once Reverend Desmond Tutu remarked after his of west bank, South Africans did not do to us this bad as Israel doing to Palestinians.
Watch Dr Norman Finkelstein utube clip on the blind faith of Israel. It is eye opening video for those who have their heads buried in sand.
“Yes, we left the Philippines, but ask the Japanese how easy it is to get the US to leave, no matter how strongly the locals want the bases to be gone…Helen Marshall says:”
Yes, we left the Philippines but under what circumstances? When west talks about their leaving from many places they simply say we left such & such place. West leaves out many words like left “Unceremoniously.”
The conditions in Philippines were uncontrollable by either their own military power or by the help of US forces. In the end US just not evacuated the base but have to airlift out Dictator Marcos also, who was ruling for the last 30 years? If US would have not left, I was afraid things may have turned as ugly as what happened in Iran few years ago. US did not want to lose Iran on one side and Philippine on the other side of the Globe.
It always makes me laugh when I read “British left India.” Churchill has said having India makes British 1st rate empire & loss of India makes British power third rate. Do you thing British left India to become 3rd rate power?
It was the circumstances that compelled British to leave incongruously. In similar circumstances US will leave Okinawa.
“In the absence of empire, the US can only hope to remain influential in the world by being a good and trusted friend to others and being seen to abide by and champion international law” according to professor Juan Cole.
Professor Cole, you are absolutely correct that USA was never an empire like British, Spanish or French those plundered the resources of their colonies. British looted India so much & liked the word loot to the extent that they even took the word “Loot” with them and added it in the English vocabulary.
Though USA is not an empire as others but USA according to Stephen Kinzer has supported every dictator around the globe in the last 50 years. USA has poked its nose in so many places that USA Flag has been burned so often so many places than anyone else. Though we advocate and beat drums of democracy, USA & our poodle Britain has overthrown democratically elected governments like in Iran, Chile & Guatemala to name a few. USA has gone to war to restore kingdoms as in the case of Kuwait.
Again according to Stephen Kinzer, Middle East map & politics would have been looked much different if Dr. Mussaddiq’s democratically elected government would have not over thrown by CIA agent Kermit Roosevelt & British intelligent.
I do not think US will get out of Iraq after spending so much on the military bases and building the largest fortified Castle in the form of an Embassy that cost over a BILLION Dollars. Most likely Iraqis will be kept straight with the barrel of a gun for a long time to come.
Taliban has eradicated poppy cultivation from Afghanistan, the fact reported by various news media outlets at the time.
At one time India was the biggest producer of opium under mighty British Raj, they even fought opium wars with China to put them under the spell of opium & British make money & lots of money. USA is fighting unending drug war in Colombia for the last almost half a century. Now US & British troops are in Afghanistan & poppy cultivation is back. One cannot hide Poppy fields like the ever elusive WMDS in Iraq or Osama in Tora Bora mountains.
It is very easy to put blame that warlords are making money, but the real question is this who is making the “real Money?” During Vietnam War, it was widely believed that narcotics were shipped by Air America, a clandestine arm of CIA.
The economies of “PIGS” countries (Portugal, Italy, Greece & Spain) are bad as news media is reporting & some are saying Mighty British economy is also into doldrums. The British Empire on which sun never used to set, alas, the time has changed so much that now sun hardly rises on Little Britain. I wonder if little Britain & CIA are behind in Afghan opium trade to support the war efforts in Afghanistan & Iraq.
May be, one day, when Unocal Oil Pipe Line from Turkmenistan to Gwadar in Pakistan is complete & start generating money the poppy field of Afghanistan will disappear. And may be Hamid Karzai, if he survives that long, will be our real friend.
Why Sadam Husain was not turned over to International Criminal Court?
Why west do not want to see a similar Kangaroo court in Libya?
American Foreign Policy have been highjacked by AIPAC & a known liar Netanyahu.
On one hand USA can go to wars to safe guard Israeli interest, on the other USA is so helpless that it cannot even Israel postponed to build illegal settlements on the occupied territories. On this subject, Netanyahu has put a dagger in the back of Obama more than once.
One of the causes of America’s down fall will be the undue influence of AIPAC & Israel.
john caddidy
“Just because the US and USSR managed to last decades w/o blowing each other off the face of the Earth doesn’t mean others will be so lucky.”
Others are not that stupid to wipe each other off the face of the earth.
If Sadam had the Bomb, a million Iraqi’s would not have been killed by telling lies upon lies by the axis of three evils.
The only way out in the present situation without having a nuclear capability if China also anchors its aircraft carrier with nukes at Bandar Abbas or any other Iran port. It is not that only USA & the west has its interest in the region, China’s interest is also growing in the same region by the day.
USA can with hold the UNESCO funds. It is no big deal anymore.
World has changed & changing rapidly. BRIC countries & other rising powers can foot the bill.
The old world order is changing. While the west is falling apart, BRIC countries & many others are rising rapidly.
The cold war, that was the glue to keep the west united, is showing the signs of wear & tear. There is no greater a purpose to remain united. In the long run, the end of cold war is not that good for the west to hold together.
Time is approaching fast when China will be in the forefront to resolve the world problems. It is just a matter of time.
Tribute to Steve Jobs from Islamic community of America written by Dr. Azhar Qader:
"AA
Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
President Obama
Mr. Apple. He was a household name. He was a gifted genius. He was a powerful communicator. He was a tremendous innovator. A fierce fighter who bounced back from each fall. A show man who knew how to shine on a stage. A brilliant mind ahead of the times.
From iMacs to iPads he gave us both toys to play and tools to perform. The gifts he gave us have now become the gifts we cherish and love. What better way to honor his memory than to better use the goods he gifted us all."
Azher Quader
CBC
America has a word for innocent & by standers killed "Collateral Damage".
Enemy has not caught up with this terminology yet!
Lindsey “Dr. Strangelove” Graham
“The sovereign nation of Pakistan is engaging in hostile acts against the United States and our ally Afghanistan that must cease. I will leave it up to the experts, but if the experts believe that we need to elevate our response, they will have a lot of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill…”
What Lindsey Graham is saying is that Afghanistan is an ally, but Pakistan is just a sovereign state. He did not use word ally for Pakistan. It is Pakistan whose military personnel have been died much more on this war of terror than other countries.
China has replied at two different occasions to Americans with similar opinion as of “Dr. Strange Love” about Pakistan.
1. Pakistan is our Israel
2. Attack on Pakistan will be construed an attack on China.
Third point Professor Cole has pointed out that Pakistan is a nuclear power.
In the light of these facts, Mr. Graham’s rhetoric is no more than just rhetoric.
If you are thirsty, you go to the well to quench your thirst. Well does not come to you.
Next, you are saying, “I would like to apply for citizenship. Call me!"
You are in need of applying for citizenship. He is not asking you to come.
You want to go. You have to call King Abdullah.
“Moreover, for the Egyptian transition to democracy to succeed, it is important that the US and Europe be supportive,” Says Professor Cole.
Would you shed some light professor Cole, how much the US and Europe does not want democracy to succeed in Egypt.
How much democracy in Egypt is against the interest of the US & Europe?
As Democracy in Iran & Chile was not in the best interest of the powers at the time.
"China offered Qaddafi Armaments in midst of war" and it is a news since China is involved.
Last time India & Pakistan had about a million man army facing each other at their borders. Guess who was trying to sell arms to INDIA worth a billion dollars. Tony Blair of Britain.
Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh is not a fool. He refused Tony Blair's offer.
So, if China was trying to sell arms to Ghadafi, it should not be so surprising.
If US public can elect Bush twice, why the same people cannot elect Bachmann & Palin.
One prominent author brought his prediction of Fall of USA five years closer after Bush elected second time.
Bachmann's election may bring fall of America closer & faster.
"London, after all, is just a pile of loot, Elgin Marbles and all…,” writes Andrew.
I totally agree that London is a pile of loot including the word "LOOT" that English language adopted from India.
I would like to add just one more item "The Jewel in the Crown --KOHINOOR, among millions of other items.
More about Kohinoor Diamond in the following link.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/83524/british-pm-asked-discuss-kohinoor.html
During the last days of Bush & Cheney administration, I was taking a group of people to Kenya. I asked the hotels to quote me their rates. To my surprise & shock, one hotel from the remote area of Kenya quoted me their rates in Euros. I was astonished. The hotel was not accepting mighty US$.
A week ago, some hotels in Brazil raised their rates, my supplier tells me. Reason, value of dollar has gone down.
About 25 years ago, Brazil used to adjust its exchange rate with dollar every 10 to 12 months. At that time, it had few super rich and the masses poor.
Now Brazil, Turkey and many other developing countries has a large number of middle class while in the US middle class is shrinking.
Just printing large amounts of dollar bills will not do any good for a long time; many other countries have tried it & failed.
Brett:
1885-1908 Personal rule by Leopold II
Nothing justifies killing, 10 to 15 million innocent black people. Christian King Leopold II turned Congo in the killing fields just as the other Christian Nazi dictator Hitler did. Hitler might have thought that he will also get away like the Butcher of Belgium King Leopold II.
1908-1960 Annexed by Belgium, rule by Belgian Parliament
Belgians plundered & looted the natural resources of the country as all other colonial powers. What Belgians did for the poor Congolese? Nothing, absolutely nothings just as Portuguese in Mozambique. They left the country dirt poor after plundering it for 475 years.
1960-65 Civil War
1965-96 Mobutu dictatorship
Here you are omitting who killed Patrice Lumumba, a democratically elected president of Congo, and who brought Mobutu in power just as Pinochet of Chile. Who kept Mobutu in power just as Marcos of The Philippines?
Mubarak was also our darling for more than 30 years. Thanks to the Youth of Egypt, he is on trial. “W” will never be tried as Dr. Cole is pointing out in today’s blog.
1996- Civil war and regional warlordism.
Many countries had civil wars for different reasons. USA had its own civil war.
Wow! Belgian rule in Congo was really great, Mr. Gingrich. Your hero King Leopold killed 10 to 15 million black Congolese.
I suppose one of your other heroes must be Hitler, too. But Ops! He did not kill blacks.
David:
I may agree with you that terrorist Breivik is insane, if you can name just one other terrorist who was not white and not Christian.
It is the usual pattern of the western news media if the terrorist is white & Christian then surely he is either insane or he has very bad child hood.
In case of Christian terrorist Breivik, new media is portraying that he is not even Christian.
If she is labeled as Desi,
then she certainly has married a "Pardesi".
The only thing comes to mind is “men proposes, God disposes”.
It is a perfect example how one chops his own feet.
The party is over. Now, the exit time.
William:
Looks you still believe in the fabricated "Gulf of Tonkin" incident!
Where are Saddam's "WMD"? Are you still looking for them. Take Rumsfeld with you.
Anti Gaddafi, forces have lost all the places they had captured to the superior power of Gaddafi.
West and Arab league will just give lip service for how to help anti Gaddafi forces. In the meantime, they will lose even Benghazi. Just keep your feet dragging.
The bottom line and simple reason not to help is ”Democracy in the Islamic countries is not in the best interest of the west or the allies of the west in the middle east.”
It is very, very sad.
My heartfelt sympathies to all those are affected with this devastating disaster.
It shows the fragility of human beings.
The Omagh bombing, a Para military car bombing of IRA killed 29 people in, considered the worst killing by IRA, injuring around 220 others.
The people killed were Protestants, Catholics, children’s, a pregnant woman with twins two Spanish tourists & other tourists of different nationalities.
That is what Peter King was supporting.
He should be tried by British, Irish and Spanish courts.
The Economist of Feb.12-18 issue on page 28 has a chart with a heading “Potential for unrest in the Arab world”. It has names of 17 countries. That did not surprise me.
However, the thing that is surprising & gave me the biggest laugh of the day when down the line from the top I read 5th name in the list, “Iraq”.
After spending billions of dollars, sacrificing over 4000 American, more than 100, 000 Iraqi lives & creating around 5 million Iraqi refugees, Iraq still remains number 5 on potential for unrest list, hungry for democratic change like Tunisia & Egypt.
Why Iraq is not an Island of peace, prosperity & tranquility? It should be an island of democracy in the midst of all this Middle East turmoil. However, it is not.
It shows how miserably Bush, Blair, Cheney & Rumsfeld have failed in bringing democracy in the Middle East on the barrel of the gun.
Well, finally people have won in Egypt at 11 AM Friday Feb. 11, 2011 Chicago time.
Mubarak has resigned.
Hearty, Hearty Congratulations to all Egyptians.
How Mubarak shutdown Internet.
Mubarak’s Israeli-created Internet spyware
http://richardbrenneman.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/mubaraks-israeli-created-internet-spyware/
1. Army saying it will not fire on the Egyptian people.
2. Netanyahu asking Europeans & Americans to keep Mubarak in power.
According To American News Media, Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Look at the hypocrisy the only democracy is asking other democracies to keep Egyptian dictator in power.
I copy the following from the article by John Leyne of BBC.
“27 January 2011 Last updated at 09:28 ET
Egypt protests: Can Mubarak be toppled?
By Jon Leyne BBC News, Cairo
The military, the West, and many powerful and rich people here have a big investment in keeping President Mubarak, or at least ensuring an orderly transition to another leader friendly to the West and to business.”
It says it all. How west would like to keep Mubarak in power. The same west & western Media that complains about the Arab & Islamic world not to have Democracy, Freedom of Speech, Equal rights, Corruption, Education & so much more.
One demonstrator brought an empty canister of tear gas to Al-Jazera TV reporter in Cairo & showed him, it was clearly marked “Made in America”. How the Arab masses kept in line by America.
Democracy all over Islamic world is just not good for either America or the west. It always looks good when west complains that there is no democracy, but behind the scenes west does not want democracy.
It is the height of hypocrisy.
Last line of my previous comment shold be read as:
Here goes another American lifetime "Dictator" friend like Shah of Iran.
Al-Jazeera has reported live from Cairo:
1. Security police has disappeared from the streets of Cairo.
2. Mubarak was supposed to address the nation more than 5 hours ago. Has not done so yet.
3. Curfew has been imposed all over the country. Protesters are ignoring it.
4. Army has been deployed on the streets of Cairo & other cities. Army have been welcomed by the protesters. Army is not firing on the protesters.
5. Protesters are not burning cars or busses. They are not destroying public property.
With all this, it appears that Mubarak is packing his suitcases to leave for Saudi Arabia or to be airlifted by American forces to a safe haven.
Here goes another American lifetime friend like Shah of Iran.
Mr. Baradi is back & saying he has to be with his people.
Now opposition has someone to rally around.
General atmosphere will get much hot before it cools down.
I hope US; UK & MI6 do not interfere on the pretext that all the demonstrations are due to Islamic Fundamentalism. They have to save 30-year-old Egyptian democracy under Mubarak. (As all three of them try to destroy Hamas to restore PA in Gaza Strip).
Adam Albrett says:
“What has happened in South Africa and what is happening in Belgium is not very encouraging.”
Thanks for the long comment.
I know what King Leopold has done in Belgian Congo during his reign of terror, but I do not know what Belgians are doing at present time. Would you please be kind enough to write about it or provide a link so I know what they are holding in their sleeve at present?
JSBE:
History of Iran does not start from 1979, with the Islamic revolution.
Iran was the first democracy in the Middle East, but it was not the liking of UK & USA, so the government of Iran was overthrown by the UK & USA. The resulting revolution of 1979 is the direct consequence what the lovers of democracy did in Iran in 1953.
If Iran starts obeying orders from London & Washington today, no matter what kind of government Iran has, no one will complain.
I never hear from the lovers of democracy what kind of democracy Iran has during dictatorial kingdom of Shah of Iran that west created and supported for quarter of a century.
Democracy everywhere is not in the best interest of the west. West has destroyed democracies many places & brought dictators like Pinochet of Chile, General Armah of Guatemala & Mobuto Sisiseko of Zaire to name a few. It is easy to bribe a single dictator than the whole country under a democracy.
I hope to see a democratic Tunisia like present day Turkey. I wish them all the best.
Viva Tunisia.
Fredricka Whitfield, CNN Anchor lady from 1 PM on Sunday just announced while showing a pictures of Tunisia demonstrations, you should watch 5 PM what is happening in Tunisia because it directly effects what you “Pay at the Gas Station”.
Finally, CNN has figured out that it will affect the pocket of American public so it has become a news item. If it does not hurt your pocket, it is no news. I turned the TV off in disgust.
Demonstrations, democracy or dictatorship does not mean anything until American news media demonize, humanize, or figured out that it will affects the pocket of an American.
Therefore, until now it was no news.
It’s the beginning.
Viva Tunisia.
It appears that Beck has crossed the boundary of “Free Speech”.
He is shouting “Fire” in the crowded theater and getting away without bearing the consequences.
He should be held accountable.
Recently, during a documentary on CNN about Taliban, the Norwegian journalist was asked by host Anderson Cooper, you are “Humanizing” them after a scene in which Taliban leader was playing with his son & daughter, about 3 & 5 year old respectively.
In May of 2005, a young blonde girl was mysteriously disappeared on the tiny Island of Aruba. Fox news stationed Greta Van Susteren on the Island to give live reports for almost six months. (How an American can disappear in Aruba, because it never happens in the USA)
What happened in Tunisia, CNN just could not dehumanize “Islamic Terrorists” & since no American Blonde was involved so for FOX News, it was of no importance to cover.
PBS, as “P” stands for “Public”, did good job to inform the Public.
While the American news media & US, UK governments shout that in many Muslim countries press is not free, it is government control, so what is the difference when American free news media does not report what happened in Tunisia. Who is controlling the so-called free news media?
American news media stands shoulder to shoulder where the government controls the news media.
“When we’ve all internalized these two values championed by Rev. King, the United States of America and the world will be better places.” Professor Cole.
Indeed.
I would like to add one more non-violence method of fight that was led by Qaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, against British during undivided India.
He fought with British in their courts with their laws, their books & won. British were never able to come up with any charges against him to arrest him and put him in jail. He was the only leader in India unlike others; British could not lay hands on him.
Professor Cole:
Would you please shed some light on the biggest and most expensive US embassy to operate in the world in Baghdad?
What will be its function? How it will control not only the so-called Iraqi democracy, its population and most important “OIL”.
I believe with this blood remark, her dream to be president of USA is over.
She blew it.
You are absolutely correct Professor Juan.
I wonder from where Pew Foundation pulled those figures. Is Mama Grizzly Bear Palin a member of Pew Foundation?
Every action has reaction.
I think one should remind Sen. Graham, how often people of Okinawa protest against US base there. They want US out from there.
In addition, the other place Sen. Graham should know what happened to US Naval base at Subic Bay in the Philippines. Who air lifted Marcos to Hawaii? There were no Pathan or Pushtoon tribes there.
It was almost the repeat of Khomeini revolution in the Philippines.
1. Do you think if Basque terrorist organization adopt no violence policy of Gandhi & Martin Luther King against Spain, the world opinion will turn against Spain and Basque terrorist organization will get a piece of Spain that they want as an independent country.
2. Similarly if IRA terrorists also follow Gandhi & martin Luther King’s footsteps, Britain would relinquish to IRA?
Mohammad & Carol, both of you are correct.
Look, in desperation what other prominent people have said:
Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death. Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775. An American Hero.
Mr. Nelson Mandela said “But, my lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die ....”
During Vietnam War, many monks dowsed themselves with gasoline & burned to death. At least one Vietnam Vet also did the same in 1965 on the steps of the Capitol, in Washington, DC.
What was the act of Japanese Kama kazi pilots? If they did not have planes, I am sure they would have done the same what Palestinians are doing now.
Recently, during a documentary made by a Norwegian Journalist about Taliban that was shown on CNN, Anderson cooper asked the Norwegian journalist that he is “Humanizing” Taliban.
It dawned on me that CNN is not a news media outlet, but an outlet to Dehumanize & Humanize as they please.
Almost every mighty power once thought that they are invincible, but anything that goes up eventually comes down.
One can survive longer with peace, harmony & prosperity not always with bombs and long sticks. Eventually losers do get as sophisticated, deadly & lethal arms & ammunition as the winners have. One just cannot prevent not to happen that.
Once many mighty are merely mentioned only in the footnotes of history.
Oh! How the world has changed. It is amazing & mind boggling.
The small area that you are showing in this map of UAE & Qatar, just 30 years ago, no one cared to know where it is located, now is a prestigious stop for world airlines & travelers alike. Among worlds 10 best airlines in the year of 2009 & 2010, three are from this tiny area. While 30 years ago no European airline used to stop in this geographical area, now airlines of this area are bypassing full Europe on way to UAE & Qatar on their non-stop flights from north & South America. One can ski year round in Dubai no matter what the outside temperature, while you cannot do this activity in Colorado or Banff year round.
It boosts the tallest building in the world & nowhere else but here you can buy Gold through the ATM machine.
While this area has made so much progress, still American TV newsmen cannot pronounce Qatar, their pronunciation is Gutter. It is equally amazing.
Churchill proudly said that he drew few lines on a napkin over a cup of tea, that way he created the country of Jordan.
British drew Balfour, Durand line & others. Divided Punjab & Bengal at the time of Indian Partition. Allocated Kashmir to India with Muslim majority area. Gave Palestine to the people those were not even from that area & uprooted the native.
While drawing a map of a country on a napkin or dividing areas by arbitrary lines without the consideration of the local political conditions or dividing the families, tribes & customs, thinking people have to follow what they have created. This way British left big swath of problems or intentionally created them, as they are famously known for “Divide & rule”.
On the other hand, when USSR divided Berlin by their wall, why Americans & Europeans did not accept it as a way of life? Why British & NATO are complaining that Afghans should observe an artificial border between Afghanistan & Pakistan? Country drawn on a napkin also has porous borders as the pours of a napkin.
If someone divides London like Berlin, would the Londoners accept the division?
What a false pretence of democracy we use.
If you look back closely US history of last 50 years, it will show whoever supports US interest or more beneficial to US interest, US will support that regime.
1. For thirty years, US did not even recognize mainland China. When Nixon realized China would be much better business wise, US dumped Democratic Taiwan in favor of communist China. American Embassy moved to Beijing from Taipei.
2. US toppled democratic governments namely of Guatemala, Chili & Iran to name just a few. Brought dictators those created hell in those countries. Those dictators supported by the USA killed thousands of innocent people. Does USA really care about democracy?
3. Similarly, dictators were overthrown like Sadam Hussain & Noriega of Panama after they no longer listen to Washington, one in the name of democracy other on drug charges.
If Maliki goes a little bit too much of course, what Washington likes, any false charges could be labeled against him, just as Bush & company invented WMD, and he will be overthrown covertly or overtly in no time.
It appears that the mantra of Democracy, democracy, democracy is no more than the fig leaf to fool the world.
Turkey lost the war to allied forces. British & allied forces tried to gobble down Turkey by dividing it into several parts as piece meal, as shown in the post war map.
It is amazing how Kamal Ataturk, in such a short time, drove out everyone from mainland Turkey. That is a real Conquesta. It did not take Turkey 781 years like Spain to take back its territory. In comparison to Turkey, Spanish conquesta looks like a fallacy.
A thief always thinks others are also thieves like him.
A criminal always thinks others are criminals like him.
Peter King, a long time supporter of IRA that killed many innocent British & others, think that Muslims are criminals like him supporting Al-Qaida.
Professor Cole is correct in pointing out that Peter King is on a witch-hunt & in his zeal may bring Spanish inquisition of 1492.
Peter King, a supporter of IRA should not be given a post in homeland security. He could demolish many basic rights & liberties of law-abiding people of this country.
Well done Fareed Zakaria.
Glen Beck & many similar elks have to be stopped by shoving facts & figures in their faces against the venom they are spewing day in & day out against the Islamic world & the USA, their own government.
Your last remark, in what category Glen falls himself, was a great stoke of pen. We admire your courage to stand up against these bigots.
It is real eye opening.
However, American FREE NEWS Media will never report it.
During the dark ages of Europe, (while it was Islam’s Golden Age) European Christians use to blame everything on Jews. Like the great plague of Europe was blamed on Jews and because of that entire communities of Jews were slaughtered and wiped out. Similarly, the majority of European Christians blamed several other things on European Jews over the period.
As I see it, Muslims are in the dark ages at present; hence, the shark attacks has to be blamed on Jews.
However, Israel has exposed itself a lot during the last war that brought un-proportionate death and destruction in Lebanon and the attack on humanitarian aid flotilla for Gaza, killing several unarmed civilians. This behavior of Israel has increased anti-Semitic feelings in Europe much more than few years ago.
I wonder when Fox News is going to blame, fires in Israel, to Obama’s secret mission to Afghanistan.
Off course, it’s all Obama's fault.
MikeL: - You are absolutely correct in your assessment how the mighty and powerful think.
People, those built Pyramids, thought exactly same since no one has built such a structure before. Same way British thought that sun will never set on their mighty empire.
If Washington will not make sound judgment, keeping its interest 1st than Jerusalem’s, it will go downhill very fast like USSR.
No. As there were Warsaw Ghetto uprisings, there are Gaza uprisings against Israel.
However, when people of Gaza stand against Israel and are killed by Israeli gunships they are labeled as "Terrorists" by the Israeli & so-called free news media.
Thank you Professor Cole.
It’s a very heartwarming story. May we see many more such stories?
Every powerful nation thinks that they can manipulate things any way they like.
It is 1588; British at the sea put Spanish invincibility to rest. Later British thought sun will never set on their empire. Alas, their days of glory are long gone; the sun hardly rises on British Isles.
The lonely super power cannot wage wars on borrowed money too long. If correct decisions are not made, there are long precipices on every side; those will take us downwards faster than any rollercoaster.
Central and south America is no longer backyard of USA. Emerging & reemerging powers are catching up fast. Some may over take the powers of today, sooner than many analysts predict.
No one has ruled Afghans ever. They are the most hardy & free spirited people. They have proved it over & over in their long history with the foreign invaders.
British & Soviets came with all their modern weapons & tanks; I do not think USA can do any better.
Shimkus should have been taken to Pakistan & dropped off on a small Island during the massive flooding there few months back.
His thinking might have been changed by seeing the amount of water!
Many politicians & reporters like David Broder still think that other countries are Banana Republics. Time has changed. There are many immerging & reemerging economies & regional powers. One has to readjust to the realities of the present time.
Many countries are producing their own arms & ammunitions besides cars, tractors & many other things. Business of arms sales will also decrease.
For powerful countries, a time to live and let live is approaching fast. Israel cannot live on war footing all the time. It has to compromise to live peacefully. Nether USA can police the world all the time.
Bachmann, when you Hannity & Limbah stayed at Motel-6 last time?
After the bomb scare story, someone forgot to raise bar code alert system from yellow to red until November 3, 2010.
In comparing the video clips, The Tennessee Taliban seems more vicious. He almost killed the poor woman by putting & pressing her head by his dirty shoe & weight.
Yeah, you have to blame the camera angle.
You are no Angel; it was a vicious attack by a Christian Taliban in Tennessee.
David Darman says
In one case the act is in sync with social norms.
With your reasoning David, I believe you will agree the atrocities committed by KKK & lynching was the social norm in the USA. The two social evils lasted much longer in the USA than the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Professor Cole has already explained that beating women in Afghanistan is not the norm.
But W. Himself Proposed Ruse
That is the reason so many conspiracy theories abound.
Can’t Iran’s President Ahmadinejad install a missile shield in Qana? To protect Qana? Just as USA is installing its missile shields.
Why anyone should object? It is after all a defensive mechanism.
Luca says:
How would any of us feel (and for that matter how would Obama feel) about declaring the US as a “homeland for the Anglo-Saxon people”, or a “white and democratic”.
Lucas, you do not have to go too far in US history. From the inception of this country in 1776 to 1964, this country was exactly what you are saying, that is “white and democratic”.
Until 1964 blacks has no right to vote & before that white women had no right to vote either. Dr. King would not have made his famous speech “I have a Dream”; there was no need to have Civil Rights Movement either if blacks had same rights as whites.
Mr. Obama is the first non-white president that is why some far right whites are having difficult time to comprehend “The Change”.
Watson says: “Believers should be allowed to vote, but religion should be treated like alcohol, gambling, and fatty foods – permitted but frowned on. The government should run ads discouraging religion similar to those discouraging smoking.”
What would have you done Watson, if any of the following Clergymen would have been elected President of the United States of America:
Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister.
Reverend Jesse Jackson ran for president on the Democratic ticket in 1984 and 1988.
John Ashcroft, with heavy Pentecostal background ... ran unsuccessfully to be the 2004 Democratic nominee for U.S. President...
Pat Robertson, television evangelist, ex-Baptist minister and businessman who espouses American Christian Right political views. What he has said about Haiti earthquake?
White House will be full of smoke & religion. What edict these mullahs will use to run USA government?
What name would you give to American democracy, if any preacher becomes the president of USA?
Sigil says, “If Islam can’t be spread at the point of a sword, what were the armies of Islam doing in southern France mere decades after The Prophet died?”
Yes, armies fought wars, but Muslim armies were not allowed to slaughter innocent men, women & children. There were set Islamic laws of engagement. No sneak attacks as pointed out by Professor Cole few days back.
Muslim armies fought the battles but did not spread Islam by the sword unlike Christianity as in all over Latin America by Jesuit priests, Bible in one hand & gun in the other. Spain was conquered on the invitation of Spanish governor of King Roderick to take revenge because king has seduced the governor’s daughter.
After the conquest of Spain, it happened for the first time in the history of mankind that the Muslim armies did not slaughtered the general public of the Iberian Peninsula; instead, Jazzia tax was levied on them according to Islamic Law. This tax gave them the liberty to practice their religion, keep their property, customs & their way of life. This Jazzia tax exempted them to join the Muslim armies to fight the enemies of Islam.
It was this practice that within next two hundred years the whole Andalusia had majority of Muslims. It was this treatment of non-Muslims that brought them in droves to convert to Islam. Islamic culture and Arabic language became the lingua franca of the time. (Replacing Latin Language of Visigoths) Just one library of Qurtaba (Cordoba) has around 800,000 books, while all the libraries of Europe combined could not produce more than few hundred books. This is the time in European history known as The Dark Ages of Europe, while Andalusia was the ‘Ornament of the world” under Muslims & Islamic laws.
Professor Maria Rosa Menocal explains in her book “The Ornament of the world,” how Muslims, Jews & Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain.
Modern day Freedom of Religion, Liberty & Tolerance of different religions is not the creation of modern day Europe or America, It was practiced by Muslims for nearly 800 years in Al Andalus starting from A.D. 711.
“And from a purely rational perspective, Islamic governments throughout history and today; Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Yemen, Somalia, etc., etc., etc.; create forced conversions and quite oppressive conditions for their citizens.”
Warren, you must be listening too much to either Glen Beck or Rush.
Have you ever lived in any Muslim country that you are accusing off forced conversion?
I have met quite a few Americans, after completing their Ph D in Islamic studies, theology, Fiqh and Hadis, converted to Islam. Who forced them to study Islam for years? No one. Who forced them to convert? No one. It is all by their own FREE WILL. If you like, you can verify by calling University of Arizona, Islamic Department.
Despite all this negative publicity by Islamophobes, still so many times you read, “Islam is the fastest growing religion in the USA.”
It is not by forced conversion, but by studying & understanding Islam & Quran.
Who forced Muhammad Ali, Karim Abdul Jabbar, Malcolm X & many, many more to convert to Islam?
About 2 years ago, one Swiss legislature fought tooth & nails against Mosque minarets. After referendum was passed against mosque minarets, he converts to Islam. Now he has vowed to build the biggest mosque in Switzerland. Who forced him to convert?
"If I live long enough I will eventually write on all this." Juan Cole
Professor Cole, May God give you long life & strength to write a book on this subject, Amen summa Amen.
I can hardly wait for your book to read. As I can see, many people will benefit & learn so much from your book. We badly need your book on this subject.
Professor Cole:
Can you or UTUBE put your full PBS interview on your blog?
We would love to watch it in full length. Many of us did not watch it live on TV.
Russian leaders think first about what’s good for Russia. American leaders instead think first about what’s good for Israel, which is a sign of continued American decay.
Frankly, I don’t think that this is true…
I think it is more than true.
President Regan was asked during AIPAC fund raising dinner, “What he will do for Israel”, not NY or America. US has used 79 times veto against Israel resolutions in the United Nations.
During the first Gulf War, money was never a problem. During that war, never herd President asking congress to approve billions of dollars for any aspect of the war. Same is true for Iran Contra war also.
Bush Senior was bringing democracy to Kuwait, & Saudis were footing the bill.
This time money has really become the problem since it is going from US treasury for the war of choice, chosen by Bush Jr, Tony Blair & lied to the public. Money has start pinching every one.
Many times “loan money” given to many countries with many strings attached with hefty interest rate is normally called “AID”. Just call it loan that is what it is. Why is it called AID?
If it is just aid then why every third world country is under the burden of Billions of dollars of debt?
It is not in the interest of America or Israel, so America will not do it.
However, time is approaching fast for such a possibility. Pretty soon, we will be seeing Chinese navy and aircraft carriers and air defense systems, many places around the globe, certainly in the Middle Ease. Most likely place to start with; "Persian Gulf."
Most of the senators & congressional representatives are bought by the AIPAC or Israel. American interest is secondary to them, first comes Israel, without Israeli support their political life will be over in the next election.
In this respect, most glaring example that comes to my mind is Chuck Percy of Illinois. To defeat Senator Percy, Jewish money was poured in from California & other places.
Viiit:
Israel never kills in Cold Blood. Israel kills in self-defense.
This time may be Lebanese shot in self-defense. If you need an inquiry, Lebanese will do its own investigation just as Israel did investigation after killing nine Turkish nationals.
Lebanon is no more a Cake Walk.
This is all well & good.
But, Professor Cole, would you please shed some light what the American embassy’s function will be in Baghdad that took a Billion Dollars to build? How far reaching tentacles this embassy has? In addition, what about 13 bases would do those came in the news quite few times.
You are absolutely correct.
In this country of ours called USA, one can criticize USA, US President, senator or congressmen but cannot say a critical thing about Israel.
We almost had in the form of televangelist preacher like Pat Robertson if he would have won the presidential elections.
A very realistic & sincere wish for Afghanistan, Dr. Cole.
How USA, UK & Coalition forces will leave after they hit a Trillion Dollars jackpot?
Seminary rioting, Jalabad Airport Bombings
We have found a trillion Dollars worth of goods at the bottom of the pit. Until we suck every bit of it, we are not getting out of Afghanistan.
Unemployment, economic down turn & conomic disaster from Gulf Oil leake, this trillion dollars mine will fix it all.
Turkish relations with Indonesia are also getting closer.
Hurriyet Daily News of Ankara, Turkey is reporting that Turkish & Indonesian nationals will no longer require Visa to visit each other’s countries.
I would love to see same kind of relations between many other Muslim countries. Most of all one voice & Unity among Muslim countries, 1.5 Billion strong.
Dr Dubois is buried in Accra, Ghana. He moved to Ghana on the invitation of President Nkrumah after Ghana became independent.
Bombings Rock Helmand Capital
UN: Roadside Bombings Double
We are bringing democracy.
Why they hate us?
It is an open concentration camp, a GULAG created by those who beat the drums of Democracy, justice, equal rights and freedom of speech.
Politicians generally have no shame or clothes.
Kathleen: Thanks for the video link. It will go around to many people.
Fox & CNN has spent more time on an unresolved 5 year old murder case in Aruba than what Israel did against the aid flotilla, killing 1 American & 9 Turkish innocent people.
Rachel Meadows, Keith & others totally ignored the since killing was done by Israel.
It really shows how much our FREE MEDIA is FREE.
Thanks Professor Juan, by bring things in correct prospective, that the big MEDIA is afraid to present.
Hurriyet Daily News of Turkey is reporting:
Iran Red Crescent to send three aid ships to Gaza.
Full story on the following link.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=iran-sends-aid-ships-to-gaza-2010-06-07
Likud Vows it will Not Arrive
As Prime Minister Erdogan has said he will send Turkish Navy ships to escort the next flotilla of Aid ships to break the Gaza siege.
I think he should do it for the following reasons:
If Israeli commandos shoot Turkish Ships, Turkey being a NATO member should be helped by other NATO members according to NATO charter. (USA & Canada are NATO members). If NATO members do not help Turkey, what Turkey’s membership is worth? It is worthless.
Mr. Erdogan should quit NATO. He will be a much bigger hero. He should form Islamic alliance starting with Turkey, Iran & Pakistan. NATO countries will have no face to accuse Iran, if Iran chooses to come out off IAEA, since NATO did not abide by its own rules by not standing with Turkey.
Other Muslim countries should join Islamic alliance from Morocco to Indonesia. 52 Islamic countries, 1.5 billion strong, should have one voice, one platform, one agenda.
It can change the world politics. Economically, socially & politically. Muslim blood will have value. It will not be as easy to spill as it is now.
Gaza should be liberated. The blood of Rachel Corrie, the AID & freedom activists & others should not go in vain.
I was watching Tony Harris interviewing Greta Berlin in a very subdued voice on the subject of 9 to 19 peace activists killed by Israeli commandos after they invaded Turkish ship carrying Aid items to Gaza strip people. Every question of Tony Harris was Israel said this, Israel said this, Israel said this, Israel said this & Israel said this, what you say to this.
After she said something like you are using Israeli talking points. The sudden change in attitude, mood and anger in the voice of CNN Anchor Tony Harris, gave me the biggest laugh & anger of the day in the middle of a very serious topic.
I am so glad Greta what you said. Tony Harris should use his own mind, not the talking points of Israel or AIPAC.
Whether it is USS Liberty bombed by Israeli planes killing 34 American sailors, or Rachel Corrie is bulldozed by Israeli Army bulldozer or an American killed by Israeli commandoes on a civilian unarmed aid flotilla of ships, unless Israel is held accountable by American public, Israel will continue killing Americans & others, each time it will be more embolden to do any crime.
American public should demand their Senators & congressmen for remaining silent & doing nothing against Israel. By their silence it appears they have sold their soul, they are not working for America but act as an agent of another country.
In the long term it is not good either for America or Israel itself. It looks both are following the footsteps of the Pharaoh & both know the end result.
Juan Cole, "Israel accuses some of the passengers of fighting back."
Israel always does or kill in self defence.
Does passengers have right to fight back in self defense?
Christian belief "Christ died for our sins." There is nowhere in the Bible that Christ said, please kill me I want to die for your sins.
It does not give you liberty to mock other Prophets or religions.
Professor Cole:
When Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, USA & Britain & some other countries helped the mujahidin to fight against Soviets, and eventually soviets have to withdraw from Afghanistan.
Is it possible that Russians are helping the afghan insurgents to fight against Coalition and American forces in Afghanistan to get even with Americans? Would you please shed some light on this subject?
Since the creation of Israel, things have changed quite a bit. The blind faith & support for Israel is not good either for USA or for Israel itself. Israel will fail in subjugating Palestinians as others have failed e.g. South Africans apartheid regime for blacks or king Leopold in Angola and many others.
Once Reverend Desmond Tutu remarked after his of west bank, South Africans did not do to us this bad as Israel doing to Palestinians.
Watch Dr Norman Finkelstein utube clip on the blind faith of Israel. It is eye opening video for those who have their heads buried in sand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7tupJRSi7M
“Yes, we left the Philippines, but ask the Japanese how easy it is to get the US to leave, no matter how strongly the locals want the bases to be gone…Helen Marshall says:”
Yes, we left the Philippines but under what circumstances? When west talks about their leaving from many places they simply say we left such & such place. West leaves out many words like left “Unceremoniously.”
The conditions in Philippines were uncontrollable by either their own military power or by the help of US forces. In the end US just not evacuated the base but have to airlift out Dictator Marcos also, who was ruling for the last 30 years? If US would have not left, I was afraid things may have turned as ugly as what happened in Iran few years ago. US did not want to lose Iran on one side and Philippine on the other side of the Globe.
It always makes me laugh when I read “British left India.” Churchill has said having India makes British 1st rate empire & loss of India makes British power third rate. Do you thing British left India to become 3rd rate power?
It was the circumstances that compelled British to leave incongruously. In similar circumstances US will leave Okinawa.
“In the absence of empire, the US can only hope to remain influential in the world by being a good and trusted friend to others and being seen to abide by and champion international law” according to professor Juan Cole.
Professor Cole, you are absolutely correct that USA was never an empire like British, Spanish or French those plundered the resources of their colonies. British looted India so much & liked the word loot to the extent that they even took the word “Loot” with them and added it in the English vocabulary.
Though USA is not an empire as others but USA according to Stephen Kinzer has supported every dictator around the globe in the last 50 years. USA has poked its nose in so many places that USA Flag has been burned so often so many places than anyone else. Though we advocate and beat drums of democracy, USA & our poodle Britain has overthrown democratically elected governments like in Iran, Chile & Guatemala to name a few. USA has gone to war to restore kingdoms as in the case of Kuwait.
Again according to Stephen Kinzer, Middle East map & politics would have been looked much different if Dr. Mussaddiq’s democratically elected government would have not over thrown by CIA agent Kermit Roosevelt & British intelligent.
I do not think US will get out of Iraq after spending so much on the military bases and building the largest fortified Castle in the form of an Embassy that cost over a BILLION Dollars. Most likely Iraqis will be kept straight with the barrel of a gun for a long time to come.
Taliban has eradicated poppy cultivation from Afghanistan, the fact reported by various news media outlets at the time.
At one time India was the biggest producer of opium under mighty British Raj, they even fought opium wars with China to put them under the spell of opium & British make money & lots of money. USA is fighting unending drug war in Colombia for the last almost half a century. Now US & British troops are in Afghanistan & poppy cultivation is back. One cannot hide Poppy fields like the ever elusive WMDS in Iraq or Osama in Tora Bora mountains.
It is very easy to put blame that warlords are making money, but the real question is this who is making the “real Money?” During Vietnam War, it was widely believed that narcotics were shipped by Air America, a clandestine arm of CIA.
The economies of “PIGS” countries (Portugal, Italy, Greece & Spain) are bad as news media is reporting & some are saying Mighty British economy is also into doldrums. The British Empire on which sun never used to set, alas, the time has changed so much that now sun hardly rises on Little Britain. I wonder if little Britain & CIA are behind in Afghan opium trade to support the war efforts in Afghanistan & Iraq.
May be, one day, when Unocal Oil Pipe Line from Turkmenistan to Gwadar in Pakistan is complete & start generating money the poppy field of Afghanistan will disappear. And may be Hamid Karzai, if he survives that long, will be our real friend.
Very well said.
I could not have said any better.