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Fourth Quarter of 2006 October 2006 ... November 2006 ... December 2006
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10/07//06 If one thinks our soldiers are treated poorly, consider
the contractors and other privatized service providers,
the
uncounted dead and wounded get the cold shoulder and widows
weep for the pity and shame of all.
(100606g) The Muddle East: Israel/Lebanon/Palestine/Gaza As the "money squeeze" continues to compress the
Palestinians, Hamas and Fatah have had friction,
disagreements and gun battles. The
line is drawn against civil war, but one wonders just how
anyone can manage this decaying situation
(100106e) Then
there is the "gas squeeze" that gets headlines
(100406a) Iraq: Kurds make signs and motions for more freedom, is
anyone using the secession word?
(100606e) Another
bloody day in Iraq (100506b) 1200
member unit of Iraqi security in the capital dissolved for
participating in kidnappings and
killings(100506a) What is bravery and heroism? Here
is a portrait of both in one man. (100306f)
And
here is the hell that he fought and died participating in,
this is a city that has a "successful operation" reducing
violence remember (100406g) The
report of "good times" (100306f) here is
the graphic (100306g) in Iraq is questioned but
who is listening to the questioner? (100306e)
Retired generals who served in Iraq are doing more than just
questioning the war - they
are saying it stinks to high heaven.
(093006g) The Greater Islamic regions: Sudan: Sudan says peacekeepers being sent is a hostile act, then
there is a bit of retraction or there isn't, either way the
UN seems to be making arrangements to send troops into a
country that says they do not want them. Behind
the scenes, as you might know, are oil and China, oh well
(100606b) part
two (100606c)
and part three (100606d) Hmmm, just how effective is CondiGirl? Not very at all -
Arab
nations balk at the very idea of pressuring Sudan to accept
peacekeepers in Darfur pointing to the ongoing violence in
Palestine and recent events in Lebanon as at least part of
their rationale for their distrust of the US
(100406b) Here
is a brief overview of why she will fail, or rather has
(100506c) Afghanistan: Some
hints about Taliban plans for the next offensive
(100506f) Here
are the complicating factors compounding the matter
(100506g) British
forces meet harsh resistance and get the word out in their
own way (100306h) as
NATO "takes over" (100506i) Iran: Here is the latest scoop, a five day bombing plan for
Iran, and maybe more, depending. This
article goes to great lengths to describe the likely
scenarios for this action. None are really good,
really (100306d) They
want to "ramp up" their production schedule in a major way
(100106d) Pakistan: They say they are going to conduct a nuclear test. Will
wonders never cease? Can anyone say "election timing"? I
mean if Osama can chirp up as needed and seem to play on our
politics why not the North Koreans? To me this signals a
major shift in their approach to their foreign relations
problem. Previously duplicity served them admirably, now,
however, something has changed. What
ever it is - one wonders if we'll ever really know for
sure (100306x) Economists are about to weigh in on the Global Warming
issue. I
think articles such as this one will be looked back upon as
a prime example of human pride and ignorance.
(100106a) part
two (100106b) and
part three (100106c) Ok, you've got to have humor. Borat, a fictional reporter
from Kazakhstan, makes
the tin pot dictator who is running that country into the
ground pretty darned mad! (100506d) Of
course it will be ignored, mostly, but the Christian
Nationalism that makes the current insanity possible has
finally been challenged in a book
(100506e) Rush Limburger Von Hindenburg flame mouths
immortal
words which have not well stood the test of time and other
foibles (100406e) Suppression of the "Iraq story" results when it is near
to impossible for reporters to
report, investigate, interview or honestly expose
information that is, well, inconvenient.
(100306g) But
why bother with suppression when you can distract and
ignore? How 800 years of legal legacy is covered over by
dirty emails (100406d) 9/11 Widows and Widowers make a number of points in light
of the revelations concerning a
June 10th 2001 meeting where warnings regarding Bin Laden
and AQ were voiced in no uncertain terms.
(100706a) Hey, how will this story play overseas? Guantanamo
Abuses (100606a) Hey, how about a "blast from the past" the August 2001
presidential briefing. Wow
is it short and wow does it make one wonder how CondiGirl
ever kept her job or the GutlessWonder in Chief for that
matter (100506j) and
just a tad more on CondiGirl's denial of the
facts (100506k) And
here is a bit more on the CondiGirl and another warning
(100606f) An object lesson, a "terrorist attack" just about 2000
years ago signaled a nation's "coming of age" and the people
forcefully took action, sacrificing their rights and laws to
pursue the villains, which they did, but the rights
sacrificed never were given back. The
Roman Empire truly changed just a decade after when a
certain someone crossed the Rubicon with his army
intact. (093006h) Another country goes its own way and a supposed "nexus of
terror networks" is now beyond our reach. Chalk
one up for the Dumbell in Chief (100306b) A dysfunctional military? Is this news? Well
some of the details in this story might be
(100306e) and
Kissandtellinger happens to have his bloody sausage like
fingers in someone's private Idaho, a diddling' away like a
fiddler might (100406f) Want to do your own in depth analysis of the national
election scene? The
New York Times has an "every man's tool" just right for the
job (100706e) Yet more bad news for the Repuglicans concerning their
electibility. I am going to be stubborn and continue to
insist that they
will hold on, one way or the other, to congress and that our
ShitForBrains in Chief will "do what it takes" and that
takes in a lot of ground, really.
(100406c) It is amazing that Economy, Ecology, Global warming,
nearly universal conflict of interests manifested in the
federal regulatory agencies, two failed wars, isolation in
the world community, setbacks in diplomacy regarding Iran,
Palestine, North Korea, South America and China, the
bungling of Katrina all
do not matter as much as where one man happened to put his
dick. (100706c) and part two (100706c) Another story about how repuglicans fear they'll loose
because of Foley's follies but perhaps more,
but like I say they've nothing to fear but fear
itself (100306c)
And here is choice selection from the feeding frenzy, which
has only just begun (100306d) Amazing article demonstrates how the Democraps are poised
for a real shot at taking the Senate and much though I hope
they are correct, I am still a pessimist. I believe the
Repuglicans will cheat, the polls are fixed and the result
is foreordained. If
I am wrong and the Democraps do take a hold I can only hope
that it will be something of a new day. (100206a)
Here
is why the Repuglicans think they'll win
(100206b) Oh,
and here is another it is called "MONEY"
(100206c) The plan for Pumphead in Chief is to "nationalize" the
elections and the article seems to think that there is a
chance the Democraps can pull off a win - as I've said
before that ain't gonna happen, no way in hell.
We
may be in another war by then (093006f)
North Korea: The
US has a draft for a resolution part one
(100906d) part
two (100906e) and part three (101206c) A
"swift and severe" UN resolution was passed, North Korea
called it a "declaration
of war" but they've said that before, time will
tell (101406d) part
two (101406d) and
part three (101406f) China and Japan have a "pleasant talk" but grumble about
North Korea's promised test and mention chapter seven
sanctions, meaning the military option. And
I wonder who will be in charge of the charge?
(100806b) part
two (100806c) part
three (100806d) However
regarding sanctions the US and China don't see "eye to
eye" (101206a) yet.... part
two (101206b) and
part three (101206c) Despite
their pronouncements the North Koreans announced they've
detonated a nuclear device, (100806e) so far
I've seen no confirmation of the event, usually seismic
traces are detectable for some distance around. Oh,
well verification was short in coming South Korea indicates
they detected the seismic "report" of the blast. A nuclear
power is born, (100806f)
Some call it a fake (101006b) And whatever
purposes the north had in making the test, the
reactions of their neighbors have indicated that they did
not, perhaps, think things through or were focusing on
another audience? (101006c) and
a brief piece on why this near term does not look good: hint
three nations led by teams that blunder
(101006d) And
there is plenty of blame to go around for "who lost North
Korea?" (101006f) The world reaction sets in, China's is the most
important, but action will speak louder than words, will
China take strong action? They could, if they'd a mind to,
cut off North Korea's oil supply, everyone
else is yammering for "something to be done"
(100906b) and
page two (100906c) The Muddle East: Israel/Lebanon/Palestine/Gaza: A bit of boiling over, but it all comes to naught, the Al
Asqua Mosque is kept from many, enough
to spark a riot (101306e) Hamas
still holds on despite the efforts of the US and Israel,
both sides of the fence are stubborn and there is no change
in sight (101406a) Iraq: At least one Brit says his
nation's presence in Iraq is making matters worse and that
they should leave ASAP (101206g)
part two (101206h) and
part three (101206i) And
many important, one time, allies agree with him,
(101406c) Meanwhile: Baghdad
violence is at an all time high (101206k) Various
reports on the large scale poisoning of Iraqi police
officers (100906a) The situation in Kikurk, the oil rich region which the
Kurdistani's claim is getting more violent, the
fight is heating up (100806g) and
Iraq today, Rice talks nice but the ground is
unsound (100806h) And
another example of how well things are going in
Baghdad (101106a) Aad in case you want to
know how many Iraqis have died in or because of the invasion
looky
here: the grand total (101106b) The Greater Islamic regions: Somalia/Ethiopia: It
seems many think a war may be brewing, with several players
stirring the pot (101006g) Afghanistan: Several statements in this article are interesting, it
says but the best is: "Afghanistan
is close to becoming a "narco state." when many of those in
its government are directly tied to war lords and drug
producers? It is already a narco state.
(100906f) Iran: Just
why and how are China and Iran becoming palsy-walsy? read
on: (100806j) Sanctions are on the agenda?
I
wonder what the five plus Germany will agree
upon. (101406b) Pakistan: The Taliban, Al Qaida or whomever is engaging in
"concrete
discussions" regarding the deals made the government and the
tribes in Wasziristan and what they mean
(100806i) The
Caspian basin is under the influence of a trio of
competitors: China, Russia and the US.
(101306a) Deep, deep sea fishing threatens eco systems in a
way we are not aware of, a
"toothless" ban is being proposed, but will it make a
difference? (101306c) We
have entered the "Age of Terror" , a much unheralded
event, (100806k) is described in this report
by a correspondent/reporter of some three decades from the
middle east region And before this "war" is over we
may have 400,000 disabled vets drawing disability claims,
sorrowful as that is it only means the government has lied
to us, yet again, about the costs of the war and its
consequences. (101206d) And
we plan to be in "action" in Iraq until 2010 - so we could
see "better" numbers (101206e) More and more independently minded, the region hosts
governments that the
US, in previous times, would have "dealt with" but now
cannot and so must live with (101306b) Might this story about France recognizing the "genocide"
of Armenians effect how or whether Turkey becomes a part of
the EU, what
repercussions if it does not? (101206e) The
resident select and how he lives in his own private Idaho
(101206j) Another argument for a Democrap win, but I am determined
to be either right as rain or wrong as hell. The
Dems won't take it (101306d) Lieberman
the "Enron Enabler in Chief" gets a little light shed on his
very "helping hands" (100706e) There are more
solid and
"huge" numbers in the polls with no good news for
Repuglicans, I may have to pay off some bets,
(101006a)but I'll wait until the "fat lady sings"
meanwhile I did collect on three bets because a nuclear
weapon was detonated before Bushwhackoff's War on Terror was
over - granted it was a bit squeaky but it WAS a bomb and it
DID go off. so....
and more poll news that should have Repuglicans crying in
their beer (101006e)
North Korea: So the question on normally asks is "Just how did Kim get
"the bomb"? Answer, from Pakistan's Kahn, who was financed
by Saudi Arabia, by the way, and so his operation was immune
from our Intel investigations, as Yogi
Berra said, "it is amazing what you don't see when you're
not looking" (101506a) Our
"No Talk" policy comes under fire,
finally,(101506c) So far rhetoric has been the "hottest" aspect of the
conflict. But this
story repeats an error, stating that North Korea's
announcement in 2002 that it was pursuing a nuclear program
sparked the current crisis, that is simply not so,
Bushwhakoff derailed agreements that the Clinton group had
made and then refused to talk about it ... h mmm
... (101506f) Then, the resolution gets passed, 15 - 0 mind, and then
comes the haggling about what various parts of it means
and
the US is not happy with what China thinks sooooo ...
(101506g) part
two (101506h) and
the ever exciting part three (101506i) North
Korea reiterates its belief that the sanctions are an act of
war and threatens "action" (101706a) my
"concern" is that if, in a few weeks there is open warfare
will anyone look back and see the PorkFuck - in - Chief as
being responsible for the crappy mess? Or if simple chaos
reigns, what then? The Muddle East: Israel/Lebanon/Palestine/Gaza: Several articles summarized here, one on the
possible
use of "experimental weapons" on the Gaza population
(101806c) Iraq: Here are the nine paradoxes of a lost war - great reading
and a
must for understanding how we got where we are and what is
to come (101706h) and
maybe, bad as it is, worse IS yet to come
(101706i)
600,000 dead (101706j) Divides deepen and the government cannot even select a
venue in which
to begin talking about unity and reconciliation
(101506e) Baghdad now has a berm wall with 28
check points controlling entry into the city, but
the killing goes on and on. Maybe there are signs of
progress but it is, at best, mixed.
(101506m) Hey, what's in a word? Our military commander in Iraq
used the term "resistance"
to describe some of those fighting the US forces in Iraq. A
hint of some kind of change or what? (101606g)
But
the plan seems to be to continue lying all the way through
election day, (101606h) and
casualties mount (101806d) and then some.
Then
the Jerkoff in Chef compares Iraq to Vietnam
(101906e) Meanwhile,
options are running out, and soon
(102006a) A
dire piece describing the disintegration of the medical
system (102006b) They
are trying to clean up interior ministry, I hope it works,
really (101706d) The Greater Islamic regions: Somalia/Ethiopia: Sudan: Well, one step forward for peace in this troubled country
comes from a
peace deal with a group I didn't know was
fighting. (101406g) a
king caught in the middle tries to straddle the fence
between occupiers (101706c) Pakistan: Another coup plot against the "M" man himself?
It
seems that this was not an "act" cooked up for foreign
consumption but the real deal (101506k)
dozens are arrested and most seem to be military and
Islamism as well, anyone surprised? Here
are some details and juicy tid bits
(101906c) How about this: many think we went into Iraq for the oil,
but perhaps we wanted a chance to "influence OPEC" and
keep
the supply of oil low and so get the price high and thus
make many, many billions? Read on
(102106f) Oil pricing policy of Saudi Arabia and the needs of the
Repuglican Party apparatus go dick
in ... uh ... hand in glove? (101406h)
Nigeria
is an object lesson in how Oil Money corrupts and the people
miss out (`101906a) this article does not
mention the oil field's rebel activity A Russian - German energy axis? That is the word
as another "fabulous" resource field is to be developed in
Russia, the
US is cut out and that should be a clue to the clueless,
don't you think? (101506l) Another measure, a metric, if you will, of China's coming
of age, entering the world stage, or what have you.
Patent requests, the growth is impressive - and this is, in
my opinion, the first wave. The twentysomethings in
China and the 30 year olds are the first generation wholly
beyond Mao - Ponder
that for the future. (101506d) 10
top computer models for climate change predict a "wild
ride" (102106a) Antarctica
feeling the heat as well (102106b) But
Germany is taking the issue seriously, unlike the US,
and
begins to "figure the odds" (102106c) A couple of stories about the Military
Commissions Act of 2006 an overview (101806a)
and
a criticism with bloggy answers (101806b)
Meanwhile
the NYT weighs in, saying that it "chips away" at our rights
(102006c), but
it does oh so much more than that, really - it guts the
vitals and spews them with filth, oh pardon me was I
engaging in hyperbole? (102006d) Just a month before the elections, and just when it is
needed, an American is accused of treason. The
man is not in the US and so it may be hard to "do anything"
but, well, that part of the story wouldn't get headlines
would it? (101506b) So as we piddle away in
our "efforts" to thwart that very dangerous individual,
Al
Qaida is more dangerous than ever
(101906b) The empire strikes back, a pro US banana
billionaire pushes back against a Chavez ally in a tight
Ecuador election (101606f) It is interesting that in the very unlikely event that
the Democraps take a hold this person says that there'll be
a constitutional crisis when the sitting "Turd
in Chief" meets Mr. Check and Balance" who introduces him to
Ms. Constitution (102006e) Just
a sad case in point, sex tourism in the US is doing well,
even in Atlanta Georgia (101906f) Aha! Here it is! Leave it to Greg Palast to cast a
glowing light upon the squirming shitty worms that infest
our electoral bowels. For those who harbor hope regarding a
resurgent Democrappy party, read
this, weep, then get ready for a wild ride in November
(102106e) Abramoff is back in the news and the news is that there
is a record of over 400
contacts between the vilified man and the White House or
Administration officials, how wonderful.
(101506j) and
Repuglicans hoping to find a Democrap scandal hang their
hopes on a perfectly legal sale and a repeated but simple
lie (101706e) And
here is another report that would worry Repuglicans, not
Whackoff you understand, but the party
(101706f) I am holding to my bet that The Big Green one
- in Chief will erect another victory And this is the filth
that fills the airways, "Insanity
Hannity" what a dickless excuse for a human male
(101706g) A Blue Tide for the US? Ha! Why
election reform was a fraud and why a man chosen to develop
it quit (101906d) The next wave in energy generation? Using the waves and
tides? Here
is a look a current research project
(102106d)
North Korea: Did
some of our own "root for" a nuclear test by North Korea?
Seems so (102306g) The Muddle East: Iraq: But there is a reason for us "staying the course" there
would be a blood bath if we left - I am so
RELIEVED
because that would be a change for the worse, don't you
think? (102706g)
and a bit on "Riverbend" a mysterious Iraqi woman who blogs
the truth (102706h) The
situation in Baghdad is markedly worse than just a year
ago (102306q) and
part two, jeezus (102306r) As for Al Qaida
they do have "concerns" about US withdrawal, they fear it
will loose them recruits and influence, also
CIA gives the skinny on why Bin Laden speaks.
(102706c) Do
we have to fear an Al Qaida take over in Iraq?
(102706d) So who are we fighting?
Seems
like there is a list to look at (102706e) We fought our way into Iraq and Baghdad and now,
NOW,
we are finding our way back out. As Baghdad goes so goes the
country (102306n) and
part two (102306o) For years now Bush has been famous for saying "stay the
course" now
however, and suddenly, he says they've "never been 'stay the
course" in Iraq The link has a video clip but
quotes are there in print. (102306e)
Here are some stay the course quotes (102306f)
and NOW our dear leader, the
DimBulb - in - Chief, is thinking what he said was
unthinkable - who's your "flip-flop" king?
(102306h) The phrase, "coming apart at the scene" applies to Iraq
with
at least 23 militias operating in Baghdad and rumors of a
coup being imminent (102306d) RumDum
and Georgie "the altar boy" Casey say that Iraq is not in
the midst of "Civil War" and they have the definition of
that term to prove it! (102206a)
Unfortunately, the definition used would have it that
the US never had a civil war, nor did Russia or Lebanon to
name a few examples There is "some talk" by "some officials" that the
"strongman" approach to Iraq be revisited. That option,
if exercised would land
us squarely where we were just before we invaded. Sounds
like a plan to me (102106g) and
part two, if you can stand it (102106h) Sometimes a couple of stories add up, ant these two do,
first the headline story. The
Mahdi army takes over half of a city near to
Iran. (102106h) Then
a story that mentions Sadr as having a good slice of the
governmental pie, is supposed to be friendly toward Iran.
(102106i) and
part two (102106j) So, my thought is this:
what if Sadr made a move on the city, the government, of
which is party is a part, agrees to leave or stand down and
hand over control to an Iraq Army unit, the kicker is: what
if Sadr chose the unit, or had a unit put together just for
this job? Wouldn't that be an "undercover" civil war? The Greater Islamic regions: Somalia/Ethiopia: Sudan: Sudan and the UN seem at odds. The
situation is complex here is an outline of the recent
developments (102306a)
and part two (102306b) and
part three (102306c) While
the latest indication is that the peace is shredding and
violence will escalate, wonderful (102306l)
and
page two (102306m) Related to the situation in Sudan, the UN seeks a
presence in Chad. Both of those countries are supporting
each other's rebels, of course
there is oil involved in the background, China and the
notion of western forces gaining a presence in the area. A
nice, if volatile mix. (102706k) and
part two (102706l) Have
there been further incidents or just a war of bluster and
threat? (102806x) Pakistan: Afghanistan: Poor
public relations, a bombing raid gone bad and playing with
skulls (102706) Europe: China revives a Saddam era oil deal with Iraq, seems like
while
others might be squeamish the Celestial's are bullish
(102806a) The ozone hole is the largest ever! How
about that? Great pic! (102306j) Even
as this happens we've people who think carbon dioxide does
not need to be regulated (102306k) Early
on in the "torture scandal' seems to include bases in Europe
that both the US and Europe denied. (102706b)
A bit more on that and how
our anti terror plans are akin to a "chicken running about
without a head" (102706f) and
look at the math, we are on track to loose both in Iraq and
Afghanistan (102706i) It
is interesting to note that that US successfully prosecuted
a Japanese soldier for employing water boarding. We
condemned the Khmer Rouge for the same reason
(102706j) If we were serious about a war on terror don't you think
we'd support curbing the availability of small arms?
Wouldn't you think that, by now, we'd be tired of isolating
our selves from the world and its opinions? Nope,
we vote against a UN curb on small arms.
(102706m) This is a humorous story, it was all I could do to not
smirk or chuckle, but then it just be the Irish in
me. It
seems the Brits are currently in a bit of a flap concerning
the waxing Scottish influence in the London halls of
government. (102106k) The dollar crisis: some expect it sooner or later - why
it has not happened yet is something of a mystery, but
can reality be denied forever? (102706n) It seems that the "rating" given the US press is not
keeping pace with improvements in other nations. The
upshot of the report is that we've slipped in the
ratings. (102806) This story has it that the governorships of a number
of states have become "competitive" and that Repuglicans
may loose their majority hold on those offices. This has me,
for the first time, doubt my stubbornly pessimistic attitude
that the Repuglicans will hold on in congress. But, then
again, I think that the narrow focus of the Junta on foreign
affairs, tarnishing Dems in congressional races and gearing
up to defend the Dorkwad in Chief's continued monstrous
bungling as acceptable "because we're at war" will
allow
state races to "go their own way" but at the same time
prevent change on a federal level.
(102806b) A prediction of voting problems during the upcoming
election? Well
surprise, surprise (102706o) And
this article which seems to indicate a fraud is coming but
offers crazy solutions: the cure for voting fraud is to have
record numbers of voters? What good does that do if the
votes are not counted correctly? Beats me
(102706p) Write your congress person? Ha! If that is the
best that can be offered we are in deep doo doo. The
speculation is that the "in case" the Repuglicans loose
they'll cry foul" They won't loose. I am determined to be
consistent in the hope that I'll be proven massively wrong.
Ha! And here is a nice tidbit, when tested our voting systems
are about 98.5% accurate. This
is rate low enough to drive many a close elections through
(102706q) The gap widens, it seems the
number of Repuglican seats up for grabs has increased, but
still, I'm saying "no cigar" (102306p) Here is another article detailing the continuing debacle
of the Repuglicans. Like I say I don't believe the Bushies,
or those behind them, really, will let loose of the hold
they have on power. I
admit the stories look good, but, as this article points
out, they Democraps do not have a certain win, in fact they
are still coming up short in the projections that are
estimating if they do have enough of a lead to take congress
(102306i)
10/14//06
10/21//06
10/28//06
11/04//06 The Muddle East: Israel/Lebanon/Palestine: There is some indication of DU weapon use by Israel in
Lebanon. They've admitted to phosphorus weapons and lied
other times, oh
well here we go again (103006p) Iraq: Cutting
and running: the reconstruction effort is over and a
failure (110306d) What the pentagon says publicly is far different than
what it says privately. If
their own graphic is calibrated correctly we've just three
months before Iraq achieves the status of being
"chaotic" (110106a) and
a win for Sadr? (110106b) while
we abandon the search for a missing US soldier?
(110106c) Meanwhile
Baghdad is "slip slidin' away" (110106d) A tale of a visit to a "secured town" which has lost 90%
of it population, erupts into fighting as the visit takes
place and
a resident is optimistic because the mortar attacks are down
to one a day (103006o) So check this article and see if it says what I think it
says. Does
it not indicate that perhaps hundreds of thousands of
weapons meant for Iraqi security have been
"lost"? (103006i) Then
the Iraqi army has "logistics" problems as well
(103006j) Here is a five part story, an
interview with a woman in Baghdad by a man whose last visit
was only a year ago, my how time flies (103006a)
part
two (103006b) part
three (103006c) part
four (103006d) part
five (103006e) The Greater Islamic regions East: Pakistan I have tot to keep in mind that any story from Pakistan
should be looked at, first
there is a US attack carried out inside Pakistan
(103006u) Then there is the reason that this
is an important event to Pakistan, it
alienates, even further, those who find Musharaff
evil (103006t) The reaction of the people is
unsettling, threats abound, if
it becomes truly evident that the US was directly involved,
say by a drone, then it would make matters worse,
yes? (103106d) I
guess they have not read Time or seen ABC
(103106e) Iran: Military
games, and I love the Russians saying that a weapons system
is defensive only, cannot be used for aggression.
Not that Iran IS thinking in that vein, but the
quote is priceless (103106g) The
games are meant to be a show of strength as well as to
"cover" vital sea lanes (110306a) Russia
seems to be at odds with the US over sanctions for Iran, but
we're friends, remember? (110306b) Afghanistan: Thailand: This could be another place where Islamist insurgency may
grow. Mainly,
it seems, because of governmental dimbulbedness
(103006v) China makes its moves into Africa. Touting
it as a "win win" situation, there seems to be some
friction, missing from the piece, however, is the notion of
what the West is "doing about it all"
(103106a) Nigeria's oil revolt continues, right now it is
modest but
it may be no longer! (110306c) England seems to be ringing the alarm bell. This article
says in the next hundred years we could see a global
temperature rise of 5 degrees. Well there have already been
reports of three and four degree increases so
are
we ahead of schedule or are we talking a further 5 degrees?
(103006g) and
party two (103006h) Secret prisons, extraordinary rendition, the leaks from
around the world hint at a grim picture - even on the home
front, we have threats to our liberty and freedoms.
We are in trouble. (110306g) When we need new energy technologies, solutions to the
"oil problem" does
it seem to make sense that R & D funding for such is
falling? No I did not think so
(103006q)part
two (103006r) and
part three (103006s) A fiscal tsunami awaits the "boomers" as they begin
to feed at the social safety net trough. But
big numbers, arcane economics and painful solutions keep
this problem on a back burner for now (103006l)
A
housing bubble set to burst? (103006m) Maybe
it is just the
"magic numbers" that no one bothers to check beyond scanning
the headlines? (103006n) How about that
quarterly, near the election, report? Sure there is some coverage of this story, rolling back
the laws put in place after disasters such as Enron,
but
now rollback is the word and Bushendorfer in chief likes it
that way (103006f) Well,
maybe there is some sliver of hope, a one time, big time,
BushBacker says the prez has "lost his mind" and Richard
Pearle agrees (110206b) A
look at the casualty stats. We are somewhere in the 45,000
total casualties. This number does not include the
aggregate casualties of all our allies Iraqi and otherwise.
Some long time ago I said I thought it would be very
interesting to have a complete accounting of the dead
relative to "which side they were on" and or those "caught
in the middle" The figures would be depressing, I think
(110206c) And here is something, some reports on and of
the
media acting like it's waking up, too little to late? Only
time will tell (110206b) and
part two (110206d) Many
varied thoughts on the election, worth the read, as are the
follow up comments (110306f) How
to steal an election, lesson one: when a voting machine is
found to be malfunctioning, simply announce that it isn't.
Oh, yes, one thing more, there is no step two
(110306e) Many, many are saying there is a Democrap tide. This
article paints a vivid picture of what is possible. I am
still stubbornly pessimistic, even though, after reading
this article my heart would love to sing of hope. After all
I cannot concede the bets that I have made. So
maybe a hint, a wisp of optimism may be scented, but after
so many disappointments I can not bring myself to voice such
a perspective, much less consider or argue for
it. (110206a) So here is a look at what might happen if
the Damned Dems win or it they loose (103106c)
It's not as if the DamnedDems are all antiwar and
progressive you know, in
a sampling of 23, 22 are pro war - admittedly these are in
"tight races" but still, it isn't hopeful, is it?
(103106f) An overview of the congressional elections with about a
week to go. While
I have not changed my mind, Repuglicans will win, this
article provides some modicum of doubt (103106b)
Problems with voting machines showing up in Florida
already? How
surprised do you imagine I am? (103006k)
The Muddle East: Israel/Lebanon/Palestine: A recent Israeli attack killed a number of civilians. The
problem is this: the Palestinians are under attack, have
been for decades - Israel wants their land and has taken
lots of it. Israel has overwhelming military superiority.
So it is a "low
grade" war. In which civilians on both sides are being
"involved" by the opposition. I don't know if another spate
of violence is in the offing - we shall see, I guess
(111106c) An Israeli official talks about attacking Iran, you know,
if they are just blowing gas it is one thing, if they are
going to do it, it is another, but
I don't see how "chatting it up" can be helpful.
(111006b) Meanwhile
Israel has "bigger and closer fish to fry, thousands rage at
a "regrettable" attack (111006d) So word is that Israel wants to be homogenous, now that
perhaps has been understood, but
to have it announced, well, how could that help?
(110506b) Meanwhile
the Gaza offensive continues, as the world looks everywhere
else for anything else (110506f) and
a few more details (110506g) Iraq: Measured success, Tal Afar, a city of some quarter
million - half of which have not returned, but
here some success is evident - especially in comparison to
other cities. (111106b) Mortars
allow partisans to attack from a distance, are cheap and
easy to use. (111006i) The US is taunted by
an Al Qaida supporter - encouraging our Dork in Chief to
"stay the course" and give them opportunities to kill
Americans. They also claim to be winning faster than they'd
thought - it
is not verified as authentic AQ but then does that matter?
(111006c) Remember "de-Bathification" it was an important goal,
well
scrap that one boys, we have to get organized around
here (110606p) Take a trip back in time. Baghdad, August 2003, then
consider this, it's only gotten worse (110606n)
and
a word on the Lancet Study (110606o) Bitterness? We don't know the term, Riverbend does. She
writes in from Iraq regarding
the trial and her coverage uncovers it as a poorly run
sideshow set up by idiots and viewed by only by those with a
stomach for extreme irony. (110606m) Bechtel is "cutting and running too" and it is not
alone.
Why are our troops there again? (110406a) The
Saddam verdict is in, and it seems some thought that this
would "heal" things, how odd is that and , of course, they
were wrong.
I guess there is no surprise in that
(110506a) The Greater Islamic regions East: Pakistan Just a handful of weeks ago there as a peace deal between
Pakistan and the "tribal areas "was
touted, well, that is gone and war is the option now, or so
it seems (111106a) Afghanistan: Taliban support seems to be on the upswing. There
are reasons why (110606c) Details on the aftermath of the "raid" which killed 80 in
a Madrassa. The timing was interesting, as was perceived US
involvement and, well,
it may prove a pivotal point in how Taliban and other
"anti-western" forces develop and are dealt with.
(110506d) Chaos spreads? From Darfur perhaps or another area in the
locality a group of rebels
trouble the Central African Republic a nation with a very
troubled and unstable past (111006j) This article placed under the "China" heading is set here
because China is a part of this project, the "Iron Silk
Road" as it were - a
continent sized project that will only make China's
opportunities grow (111006a) A report that follows upon another: fish stocks are being
depleted. Typical
of this kind of story is the part that talks about how a
solution exists, if we'd only use it!
(110406c) In Oaxaca, the city is party held by anti government
activists
who are pressing for the removal of the state's
governor. (111006k) and
part two of the tale (111006l) In Mexico City a few bombs go off, the authorities were
alerted and no on was hurt. Apparently
unrelated to the contested election, but one wonders if
there is more to come (110606e) Daniel
Ortega retakes Nicaragua, oh well, US threats
notwithstanding (110806d) Here is a thought, will the Democraps make the kind of
difference that, well, makes a difference? The writer doubts
it, and so do I, but even though I am withholding my hope
until, say, March, St. Patrick's day to be specific,
I
think that the issues raised in this brief are well worth
the read (111006g) If the congress switching hands sent a signal to our
Weenie in Chief then he is deaf, take a look at his nominee
to
replace RumDum our old SecDef, now here's Gates
(111006e) Then
too, there is a new "wiretapping" bill (111006h)
That
said, the world was happy with the result
(111006f) FOX "news" catches Bushwhackoff in a lie? AND broadcasts
it? Amazing
what an election seems to produce
(110806b) Just
take a look at this weeks "Words of Power" for a concise set
of stories that will make or ruin your day.
(110606b) if
the Democraps are elected then this might be their "laundry
list" (110606j) part
two of "the list" (110606k) and
part three of "the list" (110606l) A slew of local elections indicate a shifting of
attitude,
away from Neo Con, hard Conservative values
(110806c) The Senate "falls" into the Democrat's hands and they,
with the House in hand can now talk some turkey, let's
see if they do and what shape the country or world will be
in by the time they take office in 2007.
(110806a) Oh, and yes I feel better and will have to pay
off a few bets, not that I'm complaining, mind. OK, I've voted, but I have not listened to the news or
the polls all day long. Here
is a set of polls taken just before the election, according
to these the Democraps should give the Repuglicans a
trouncing. We shall see. (110706a) More on the possibility that the Democraps will take the
house, conventional wisdom, and that the senate is within
reach. I
still maintain that they won't get congress, and the article
hedges its headline all the way through.
(110506c)Here is a piece that will be a classic of these
archives in all likelihood, a "what
will the dems do when they win" story, ya gotta love it
(110406b) Please
note how even handed this report is concerning the "get out
the vote" efforts of both parties
(110506h) By the time you read this it will be "over" but if the
election goes Repuglican and there are cries that it is
foul, here is the way Greg Palast thinks it will be
stolen. How
do the Repuglcians get a 4.5 million vote head start before
the get go (110606a) an
overview of vote suppression (110606i) And
polls say the "gap" is closing despite everything.
(110606f) here
is more specifics on the "closing of the GOP's
gap" (110606h) and
here is some other data (110606g)
The Muddle East: Blah - Blah Blair, the dumbbell makes noise, really
besides farting, and has had plans for making a
comprehensive M.E. peace by bringing in Iran and moderating
the US - Ok,
once you stop laughing read WHY it won't work ... it's a
Lulu (111406m) Israel/Lebanon/Palestine: Hamas still rejects a two
- state solution or recognize Israel
(111406h)
part two, hints of a Palestinian civil war in Gaza
(111406i) part
three, something about the compromises make - so far
(111406j) Lebanon's government fractures and the
gap widens (111406b) part
two (111406c) part
three (111406d) Determined to show backbone as well as to win friends and
influence people, the US
today vetoed a UN resolution condemning Israel, now who else
was surprised, no Mr. Bush you don't count, well maybe to
three (111306d) Lebanon's government is somewhat unstable, the
country itself is a bone of contention between the
US/Israel/EU group and that of the Syria/Iran/Hezbollah
group. (111206a) Syria: Well electoral results from the US make it less likely
that this nation will "toe our line" or compromise its
stand. Europeans
realize its cooperation is needed to resolve the regions
problems. Essentially it's a "new world honey"
(111206i) Iraq: Iraq's neighbors all have "interests" inside and outside
the country making for interesting or strange bed fellows,
to say the least. It
is possible that they may be drawn into the chaotic fray and
to what end, ends or purpose(s)? (111606d.)
Meanwhile,
we go for one last push - add 20,000 more troops take
Baghdad, (111606e) I mean really take it this
time, for sure, and then force the different groups to
reconcile. Oh,
and yes, do it in less than a year. And forget about that
democracy crap! (111606f) A whole building of governmental people kidnapped, taken
off in a convoy of some 30 pickup trucks by armed men in
uniform, (Whose? Don't ask) indicates things are a bit out
of control in Baghdad, but
there it is, the "kidnapping craze" we've all heard about
gone loosy goosey (111406n) which
why there may be no way out but out, cogent thoughts on
morality and meaning (111406o) And why, Why, WHY did it go so wrong, so very horribly
wrong? Maybe
a Marine commander, one who is about to retire, who ran the
Marine operations has a clue (111406p) Some
what more troops for Iraq, (111306a)
and
some want less, will they make up their minds?
(111306b) Remember Fallujah? The success story?
Well
it's road has been bumpy and now, well things are slipping a
bit (111106d) Iran: Saber
rattling continues, albeit from the outgoing Israeli
ambassador to the US (111606g) But
he's not the only person "chatting it up
(111606x) Here is the latest scoop Jackson on what is what. Yes,
the dance continues, but the players are all handing each
other gaffs and BS or enigmas wrapped up in mysteries.
Whatever! This mess won't be solved anytime soon and
the
chaotic approach of the US to the country and the region has
not helped consensus arise or solutions to be created. "Nuf
Said" (111506c) The "are they - aren't they" after a bomb dance
continues: threats,
offers and counters notwithstanding. (111406e)
part
two, US UN ambassador "Dolt on" and Bushwhacker weigh
in, (111406f) part
three, the "do nothing party" (111406g) Israeli threat, Iranian counter threat, the words fly;
just so long as missiles and bombers don't but the dance is
not more complicated, I think, since the US
elections promise some kind of change in US foreign policy -
if so everyone is waiting to see just what it is.
(111206b) part
two (111206c)
and part three (111206d) The Greater Islamic regions East: Pakistan Afghanistan: NATO is "putting itself on the line" in this
nation. Its
success or failure will have long lasting consequences,
right now, the drug money out weighs the international aid,
and substantially so. (111606i) and
attacks have doubled since last year, nice!
(111606m) The Greater Islamic regions South: Sudan/Darfur/Chad: It seems there is a violence overflow from Darfur into
Chad. Attacks and bloodshed are reported. I
wonder if there is oil there too?
(111406a) Sudan, Oil, China, Khartoum the fabulous rises on the
banks of an otherwise desolate countryside and it
really IS who you know that determines how far you rise and
how wealthy you become. (111606n) China makes "noise" ahead of high level visits to India,
claiming a sizable chunk of territory; India
makes counter claims.(111306f) China's hold on/of US currency reserves is gigantic.
The
"consideration" has been, for some time, what or how they
might make use of it if they decided to become less friendly
toward the US. There are some jitters out there
(111206e)
part two, glacial
change (111206f) part three, the
time of the unchallenged dollar is gone
(111206g) It's not nice to fool with Mother
Nature: What climate change looks like up close and personal.
In
Kenya the pastoral tribes are being forced out of their
ranges by drought and desertification which are exacerbated
by global climate change. (111106e) Russia, China and other Asian nations are to participate
in an military exercise, the first of its kind next year -
the
debut of a budding multi -polar world? Methinks so, me
does (111206h) So now the blazing idiots who
brought us Iraq and Afghanistan are forced
out of imperial aggression into imperial defense? We shall
see what we shall see (111506b) Now it is possible to hold a resident alien with out
trial, indefinitely - without
redress or recourse to legal procedures.
(1211406k) This is brought to you by the Military
Commission Act of 2006, described here, however this article
does not mention as has past articles that the act has vague
language
which allows it to be inclusive of "any combatant" which
can be defined as anyone who assists or supports an
enemy (111406l) The "big picture" on this issue is given some exposure in
this story about buyouts,
takeovers and what I call "mass media management"
(111606k) And the result? Well, it is a
"newspeak"
media onslaught against the very idea of "getting out" and
there are parallels with what happened in the US media
during Vietnam. (111606x) Does the press get wind or what? The "get ready to
rationalize our leaving off Iraq" movement is growing.
In
sum we blame the Iraqis for the failure in Iraq, it is
clear, after all, that we tried our best and they, well,
they are just incapable of doing better
(111306e)
The Muddle East: A summit meeting between Syria, Iraq and Iran must be
news, must be important and shows how the US policy has
created strange bedfellows - and
their interests, like those of Israel, are not
ours (112206a) Or
maybe no summit meeting? (112406b) Blair says the intervention or whatever it is in Iraq is
a disaster, then
everyone back peddles .... (112006c) and this
headline for a story that talks about Iran, Iraq, Syria and
Lebanon all having representatives meet up for a chat,
oh,
they don't say Lebanon is at the meet but you and I now that
"somehow" influential parties in that nation will be
attentive, or even chatting it up informally. Is the US
happy now? (112006k) Israel/Lebanon/Palestine: And what I think the Israeli's might now call the
"northern front" is not as peaceful as it seems - who
is calling the shots? Who will win this power
struggle? (112006l) and
developments, or a new tactic, in the "southern front" as
well (112006m) Here is more on Lebanon: the crisis deepens and the
players are coming into the open? I think that several
parties in the region would welcome a chaotic Lebanon,
Israel would have a freer hand, Syria might be called back
to help, Hezbollah would be vindicated, the UN would pack it
in, and Iran would have an extended reach
(112306c) the only losers would be the Lebanese and the
US and part two "we
need a more realistic approach" it says, no really? and why
would that be? (112306d) Another step is taken in
Lebanon a huge rally, a national strike and polarization of
the people - but where will this latest spike in chaos
lead? (112406a) the
latest word, another step closer to a tribunal, and dashes
of chaos, division, fear and foreign meddling.
(112506a) Exposing the theft of Palestinian's land may make any
settlement more distant, unfortunately the
proof comes from Israel itself (112106d)
and
why the Israeli settlements are a disaster
(112106e) Syria: What's up with this "playa" they're kickin' and chillin'
but whackin' a few as they do so ... what's
a super power to do? (112206g) Iraq: The civil war worsens. There is a threat by Mr. Sadr to
withdraw his support from the government if the current
president Maliki, meets with our very own "Shit for brains -
in Chief" in Jordan. If the threat is carried out the
government would collapse, most likely. In
an "ordinary country" that would mean an election would be
called, in Iraq it would spell out "power vacuum" and every
fool in Baghdad would rush in = chaos, I mean more than
there is now. (112506b) and
part two, worthy read by itself (112506c) The US has an "Achilles Heel" in Iraq, the supply route
from Kuwait to Baghdad and the rest of the country.
The resistance has attacked it successfully just recently
- a sign of another "front" in a war with to many of these
already? (112406e) The rate of escape: 100,000 per month leave Iraq. The
statistic is numbing, but
the personal story of one woman gives you a clear idea as to
why the are doing so (112306e) Rifts exposed by the chaos, the figures don't lie and is
an expansion of the war to precede its ending?
Is there a search for a palpable "victory" presumably in
Baghdad, that would allow "retreat with honor" ? Only time
will tell. (112206e) Well, it's about time there is a shift, the debate is now
not whether or not to leave but rather how and when -
except
the "decider" hasn't decided to open his hears, his mind, or
what passes for his sinful and deceitful heart
(112206d) Just
a few problems with the "training " programs for the Iraqi
forces allied to us. (112106g) A sea change has occurred in Iraq, check these stats,
they want US forces out, attacking US forces is OK,
and
in Baghdad none think that we'll help the security
improve. (111206a) Terrorism
is back on the air and bloodier than ever, people dance to
it (112106b) So
far November is Iraq's deadliest month since stats have been
kept (112106c) If you call this thinking then you'd also be the kind who
called what we did to Iraq planning, what
the current options are in a nut shell (112006a)
While
sectarian conflict widens and deepens
(112006b) The six choices we face for the war. from
mostly gloom to a distinct taste of doom part one same o
same o: (111906d) part
two, kick it up a notch, sneak out or cut the country
up (111906e) part
three bring in the neighbors or call on a strong
man (111906f) Iran: Current administration thinking in Iran has it that
it
could still be "a good to go situation" no matter the loss
of congress. (112006e) And
here are some arguments surrounding the "drop it" camp's
position (112006f) Then
there is the "failing forward" approach that may be the
option our dynamic dumbbells in the White House might go for
- a big bet that clears all the losses (112006g)
For
which we already have damaging pre-strike intel that is,
embarrassingly, public, shall we punt? (112006h)
And as has been taunted for a while Israel seems to be
willing to "do the job" and one wonders why he was all
smiles after talking to Bush which was after he said
"We
have reached the pivotal moment of truth regarding Iran...
Our integrity will remain intact only if we prevent Iran's
devious goals, not if we try our best but fail."
(112006g) The Greater Islamic regions East: Afghanistan: It gets harder and harder to say "We're winning" this
conflict, the US makes 2,000 bombing sorties in a time
period that saw only 88 in Iraq. The alliance needs to
succeed,
failure is not an option but a probability - time is
short. (112006d) Pakistan: A very brief story which has very long consequences:
China busts another move, geopolitically speaking,
and
one wonders about the leveling off of US influence in that
nation - what is up? And why is Boy George still smiling?
(112306a) The Greater Islamic regions South: Sudan/Darfur/Chad: Chad extends its state of emergency and claims
Sudan is the cause of their trouble
(112406c) Besides the story under Pakistan we read that
infrastructure in China is getting a serious boost, if
history is any guide, such massive investments precede
impressive economic growth, the
rails are getting top priority, however, and one would be
curious as to the layout of those tracks
(112306b) It seems even conservative newspapers are seeing our
bungling abroad for what it is, a sorry excuse for foreign
policy. The wedge that the US cleverly drove between China
and Russia so long ago is all but gone and
we've contenders to contend with, instead of allies with
mutual concerns (111906a) Another
case in point is India; is it another contender with its own
agenda - a soon to be equal? (111906b) The big news is the emergence of a dual government in
Mexico. Where this will lead is anyone's guess, but there
are annoying evidences for Mexico
fraying around the edges, Oaxaca, the Yucatan region and now
in the capital itself. (112206) Resource conflicts and the dollar's value: This is a tale
of how politics effect where oil flows and how it is bought
and paid for, and where and with what. Is
an assault on the dollar being planned with Russian oil and
Chinese connivance? (112206b) Do we have a new nation being conceived on our border?
And to the north? Only
time will tell, my friends, Vive Quebecois!
(112406g) Here is one thing that should be on Pelosi's 100 hour
agenda, revoke the AMUF, authorization to use military
force, for Afghanistan, it seems this simple measure has
morphed our dorkwad Boy George into a would be dictator
-
yank the rug out from under him? Sure how about
it? (112406d) Here are some thoughts on the election, why the Dems did
win, unfortunately only three of the six theories can be
located on the page and
I go for the most cynical of the three, you get to guess
which one I mean (112306f) A
huge resource page of links regarding voting fraud in 2006,
lots of fun info, even if you only survey the titles of the
stories referenced or the summaries
(112306g) Yes
the darned Dems seemed to pull it off, but a look at
Virginia's shenanigans make one wonder (112306h)
what the result would be if all the votes were counted
all the time everywhere and no one anywhere was turned away
from the polls - and let's go hog wild, what would happen if
we had voting spread over three days, completely verifiable
elections? And
then there is, or rather should be, a hullabaloo in Sarasota
Florida, remember Katherin Harris?
(112406f) Here is an instructive article, how "power" changes a
person. There
is a lot here and it tells (111906c)
and how about a sickening dose of "idiot science" that costs
real science millions (112006j) Housing
bubble trouble: is the next wave heading our way?
(112006n) I don't follow it all, but file it nonetheless
for those that do
11/11//06
11/19//06
11/25//06
12/02//06