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Third Quarter of 2006 July 2006 ... August 2006 ... September 2006
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07/01//06 The Muddle East: Palestine/Israel: How we cover the Israeli/Palestinian conflict determines
our attitude, and answers the question: who
is human and who is not? (070106z3) An example of how Israel's actions effect the region,
Turks
don't like what they see on TV. (063006b)
Nor
do Egyptians (063006c) And
here is a "number crunch" on the fate of the children and
people (070106) If you want dismal, no grim statistics on what is
happening in Palestine, read this, the
children suffer 99 percent have trauma, experienced military
attack, death and relocation, horrible (061606c)
and
here is more on that in the context of a longer column on
the region and its problems. (061606d) Suitcase
cash is not enough for Palestine to survive
(061506c) Hamas
is "convinced" to stop the rocket attacks
(06156d) how does one spell collapse and what
will it mean if the Hamas government "gives up"? The opening salvos in a renewed struggle between Hamas
and Israel. The
referendum which was viewed as "hopeful" may be in
jeopardy (061106c) And
a rising "symbol" makes appearances, becoming an icon of the
suffering Palestinians (061406h) The Greater Muddle East Iraq: How did intel get so darned skewed? Congressman
Wilkerson, agreeing that some people had more influence than
others, said this was because of "the vice
president" (070106u) Reducing troop levels will be a political decisions
motivated by the election cycles. That
is the word by someone who knows or says he does
(070106q) As
well as rumors of deals and such like, to be taken with a
grain of salt (070106t) Maybe we'll take a look at what that old dumbbell Tony
Blair is doing in Iraq, declare
progress has been made, walk away and keep casualties low
while Iraqis "sort it all out" Not quite the "cut and run"
option but if it walks like a skunk and smells like a skunk
... (070106n) Civilian
death count is hard to pin down, but it seems even this
articles guess is low (070106p) Hundreds
of thousands displaced inside Iraq, the rate is on the
increase. (070106x) Scamming the energy business is not new, BP
seems to have taken a lesson from good o'l Kenny
Boy. (070106a) The "crisis" over a North Korean missile. The problems
with the nature of the crisis are that they do have the
right to launch a missile, even to test them. Just as the US
and many nations do. Also,
the deals meant to obviate the agreement to suspend such
testing have not been adhered to by the US.
(070106v) Censorship
in China, nothing new I guess. (070106f) So roving Roverites have ambitions that we all know, but
do they stop their "good works" at the frontier? Perish
forbid! Our
rabid Roverites are putting their electoral expertise to use
in Mexico. (070106h) So here are a few notes on the "Bird Flu" situation:
The
UN sees a high risk of mutation (070106b)
The
many nations with human cases and what the fight looks
like (070106c) A
human to human set of transmissions did not go beyond one
family (070106d) How is the WOT (War on Terror) going? Here
is a depressing and thankfully quick overview
(070106m) Here is a sample of how we fight he war on terror. We
have the CIA, they get sent into Iraq with the invasion
force, but
when they report "negative" results they are systematically
replaced until the reports are "positive"
(070106k) And speaking of things back asswards
what
ever happened to John Asscraft? (070106l) Here is the impeachment discussion, about half way down.
What
I get from this whole thing is that things are so screwed up
that taking the Dorkwad in Chief to task for what he's done
is not the best course per Senator Feingold, resolving Iraq
is not possible for a similar reason, great
(070106o) A one party system? How do they do it? Aside from
criminally subverting the voting process and mountains of
money, they
keep tabs on everything that might effect votes and "do what
it takes to make their side happy,
(070106r) The
Constitution and the Jerkoff in Chief's penchant for signing
statements. Seems like the dumbbell is in violation of our
founding document. (070106y) Meanwhile,
in Ohio, Blackwell runs for governor and will be in charge
of counting the votes, in his own election, nice work if you
can corrupt it. (010706z3) I guess another report about how vulnerable the US voting
system is, is old hat? If
not read on (070106w) I have been taking bets that the Repuglicans will win in
November. First, they have the media, the money, and the
muscle, meaning the power to count votes their way. Second
they can always create another emergency, either by starting
up another conflict or finding "terrorists" enough to prop
up their propaganda. This
story has another take: (070106i) The "showdown" between the Supreme Court and the jackass
in the oval office. I
am betting on the Jackass, not that I favor him in any way,
it's just that, well, he's had his way and I personally
don't think the Supremes can "get over" (063006a)
I mean it is "his court" after all or should I say
Daddy's? Another "Swift Boat" kind of group, this one supports
Bushwhackoff's War's and attack dogs anyone opposing any
rational alternative, but
Repuglicans like having "Veterans for Freedom" do the
scutwork of getting their views into the news
(070106z2) Hurricane coast, 10 months later, while many who were
supposed to have gotten help with housing have not, in fact,
not
a single dollar of federal housing repair or home
reconstruction money has made it to New Orleans yet
There are many other problems as well (070106z)
but
the excuse has (070106z1) What is "competitive sourcing" and how does it impact the
implementation of US policy in Iraq, our response to Katrina
et al and
why is it like a "cancer eating away"?
(070106j) Just in case you forget Dan Rather, and the manner in
which he was dumped, here
is a reprise (070106g) Maybe if they are attacked enough they will fight back,
if only because they have to. The
New York Times speaks of public interest trumping His Royal
Jackassness' impenetrable secrecy invasions of privacy
because of the war. (063006d) Here
area some pointed points on this point (070106e)
It's OK for the "Dorkwad in Chief" to talk about
financial tracking or the Secretary of the Treasury, or to
have it as a part of the war on terror since its inception,
but let the NYT print an article and well, disclosing such
vital information is "traitorous" Who won a California election? We have heard who "won"
but if voting regulations were clearly violated will the
Democrats step up to the plate and knock a god damned ball
out of the fuckin' park for once, fer crissakes? San Diego,
home of the "take
a voting machine home for 'security'" kind of public service
that just plain stinks. (061706g)
The Muddle East: Palestine/Israel: Palestinian rocketry has taken a technological step
making a buffer zone prudent in the Israeli view; an
attack into Gaza is imminent, (070506a) So
the
attack begins, rocket attacks continue, asymmetrical warfare
is exemplified. (070806b) part
two (070806c) part
three (070806d) The
current flap over an Israeli soldier's capture continues
with Israeli threats to Syria's ruler, the passing of a
"deadline" and more tanks being sent to/into
Gaza. (070406b) and
part two (070406c) The Greater Muddle East Iraq: Few
good options in Iraq (070806i) and
how this war just keeps on giving
(070806j) We don't need another Abu Ghraib - but it looks like
that's
exactly what we have gotten in a "celebrated" rape
case (070506i) Nor do we need Iraqi mass
media to be
sectarian and possibly make matters worse, which is STILL
possible, amazingly enough (070706b) The premier of Iraq's new governmental effort to bring
peace to Basra has not worked. What
is next? One wonders (070506b) One thing the US did not and does not want is the Shia
majority in Iraq taking up arms against it, well it may be
that such
an eventuality is coming to pass, only time will tell at
this point, but they've introduced themselves and somewhat
nicely. (070306i) Iran: Politics, international relations, trade, China, Russia,
the US, Iran, oil, gas, geography and new alliances as well
as new alignments make for interesting reading, an
overview, several points of which have been mentioned
before, makes this a good read (070506c) With all the pressure on Iran what is up with their
"pussyfooting" around.? Well
internal stress "democratization" and pressure for freedom
and the external stress "the nuke issue" effect each other,
for now it is a delicate balance.
(070306) The Greater Islamic regions: Afghanistan: Rumors of Bin Laden's ill health and a new alliance of
those who oppose the US,
even a bit of news about Russia trying to direct
militants against the US in Afghanistan, interesting if
true. (070806f) The song might be rewritten: "Every time it rains it
rains poppies of heaven ..." This
year may yield the biggest harvest ever! Oh, wait that's not
good news - for us anyway (0780306m) On the fourth of July the Koreans put on a fireworks
show, the only problem is that their "most dangerous
missile" failed. Nonetheless
their ability to tweak the US nose is
undiminished. (070406e) Here is a brief
outline of the recent historical events making up the Korean
missile crisis. Left
out are points which show US policies which contributed to
the escalation; they have been covered in a previous
newsletter. (070406d) Russia
and China still "soft" on North Korea.
(070606e) Big news about this new train track. My take is that if
Tibetans were allowed any say in this project it wouldn't
have happened. Democracy
has a long way to go in China, perhaps a long way to get
started. (070306) It has been mentioned before, China's
role in Sudan and the Darfur crisis. (070306d)
Here are specifics and details, China gets oil, Sudan
gets guns, tanks and planes - a "Muslim" government which
lost legitimacy in a lost election years ago, still lingers
on as a pariah state, part
one (070306e) part
two (070306f) and
part three (070306g) South
America's trade group Mercosur, expands to include
Venezuela (070406f) My take on the Bolivian election where Morales was "set
back a notch" is that democracy is alive and well, still.
That
is all for the good (070306j) Calderon's view of the election results and why there
should not be a full recount (070706l)
Lopez
vows to challenge (070706m) Despite the exit polls which clearly favor a "leftist
presidential candidate" the election is "too close to call"
and there is evidence for US activity with data bases and
voter rolls. It is also clear that the US does not want that
"leftist" to win ... stay
tuned folks (070306a) Here
are the details that the "other candidates own exit polls
show he's lost out" (070306b) All
is not easy in the country either (070306)
And
it's not as if there isn't a history of large scale fraud
and strife (070506e) And
the recount begins (070506f) Well about 10% of the cast ballots seem to be missing in
Mexico's election and the "decision" is a matter of about
1%. So
there is plenty of room for doubt especially in view of the
exit polls. (070406a) and a story about many
ex-pat voters from the US being turned away for lack of
ballots VICTORY? Calderon is lauded as victor however
Obrador
vows to fight on and hints of "not accepting" a falsified
result. However the US is happy/. (070606a)
part
two (070606b) and
part three (070606c) So,
is the "leftist" tide ebbing? (070606d) Wildfires being more widespread and more frequent a
pattern at least partially
explained by figuring in global warming
(070706a) Global warming's effect on the chemistry of
the ocean may effect the food chain in large scale but
unknown ways - primarily
via the oceans absorption of C02 which acidifies the water
ultimately. (070506j) Here
is a more general warning (070506k) Ecuador's
water supply, sourced from glacial "reserves" is threatened
by global warming, this, in turn threatens power supply and
agriculture (070306h) The "tunnel terror attack" planned for New York City
shows that we can foil plots in their infancy - a good thing
even if it wasn't past the talking phase. Could they have
waited to see how the would terrorists would go about
getting materials, financing and make contact with others?
In
other words it was a good job that could have been done
better? (070806e) Guantanamo
prisoners plotted to have more suicides, efforts are
under way to prevent them, I would guess
(070806a) What is the destabilization game? Here
is the word (070706i) Privatizing
the border security at a rate of 4 million dollars a mile,
what I want to know is: is that the low ball bid?
(070706n) Maybe
this won't be a hard sell if we "bash the immigrants" enough
during the campaign (070706o) So the "Liberty City Seven" the FBI agents suggest a plot
to these folks and then arrest them for talking about it,
that
seems to be the whole of the case so far.
(070706d) Dumbsfeld
gets a subpoena regarding a whistle blower and Abu Ghraib,
will he show? (070506g) Oh,
and we call off our team specializing in the "Osama
Man" (070506h) An instructive article on the French Republic and how it
failed, some
parallels are interesting (070806h) I've had articles about Russian power and it is known
that "democratic reform" has, at best, stalled. Here we see
another "gift" from the Circle Jerk King - in - Chief:
Russia
does not seem to heading toward integration with the west,
in fact, it has its own plans (070306p)
Thanks Georgie Boy, thanks. If the US is viewed as being
riven by class and racism, crime-ridden, obsessed with money
and led by an incompetent hypocrite, I
guess that means our PR team covering England has some work
to do (070306n) What is the extent of the problem, could a few thousand
"rotten apples" in the US military be a "problem"? Neo
NAZIs in our military? Part
one (070706j)
and part two (070706k) Right wing, high tech,
web based terrorism and all home grown too! Leave
it to those clever Americans to "bring the war back
home" (070706f) Grover Norquist speaks about
the means Repuglicans
have used to keep a united party despite a plethora of
divisive issues (070506d) The man the US says has taken Zarqawi's place, who has a
5 million dollar price on his head is not in Iraq, in fact
he is in
an Egyptian prison and has been for years. AlJazeera
released the story on July 6th 2006, one wonders if the US
will investigate and verify. (070706c) MAS, Maker Assisted Selection, a cutting edge technique
for hybridizing plants is
touted as an alternative to GM plants.
(070806g)
The Muddle East: Palestine/Israel: Hezbollah uses a drone or plane to attack an Israeli
warship. A
new weapon enters the war. It is a war. (071406o)
Or
maybe it was an Iranian weapon? (071506b)
And
fires on Tiberias for the first time, a look at things to
come (071506d) Israel and the NeoCons - do they want to so alter the
reality on the ground that
"they can have their way, whatever that is?
(071406e) Meanwhile
Israel wants the focus on their "axis of evil"
(071406f) all the better to ignore anything the
Palestinians might say
A representative of Hizbollah speaks and some
updates (071406) A
summary of stories escalation is one of the topics
(071406i) Palestinians
raid an Egyptian border crossing to "let their people free"
hundreds were able to come home (071406d)
Some
details of the attacks, the damage and the
numbers. (071306p) Another
day another dozen deaths. (071406b) Shades of the old cold war! With the recent upsurge, see
below, the US
and Russia setting up shop along opposing lines.
(071306f) part
two (071306g) part
three (071306h) and
part four (071306i) What passes for a spectacular raid opens a second front
on Israel, Lebanon
is now targeted as the war spreads. (071206a)
another
jump in Palestinian rocketry range, 30 miles. Where would
they get Russian made Katyushas? (071306a)
and
the Israeli response may widen the war further
(071306b) and
part two of the story (071306c) and
I love the rhetoric, where the US condemns the unprovoked
attacks by Hamas etc. (071206d) Maybe what is happening is the plan. If there is no
viable Palestinian Government, and all moderate leaders are
given "failures to communicate" then the emergency
continues, the wall continues, the war continues, land grabs
continue and there is no one to take effective action in all
of Palestine against the Israeli action. Mark
my words, this will change probably sooner and more
dramatically that one might imagine.
(071106l) The Greater Muddle East Iraq: "... all restraint has vanished in an orgy of ethnic
cleansing "That
is the word from Baghdad (071406j)
part two (071406j1)
part three (071406j2) I would like to know if a 14 year old is a woman or not.
That is how old the raped and killed girl was, what
a mess, but she's a woman in our press (071206i)
ID's
are used to figure out who to kill, this article says at
least car bombs were indiscriminate (071206j)
But
luckily we have a "resolution plan" from our Bushhumpher in
Chief (071206k) And like most places, watch
the money and you'll see our policy "evolve" as it is now in
Iraq (071206l) No Light At The End Of The Tunnel, that
is the assessment of the article , read it and you'll
agree. (071106j) But you know, according
to PBS, the real cause for all that violence in Iraq is the
Iranians. (071106k) The one reason it "isn't civil war" in Iraq is because
our media portray it that way so our
Dingleberry in Chief doesn't have to face facts and he can
say "things are getting better" NOT (071006c)
Oops
... Murtha and Powell let the "Civil War" cat out of the
bag, luckily the press isn't printing it ... whew
(071006d) The "problems" with the Iraqi police and other law
enforcement agencies are severe and rampant, according to a
news
story summarizing some 400 cases and or
investigations. (070906d) and
part two if you really want to hear it.
(070906e) Few
good options in Iraq (070806i) and
how this war just keeps on giving
(070806j) Iran: We know what the US advantages are vis a vis Iran,
what
are Iran's advantages? (071406n) One wonders now, what will happen if
the current Israeli offensive against Hamas spreads to
Syria, will Iran act? (071306o)The
headlines may make it look like "something is going to
happen" but NOT. (071206e) The Greater Islamic regions: Afghanistan: It may be that indications are that now the war in this
country is just starting. A
nationwide network for resistance has formed and even the
Pashtuns, some 40 million strong may be playing along - that
cannot be a good thing. (071006g) A new pipeline for Caspian basin oil comes on line
exporting through Turkey, Russia
is not happy but the US and Euros are
(071306d) Bush's swagger has come a'cropper. A
quick insightful look and the policy of our Jackass in Chief
(071306x) The dance goes on. China and Russia won't go for what
Japan and the US want - so
why bother trying for resolutions that would allow "work"
for everyone? That's a good question (071206b)
So,
the upshot: North Korea walks from the talks
(071306j) part
two (071306k) and
part three (071306l) With147 dead. The Kashmiri militants are prime suspects,
but
one wonders who really is behind it.
(071106e) Venezuela prepares for what? That's what people want to
know. Chavez
believes some sort of attack is pending (071206c)
But
then there is some reason to feel "pressured by the
US" (071205f) Instability in Mexico continues as the
election debacle begins to make its effect known.
(071506a) The big news is still the election in Mexico, rumors
of it being "Floridized" have people questioning its
validity (071006j) and
part two (071006k) Here
is what this weekend will bring: a "count the vote rally"
hints are it may happen (071406a) "Oh honey! Don't forget to take your mercury this
morning!" "It's
OK dear, I have a tuna sandwich." (071106f)
and,
so far, warmest year in the US since records have been kept,
by 3.5 degrees. (071406c) A flurry of bird flu stories: first it is
spreading
in Africa and Indonesia despite being "fought off" in Europe
and South East Asia. (071106a) Will
Australia be ground zero? They are preparing for it
(071106b) As
a school teacher I wonder what would schools do? What are
the plans? (071106c) Teachers won't be
surprised to learn they'll handle it on their own. Ha!
Meanwhile
in Illinois they are telling people how to get ready,what to
have on hand, nice (071106d) A small story is illustrative of a larger trend Geckos
finding a new home, in Kansas (071006b) What of Haiti? Aristide is still popular as is the
resistance to a government getting very mixed reviews.
Another
destabilized government thanks to US intrusion?
(071506e) "First there is a mountain then there is not mountain
then there is" great Donovan lyric, apply it to The
Gutless Wonder in Chief who now claims he is not being
contradictory when saying that Guantanamo detainees have
their Geneva Convention rights. (071106g)
and
just in time to abuse was/is getting just to darned much
coverage. (071106h) And look who Ballsless in Chief wants for
the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Whoah babeeeeee (071106i) Just as the war with Bin Laden really heats up in Iraq
and Afghanistan we
pull the plug on a group that has studied the man for 10
years or more, make sense to you? I hope it does to
someone (071006f) How well protected are our airports? Well, they could be
better, waaaaaay better, read
this to find out just why whistle blowing so darned
dangerous. (070906a) Israel and the US are now involved in asymmetrical wars.
There
are dangers with this kind of thing as we've seen in Iraq.
This is what they are (071406l) Just think back, six million Jews and millions of others
were killed by Nazi's in their camps. The result was that
the perpetrators were hunted down, tried and executed. Big
Tobacco is on track to kill a billion or so during this
century alone, outcry
anyone? Illegalizing it anyone? Prosecution anyone? Doesn't
look like it, to much money is being made
(071006a) And other reports I've seen have this as a low
figure. Just so odd a juxtaposition,
India launches, successfully, a long range missile and,
well, who cares? I guess a nuclear power taking a
step up the ladder toward superpowerdom - oh, and would it
matter that the Russian's assistance in this project has
been vital to its success? (070906c) Laying the groundwork for their next electoral victory
the
Repuglicans "Scheherazade Strategy" is gearing up and
promises success (071406m) So a "secret" court will review the US government's
"covert" "illegal" spying. I
guess I feel that everything is above board and hunky
dory (071306q) But there is good news!
Alren Spector has a "compromise
in mind" the executive can do what it wants and congress
just shuts up about it. (071406k) How do they do it? It is called lying. Follow the
bouncing budget numbers and see how well Bush
Humper in Chief's fiscal savvy has proved out, hey a few
billion here a few there and pretty soon you're talking real
money (071206g) and
as the Bush Base comes home - a divided nation is uncovered.
(071206h) The
GAO says we need to get our sh - - together in Iraq, or
words to that effect (071306n) The Dildo in Chief sends his attack weenies to deal with
the press the
NYT is just the most prominent case (071006h)
and
page two (071006i) Interview with Rod Nordland talking about how difficult
it is to cover the Iraq story and why
we don't know "how bad it is" (071006e) How
secrecy led to Nixon's downfall and an argument for freedom
of the press, especially relevant now a days with
Herr Bushwhackoffinchief running around like a dorkwad with
out a clue. (070906b) How
to get the word out to thousands of persons for under a
dollar.
The Muddle East: What would a "sane" Us policy in the muddle east be like
now? Why might Israel have "gone overboard" speculations
found here (072006e) We tried pushing democracy in the region but that didn't
get us what we wanted, now we play for support of the
governments but just because leaders might criticize
Hezbollah doesn't mean the "street" is any different.
The
upshot may be that these governments may be even more
alienated from the people democracy was supposed to
benefit. (071906i) And there is more than
meets the eye in the conflict with Israel now,
points
are being made, illusions being shattered and preemption may
be the real agenda now (071906j) Palestine/Israel/Lebanon Israel
preps an invasion into Lebanon (072106a)
Rocket
attacks continue (072106c) Who
blew up a UN base? (072106d) So
what is a medium or long term view of the coming
invasion? (072106e) What are diplomats, presidents, CondiGirl and so forth
DOING? It
looks like they are taking a wait and see
attitude. (072006i) Some
have seen an analogous situation that which existed in the
summer of 1914; I hope we don't go there
(072006j) At
least the citizens our military rescues will not have to pay
for their rescue, can you believe it?
(071906f)Oh,
by the way, violations of the law by Israel's use of US
weaponry? Who will act? (071906e) And
I guess a milk factory, a food processing facility and a
convoy of food are all legitimate military
targets? (071906l) Then the rumors and
indication of some kind of new
weapon that burns the inside of a body. (071906q)
Sounds like the weapons used in Iraq which make use of
various kinds of wave forms, microwave, radio, sound and so
forth. How
the Lebanon's president calls on the world for intercession,
a cease fire, aid, recompense, justice, food, water,
medicine and it is as if the other end of the line is
dead (071906n)
and part two (071906o) We've a few more weeks of this struggle, at least
according to Israel, wunnerful, an attack on Lebanese
military kills 11, that can't be good (071806e)
However
the US may have set a deadline for Israel's actions
(071906d) Nice
Israeli girls sign their names onto shells before they're
fired, mom stands by and smiles (071906c) A snapshot of Lebanese and their reaction or rather
resignation to being "stuck
in the middle again" (071706e) However
the Arab World is not unified in its opinion.
(071806c) 06.17.06, it's morning in SF, but half a world away the
developments consist
of a veiled concession by Israel, Iranian's speaking on
behalf of Hezbollah, continued fighting, and mutually
exclusive conditions for ending the conflict.
(071706d) This article wonders if Israel has taken a "stupid pill"
Both the US
and Israel have "war leaders" who have never been to war,
great huh? (071606g) Mutually
assured destruction is the future? (071606i)
Unless GW Jackass in Chief wakes up ... oh right, what
am I saying. Even
calling for a cease fire, the US and the Brits can't seem to
"say the words" (071506f) And
this is all the world says: "Oh, please stop it" or words to
that effect (071606b) Stats
released by both sides, and the attitudes implied, yup, it's
a war (071606c) A shred of hope that cooler heads will prevail, but
perhaps it is only a matter of time. Another
day, more destruction, the rhetoric of war and the threat of
it spreading wider. (071606a) and
part two (071605b) A
two parter with 7-15/s events no action from the UN,
violence escalates it's another war (071506g)
and
part two (071506h) The Greater Muddle East The Horn of Africa: Another war brewing? Somalia
and Ethiopia have "issues" (072106g) but
Somalia
calling upon its once and long time nemesis makes for
strange bedfellows (072106f) Iraq: WHEN, when when? When will someone finally, loudly,
clearly, and repeatedly say: It
is civil war, there is no good news, chaos is rampant and we
have lost the war. Read on this article
(071906b) How about a trip down memory lane? What
they said BEFORE the war and what they are saying NOW
(071706g) Cutting funds for democratization
projects just in time for
... for ... what? What is the plan?
(071706f) Massive kidnappings seem to "happen" in broad daylight,
this time it
was the nations Olympic committee and a slew of others who
happened to be on the scene (071606d) Turkey: Warnings that all is not well in Turkey, frustrations
build, disagreements begin to simmer, do we need another
conflict in the region? No.
Well what is being done to prevent it?
(072006a) How could this be good? Turkey getting antsy about the
uptick in attacks by Kurds. They hint they are considering
entering Northern Iraq to quell cross border raids - well
that will just make things all the more hot. The
US wouldn't want that so what will happen?
(071806d) Iran: The Greater Islamic regions: Afghanistan: A much touted "offensive" of allied forces in the south
has found, um, well, not much. There
is a lull going on now, but by this time next month it will
be over and a renewal of "rebel" operations will be in full
swing. (072006f) Pakistan: So little is being reported about this nation. It has
four conflicts ongoing, Baluchistan, Kashmir, Al Qaida on
the Afghan border, and groups dedicated to overthrowing the
government. Here
is a bit about the "Jihadi option"(071606h)
Global issues cannot be addressed with out consideration
of the population boom. Instability for a variety of reasons
being a result is self evident, what
is not is the effect of attempts to increase the standard of
living for more and more people (072006c) 80% of humanity's energy comes from fossil fuels, this
not only effects global warming but eco systems and
sustainability even
though renewables are getting a boost, they are still a
small part of the picture. (072006d) Global warming seems to hold the potential for effecting
the climate, that we all know, but what is not so widely
known is that some areas of the world will be effected more
than others. Africa, for example may not suffer, in terms of
climate, any more than some other parts of the world,
but
the effects will be disproportionate given the problems
already present. (072006b) Is Russia "fitin' to bust a move on"? It shows in the
G8 summit that they
are becoming confident and capable of making their wishes
known and achieving their ends. (071906k) Protests effectively close tourist attractions, reports
of protests and the voting decision still is not
decided (072106b) Mexico, the challenge
continues to its democracy, but
what is the challenge really, is it the election, fraud or
is it the stratified society? (071706h)
Recount
or resistance. (071706i) Pesticides come home with the workers so that the family
can share in the result North
Carolina has the story, but it is a national
problem (071806a) And as for "California Sun"
a whole generation, or two, were raised on the "healthy
beach" idea -
now beaches are "sick" (071806b) It isn't as if it is bad enough that the US is "going
backwards" but now
Russia says it's keeping its test site ready
(071906a)The risk of a "dirty bomb" being made from
poorly stored nuclear material seems to be a present enough
danger and although
progress has been made much is vulnerable still
(071606e) What a struggle for ensuring real voting reform, or at
least
preserving the Voting Rights Act may entail and why today is
NOT the 60's (072006g) How our electrical grid and systems became second rate -
even as rates climbed and profits soared: The
Ghost of Ken Lay (071906p) Just a note
regarding our Kegger in Chief, how his
"Aw shucks, mam." deportment and demeanor just "don't work"
in the world (071906m) Just a bit of voter fraud for Cynthia McKinney, voters
watched their votes for her change to the other candidate
before their eyes. (071906h) What
is the cost of an executive gone wild? Will Congress and the
Supreme Court reassert themselves, not yet
(071606f) Our
news gives Israeli views ... no surprise there - even
today (072006h) So the first whistle blower lawsuit regarding the voting
machine fraud is filed. Is this getting coverage? Where
was the press in 2000, 2002, 2004 and where will they be in
2006? Hmmmm? (071706a) At
least a California election with "massive fraud" is getting
some play (071706b)
The Muddle East: Political intrigue, who is "with" whom, why the timing of
the "initializing attack" and
the reason for the response and more (072606j)
A
lot is at stake, the war could spread, easily enough, far to
easily (072906h) Can this be good whatsoever at all? Iran allowing,
publicly mind you, volunteers to organized themselves and
make their way to Lebanon may make a bizarre situation even
more so. As these volunteers make their presence known,
and
if they become significant, what will Israel do about it? I
mean really and pragmatically speaking? (072606e)
Also
Israel accuses Syria of aiding and abetting the resistance
(072606g) part
two (072606h) part
three. (072606i) Appearances can be deceiving, Israel
has problems in its current military action. This article
argues that defeat is at hand and illuminates the
reasons (072506z1), the article does not
mention my notion, that is to say, if Israel expands the
war, to bring in Syria then it can have a "real policy" and
a distinct objective. Not to mention more chaos and less
oversight, as if there is any now. And
grumblings from the puppets, fearing mainly the public
opinion of their nation and being out of synch with it
(072506z2) Most of the "troubled" areas of the region have radicals
in control, however the masters could each " call their dogs
off." They
won't because there is money and poll results which "forbid
it" (072506w) The alcoholic version of US
policy in the region, what we don't get will fail us, and we
don't "get" a lot, why
Rice's trip will be mostly spin (072506g) Palestine/Israel/Lebanon Hurray! Bush and Blair have a peace plan, Hezbollah gives
up weapons, disarms, goes away, Lebanon gets lots of aid,
somebody trains their army and guards the border while
Israel is given a full partnership in the
whole deal, sounds good!, (072906a) and
part two (072906b) oh, and yes, Syria
promises to be a good neighbor. Done deal! Meanwhile
a peace offer is rejected, fighting continues
(072906c) and
part two (072906d) Israel
begins to call up the "citizen army" as many as 30,000
(072806p) Support for Hizbollah increases among Lebanese and
plunges
with regard to the US. A trend thought to be
extensive. (072806e) and
it can be asked if Israel is losing this war
already. (072806g) Israel thinks the UN is not up to the job of securing or
helping to secure the border areas with Lebanon,
so
who will volunteer? (072806b) And
Hezbollah gets "new" rockets with longer range and bigger
payload. (072806c) and
part two (072806d) A battle for a city once inhabited by some 30K is in its
fourth day casualties
mount (072606a) and
part two (072606b) a
days details in three parts (072606e)
two
(072606f) three
(072606g) A large scale detention center is being constructed,
some
say because so many prisoners will be coming, which means
the struggle may be measured in months, and that some kind
of incursion is immanent. (072506o) Olmert
says "they can do a long fight" but
if they do "invade" and Syria makes good on a recent threat
to "become involved" if Israel does invade ... well one
wonders. (072506t) Meanwhile
little battles take on bigger meanings (072506u)
and
part two (072506v) Village
by village fighting (072506d) The general
impression is that things are not being accomplished
easily, this
may drag on for weeks, no one is saying "months" yet. I
would think no one wants another Iraq. (072506e)
Or
Vietnam, Hezbollah has taken lessons from the VC
(072506g) Hizbollah
has respect in the "Arab Street" (072506h)
part
two (072506i) and
part three (072506j) I wonder exactly what CondiGirl's has as a goal for her
upcoming "tour" of the disaster that Lebanon and its
adjacent region is? It may be a while , but someday,
certainly it seems so now, the
"pressure cooker" of public sentiment, running strongly
against the US now, and its allies and allied regimes will
boil over and create a "real problem in the
region." (072306e) Rocket attacks continued, other reports say somewhat
diminished, this
story just a days summary (072306a) Do the
math, another article says about 90 rockets are fired each
day, for
ten or so days that is roughly 900. They've caused 17
deaths, so about 50 rockets to a death. (072306b)
A
sampler of the "tough going" (072306c) Battlefield success is what Israel enjoys today, but what
of tomorrow? If Israel pushes back the opposition the 20 or
so miles it wants, what happens after? Will Hezbollah stop
its attacks against whatever defense it placed there?
Will
Iran and others cease support for Hezbollah? Who wins in
this scenario? (072206g) Israel targets Lebanon's broadcast media, but cannot
shut down the Hezbolla's broadcasts - truly odd
that. (072206a) And
the ground war begins - one village at a time
(072206c) and
part two (072206d) The Lebanese army's commander has said he'd fight to
protect his country it it is invaded - experts say it won't
happen.
How could they keep themselves separated from the cause
of Hezbollah or possibly resist Israel's army?
(072106o) The invasion has begun, Israeli's make progress, fewer
rockets fell, body counts add up. Perhaps weeks more are
hinted at. One
wonders, if Israel is successful, what success will look
like on the ground? (072106m) The "Arab world" seems to be divided over what is
happening in Lebanon, but the division is mainly between the
"street" and the government houses, the street seems
supportive, but the governments must play a balancing act,
not wanting to alienate their people, be seen as weak on
Israel, non- supportive of another Arab nation being
attacked or of appearing indecisive - quite an act -
the
solution? Blame Iran! (072106h) and
part two (072106i) Jordan: In
the news for torture, how wunnerful, just another dependable
ally (072506k) The Greater Muddle East Iraq: After reading this story I'd guess that Iraq is the place
to do some REAL bank robbing! I mean if
you can jack up an Mazda you can clear a cool million. The
banking system is in chaos (072906f)
and
part two (072906g) Torture here, torture there, it may
be getting out of hand (072506l) A
bit of a larger story (072506m) More patrols,
control the violence which seems to rise, stats show to new
levels, sometimes
on a weekly basis (072506n) Baghdad being
kept under wraps? Curfew is in effect, despair is the
unofficial by word, while,
officially, plans move forward. (072106j)
part
two (072106k) and
part three (072106l) Iran: Did
we have planners for an Iran war even before Iraq?
(072806i) part
two (072806j) part
three (072806k) part
four (072806l) part
five (072806m)
and part six (072806n) The Greater Islamic regions: Afghanistan: It has been a bad year in this country, some
days there are as many attacks here as in Iraq
(072806h) A
small story, people caught in the middle of a viscous war
(072506y) Another
place, it is noted, the resistance mounts attacks with
hundreds of participants. (072506z) Experts say that our opposition in this country are on
the "come back track" and one
wonders if we have the staying power to stay and what the
consequences of leaving will be? (072506q)
And
yet this following story depicts a situation that looks at a
poor future (072506r) And the good news, no
this isn't good news, how do you turn on and off a greedy,
corrupt warlord? Ask
Karzai, he's had practice, lots of times - talk about chaos
from the top on down, (072506s) Do women have the freedom that we boasted they 'd have,
I'd
like to ask Laura Bush, it looks like the fashion police are
going to be back in style. (072506p) The
bigwigs say one thing but a military commander says
something else, who're you going to believe? The
country is close to anarchy (072106m) Pakistan: Pakistan gets a new nuclear reactor, how cool is that?
Are we actively concerned? Does not seem so. But,
hey, what's another arms race (072506x) Global warming has many effects but few
would have expected it to effect the rotational orientation
of the earth itself, read on: (072806a) I have heard of this before, the magnetic poles moving;
apparently they are on the move now, in previous stories I
may have mentioned it. This
one reports on the movements and adds a bit of what I call
"Sci-Fi flair" (072306i) I don't know how accurate the report is, but the
suggestion is that the lower than usual rainfall in the
Amazon is a threat. It works like this, drought will cause
the big trees to die first, the ground is exposed to more
sunlight; it dries out, fires become rampant and more carbon
is released into the atmosphere - increasing
global warming and accelerating the cycle, another tipping
point region (072306h) Another
story on this (072506a) More
on what is called the "Carbon Bomb"
(072506b) But
here is the real problem, Senator Inhofe thinks global
warming is "crap" (072506c) Changing water temperatures in the ocean will effect the
food chain systems ocean ecology depends upon. Evidence
accrues locally, in San Francisco, where bird
populations on the Farallones is suffering, because of a
lack of fish, because of a lack of krill, because of an
increase in the water's temperature of between three to five
degrees. (072206e) Because we've studied global warming for so long and have
analyzed it scientifically and made it part of our nations
policy .... NOT. Well,
here is speculation on what our "breadbasket" may have to
deal with (072106n) Somalia: The war in this country now gets under way US
backed Ethiopia enters Somalia, Bin Laden backs the Islamist
groups who took over the capital Mogadishu
recently (072306g) North Korea makes it into the news but who listens to
them anyway, I mean, as far as the US media is concerned,
they can say whatever
they want and we don't have to listen. This only makes
them amp it all up, but we don't seem to be alarmed about
them. (072606f) Mexico's presidency is still contended and Obrador
vows "vigorous, radical" action" to ensure a full recount
(072806o) Venezuela and Russia cut arms deals, right under out
noses ... shades
of the cold war being replayed, except that this time, time
is not on our side, nor are trends
(072606c)and
part two (072606d) Cuts in aid to nations who won't sign onto exempting US
forces from prosecution under international regulations
have
hurt our efforts and allowed China more operational freedom
in Africa (072306d) An assortment of brief articles from Mother Jones,
jellyfish
shut down a nuclear reactor, invade new areas annoying
fishermen, Iraqi politicians thinking the "jig is up",
poverty increasing, cutting aid to them and more
(072306f) A good phrase: "imperial
impotence" as it applies to US foreign policy
(072806f) NASA no longer has to worry about
the home planet, it is no longer in its mission guide.
So
we focus on Mars.... right! (072206h) The
Congo heads for democracy! (072206b)
despite
its long and involved history with makes this all the more
remarkable (072206f)
07/08//06
07/15//06
07/21//06
07/29//06
08/05//06 The Muddle East: America is "the kiss of death" for an increasing number
of Arab people and governments Lebanon
radicalizes many (080406k) And
the Litani River, could this be another reason for Israel's
over reaction (080406l) I would hope not Israeli's say Hizbollah has antitank weapons that come
from Syria and or Iran and say that Iran has agreed to be a
supplier for such. The war expands, of course, who thought
it would not? Iranian weapons most likely have to pass
through Syria and so the stage is set for their involvement,
it is only a matter of time, I think. When Syria becomes
involved so will Iran, one way or the
other and then the US will have reason to "deal with them
both ." Maybe Israel takes on Syria while we deal with Iran?
Who knows, stay tuned (080406i) So, 2006 is to be the year "to deal with Iran's nukes"
and 2007 is the year to "set" Israel's borders. Good plan
guys, but you forgot just about a million things, or maybe
it's 30 million - I
don't know the population of the region, after
all (080206m) What
was Rabin saying when he was shot? It makes interesting
reading (080106x) Israel and the US "diverge"
on policy, Rice has a plan which would play well in a stand
up comic club, if
she weren't so seriously ugly, have you seen those recent
pics? Darth Vader stand aside! (080106i) Have
we created a "Frankenstien" monster of our own
making? (073106p) More hints of the current war spreading to Syria, even
Iran. Thinblebrain in Chief might be pumping Rice in the
Oval Orifice but
it may be that they think they can pull their dicks out of
the fire by doubling down, going for a wider war, and trying
to make a clean sweep of it all. (073106n)
But
this is not the only source for has me thinking that
CondiGirl wants a war named after her too.
(073106o) The incapable trying to do the impossible, CondiGirl
returns to the region (073006b) A
brief "who's who" of the "non-state" across
(073006d) Then
national leaders, Syria's Assad
(073006e)
Hezbollah's Nasrallah (073006f)
America's "leader" (073006g) Lebanon's
leader, called "unlikely here (073006i)
And
Iran's leader Ahmadinejad (073006k) Then
a "so called" primer on the current conflict, it begins with
a fundamental error, but put that aside
(073006h) Despite
evidence our Punditocracy plods onward, slouching as it were
toward its own Gotterdamerung (073006j) Palestine/Israel/Lebanon So what is up with the Israeli bombing if Beruit?
It
seems there is a plan but Hezbollah has not "fallen for it"
it is an interesting thought (080406m) And here Iran admits to sending missiles to Hezbollah,
but
doesn't want them used but Israel claims to have destroyed
them (080506a) Battles rage the 4th day of
August, a synopsis of the
carnage and damage,(080406e) part
two (080406d) part
three (080406e part
four (080406f) The
"umbilical cord" is cut, bombed out bridges paralyze relief
efforts (080406g) Cluster
bombs and white phosphorus, (080306i) I mean
we caught some flack for using that stuff in Iraq but Israel
gets a pass despite the possible violation of international
law ... oh right .. what AM I thinking. If you look at what the different sides are saying are
their conditions for "settling the war" from the US, to
France, the UN, Israel, Iran, Hezbollah and dear old Lebanon
you will see that no
solution is in sight, no one is on the same page, yet.
fighting continues (080306b) and
part two (080306c) 8000 Israeli troops enter Lebanon, rocket fire into
Israel is back up, diplomacy
seems stalled (080206a) and
part two (080206b) There
are perhaps as many as 18,000 inside and this could triple
(080206k) and
part two (080206l) This article hints that Israel may destroy vehicles
entering Lebanon from Syria if
they think they are weapons bearing,
(08106z1) Most everyone notes the pause in
missile attacks by Hezbollah, this interviewer hears that
"everyone"
believes the war will escalate (080106y) Great quote: "proudly
how he relieved the army of restrictions on harming civilian
population that lives alongside Hezbollah
operatives." (080106v) Current Israeli ground
operations include at least 6000
troops on various missions (080106f)
part
two (080106g) and
part three (080106h) Israel gives the green light for a large scale land
offensive to advance into Lebanon and draw up along the
Litani River. I
ask, what of Syria, missile attacks, Iran and others
(073106t) and
part two (073106u) We'll
soon find out the ground offensive has begun,
(073106x) part
two (073106y) part
three (073106z) and
part four (073106z1) Finally a story from Gaza, it's all bad of course,
casualty rates a quarter of what has gone down in Lebanon,
still, a hardly functioning nation has been reduced to
grasping at straws. The
ordinary people are the ones suffering in this madman
calculus. (073106m) Hezbollah takes its victories where it can, an
Israeli withdrawal from a contested town fills the bill
(073106i) Why
does Israel go for the "shock and awe" program that was so
"successful" in Iraq? Beats the hell out of me!
(073106k) An Israeli attack gone horribly wrong seems to give both
sides pause. Whether
or not this is the pause that refreshes some semblance of a
peace initiative is anyone's guess at the moment, but it
shows hope is eternal (073106a) and
part two (073106b) Syria: Meanwhile
Israeli actions lead to Syrian actions leading to more build
up and call ups. (080106j) Pardon me but it
looks like two naughty boys playing with flint and steel,
trying to get a spark going - how unfortunate. And a rumor
that the US
is pushing for some kind of ACTION
(080106k) The Greater Muddle East Iraq: A
huge rally in Baghdad supports Hizbollah and vilifies you
know who and who else. (080406h) Why DID Saddam have to "go" ? There is the official
reason(s), terrorism, WMD, bad guy dictator, threat and so
forth. Many think it was so we could get the oil or get a
new set of bases in the "oil rich region". Apparently that
is not completely the truth, apparently Saddam
had a penchant for yanking around the price of oil, even on
a day by day basis, as someone says, "its not control of the
oil, but control of its price that matters"
(080306a) And
in case you forget that war is hell, it is, and here is a
snapshot (080306e) Protests in Baghdad by
Shia's demonstrate, ironically, the
government's failure to control the city.
(080206c) part
two (080206d)
and part three (080206e) Turkey: Turkey selects a "hard liner" for its military chief.
Maybe they are feeling their oats and want to "deal more
stringently" with Kurdish separatists, the EU's application
negotiations and the country's own "conservative religious
block" This
all sounds like there'll be more peace in the region,
yes? (073106w) Iran: Iran's fortunes and that of Hezbollah are linked -
what
happens in one place effects the other and the sharp knife
of reality cuts both ways (080106x) Iran says it will produce atomic fuel, regardless
of the recent decision/action by the world body at the UN
Security Council (080106a)
and part two (080106b) The Greater Islamic regions: Afghanistan: The handing over of "authority" to NATO is official, but
there is a resurgent enemy and doubts about the
future,
confidence is part to the public's view point - they've seen
us come and go before. (073106r) Casualties
predicted have begun to occur (080306d) One
wonders if the Taliban consider the US leaving "their
victory"? Darfur/ Sudan: The horror continues while Sudan demurs about letting a
UN force enter the nation and the grim
reaper continues the harvest. (080406a)
Aid
work being killed does not help matters at all
either (080406b) Urchin
die off in California, the small picture,
(080306g) however the following is the large picture:
the ocean devolves? Evolution run backwards? The
rise of slime? (080106l)
part two (080106m) part
three (080106n) part
five (080106o) part
six (080106p)
part seven (080106q) and
part eight (080106r) This article asks if the recent heat waves, globally, are
a clue to global warming while the only cited evidence says
it is. I
guess it's good they are at least asking the question
(073006a) The Koreas watch what is happening in Lebanon too, they
draw their own lessons and as far as their concerned
the
US is "isolated" as much as the us feels North Korea
is (080106z) Our presstitutes say that North Korea want attention and
yanks the US around by pulling stunts, is
shooting over the border the next step in the
escalation? (073106x) It appears that China is giving some "flack" to North
Korea, possibly signaling a change of heart or course.
Usually they've been the ones to keep some form of
communication alive, what this move portends is anyone's
guess; I believe that China has its reasons for doing
what
it has done and that any consideration of the US or Japanese
concerns are not particularly pertinent
(073006c) Rolling back one of the "color" revolutions so soon?
A
Ukranian government favorable to Russia takes
power. (080406j) Sri Lanka and the Tamil Rebels fighting again.
It makes me wonder where has all the peace
gone? (080306f) A hub of money laundering, narcotics, lax or non
existent border control, weapons, cash, and, we believe,
terrorists is the
tri-border area of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina
(080406n) and we've at least one friendly
counter among them Paraguay, we
cut deals smugglers only dream of and work on "securing the
area" (080406o) I guess, for the moment that Cuba stories can go here ,
Castro's brother is sald to take the old leader's place, but
he is more radical, does
this bode well for US - Cuba relations?
(073106v) Not everyone is happy about the protests in the capital,
but
the supporters vow to stay on
(080206f)
part two (080206g)
and part three (080206h) The "election"
battle continues as the
opposition prepa