Fire of Liberty
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has an interesting article on Iran's nuclear weapons program. According to the article, the IAEA has filed a report on Iran's nuclear weapons program. Based on their report, Iran has resumed the construction of its heavy water nuclear reactor in Arak, which, when its fully capable can produce enough plutonium to make one bomb per year. The report also notes that the regime has also started the construction of extensive tunnels and storage facilities in the city of Isfaham, which is the home of the Persian uranium enrichment program. Through a combination of concrete and reinforced steel, the Iranians have begun the construction of tunnels some half a mile under the ground. Based on the Iranians, these tunnels are being constructed to ensure the safety and security of their nuclear materials from aerial bombardment from the US and Israel. Its funny that a nation who says they are only constructing a nuclear power plant for electricity are going to such an extent to protect the reactor.
Could it be that the Iranians are continuing to enrich uranium as well plutonium for the use in nuclear weapons that they are storing underground in areas the size of basketball courts. If they were constructing a peaceful nuclear facility that various other nations have, they wouldn't need to worry about these sights being blown back to the stone-age. And people expect us to deal with these vile elements who will do anything to develop weapons that are intended for the US, Europe or Israel. It would be easy if the Iranians just opened up everything to the inspectors but they've got something to hide.
We need to follow Reagan's words of wisdom, "Trust but Verify." The only problem is that the energy-rich nation has verified that we can't trust them due to their acts of deception. They are indeed the crocodile that Churchill warned against working with. I hope they don't bite us before we can do something with them.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Fire of Liberty
Fire of Liberty
Here's an awesome cartoon by the Los Angeles Times' Michael Ramirez. For those who are hard of seeing, the vulture is says "There goes the neighborhood..."
Here's an awesome cartoon by the Los Angeles Times' Michael Ramirez. For those who are hard of seeing, the vulture is says "There goes the neighborhood..."
Paul Z. Malkin, RIP
Fire of Liberty
Peter Z. Malkin, the Mossad agent who caught Adolf Eichmann in Argentina, has died in New York. I hope the World produces many more brave men like Malkin to ensure evil will be stopped in its tracks. As an old Jewish saying notes, every man's heaven or hell is determined by what people say about them after they die. From what I've read, Malkin has earned a seat in heaven. God bless his family and welcome him into your home. RIP, Mr. Malkin.
Here's Michael Ledeen's tribute to the great Nazi hunter and Intelligence wiz.
Peter Z. Malkin, the Mossad agent who caught Adolf Eichmann in Argentina, has died in New York. I hope the World produces many more brave men like Malkin to ensure evil will be stopped in its tracks. As an old Jewish saying notes, every man's heaven or hell is determined by what people say about them after they die. From what I've read, Malkin has earned a seat in heaven. God bless his family and welcome him into your home. RIP, Mr. Malkin.
Here's Michael Ledeen's tribute to the great Nazi hunter and Intelligence wiz.
North Korea
Fire of Liberty
It seems the North Koreans are willing to come back to the 6 way talks if the US only apologizes for calling them an "Outpost of Tyranny." Well I wonder what makes them think they're not an Outpost of Tyranny. When you starve almost 3 million people, use a repressive military to keep the people beat-down, develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to use against your neighbors, continue to remain at a state of war, imprison dissident, steal relief supplies for your cronies as well as create a cult of your "Dear Leader", you should be considered "King of the Outposts of Tyranny."
What the US needs to do is wipe the regime off the map completely. If we just applied all pressures on Kim Jong Il and ask the Chinese to open their borders for North Korean refugees much like we did in Berlin in 1989, we could dismantle the Stalinist state once and for all. I hope North Korea doesn't think the US going to apologize for telling the truth.
It seems the North Koreans are willing to come back to the 6 way talks if the US only apologizes for calling them an "Outpost of Tyranny." Well I wonder what makes them think they're not an Outpost of Tyranny. When you starve almost 3 million people, use a repressive military to keep the people beat-down, develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to use against your neighbors, continue to remain at a state of war, imprison dissident, steal relief supplies for your cronies as well as create a cult of your "Dear Leader", you should be considered "King of the Outposts of Tyranny."
What the US needs to do is wipe the regime off the map completely. If we just applied all pressures on Kim Jong Il and ask the Chinese to open their borders for North Korean refugees much like we did in Berlin in 1989, we could dismantle the Stalinist state once and for all. I hope North Korea doesn't think the US going to apologize for telling the truth.
EU Defense $
Fire of Liberty
As you know, I'm a big opponent to the EU superstate especially its proposed goal of creating a foreign & security policy that's independent of NATO. My argument against developing this separate security policy is two-fold. First, I would decouple the US and Europe from achieving a common objective in security that exists within NATO. With Europe in a independent security formulation separate from the US, one can imagine the EU and the US breaking further apart from each other. Just imagine how many more problems would have been created if such an entity existed during the war in Afghanistan or Iraq. Secondly, the EU nations will never be able to sustain the EU Security Forces as well as their contributions to NATO. Since these nations have become massive "nanny-states," they continue to pump money into various welfare programs rather than into defense. Without sufficient contributions to their defensive systems, the EU will fall further and further into an abyss of inadequacy when it comes to military preparedness and modernization.
Well, their seems to be more powerful actors who seem to share similar positions. According to this article in The Financial Times, Nicholas Burns, US ambassador to NATO, is somewhat concerned about the EU falling short. Don't take my word though, see for yourself:
As you know, I'm a big opponent to the EU superstate especially its proposed goal of creating a foreign & security policy that's independent of NATO. My argument against developing this separate security policy is two-fold. First, I would decouple the US and Europe from achieving a common objective in security that exists within NATO. With Europe in a independent security formulation separate from the US, one can imagine the EU and the US breaking further apart from each other. Just imagine how many more problems would have been created if such an entity existed during the war in Afghanistan or Iraq. Secondly, the EU nations will never be able to sustain the EU Security Forces as well as their contributions to NATO. Since these nations have become massive "nanny-states," they continue to pump money into various welfare programs rather than into defense. Without sufficient contributions to their defensive systems, the EU will fall further and further into an abyss of inadequacy when it comes to military preparedness and modernization.
Well, their seems to be more powerful actors who seem to share similar positions. According to this article in The Financial Times, Nicholas Burns, US ambassador to NATO, is somewhat concerned about the EU falling short. Don't take my word though, see for yourself:
"While the Europeans have managed very impressively to devise one trade policy, I don't think there's any inclination by most European governments to devise one policy on each foreign policy issue."Thank God for Ambassador Burns. He seems to know what's important and good for Europe as well as America.
He added: "Europe needs to reflect on the low level of defence spending, which has left most European militaries in a state of disrepair."
In 2003, Nato's European members spent $221bn (€168bn, £116bn) on defence, or 1.9 per cent of gross domestic product, compared with the US's $405bn, or 3.7 per cent of GDP. The spending gap has increased since, and European forces find it much harder to deploy than their US counterparts.
Iran
Fire of Liberty
As I noted with some disappointment in an earlier post on Iran, the White House seems to be going wobbly and offering to join in the talks with the Mullahs over their nuke program. Well, Jeffrey Bergner has a interesting article over @ The Weekly Standard on the various options that the US can take with Iran. Amongst the many options available, Bergner has decided to focus on four specific options.
The First option is the current "good cop, bad cop" option, were the European three continue to hold talks while the US stands on the sidelines and voice a strong hand against the nuclear program. Such a policy seems wise but the Iranians will continue to build nuke, blame America for it, pull the coalition between the US and the EU3 further apart. The Second option that the US could take with Iran is the much bandied EU3 plus the US, in which the three nations and the US come together and talk with the Mullahs. Along with the direct involvement of the US, they're would also be offers of various bargain chips to Iran (No-Aggression Pact- not likely with #1 sponsor of terror, WTO offering, lifting of sanctions). As with the "good cop, bad cop" option, this EU3+US would yet again fail because the Iranians will not give up their nukes and they'll blame the US hardline for such failures. Even worse, the US could provide all kinds of inducements and Iran would still do nothing. (We compromise our position of strength by talking with Iran with our hat in hand). This pushes us to the third option which is the "EU3+US plus Sanctions" option. Under this option, the US and its European partners would sit down with the Iranians but if they failed to get the Iranians to agree to dismantle the program they would push for UN sanctions. The only problem is that the regime in Iran knows that if they call off negotiations they still win because they have the vetoes of China & Russia in the Security Council when it comes to sanctions. Without the UN signing on, the US runs into the problem of the EU being reluctant to impose sanctions. Even if you slapped sanctions on Iran, they still wouldn't stop trying to build their weapons to destroy the "Great Satan" and "Little Satan." With all of these failed options, Bergner offers a fourth option of "military strikes." Under this option, the US would bomb the various elements of Irans nuke program. The only problem with this, is that by launching such strikes they would wreak the ire of the World and lose the democratic movement of Iran. (people get nationalistic when you attack their homeland). While it would bring about anger, Bergner argues that it could destroy the nuke program.
As you know, I've promoted a fifth option, which is "Regime Change." If the US just voiced a demand for democracy in Iran via a national referendum (Do you wants the theocrats running the show or a Democratic government, yes or no?) I'd also suggest that the President continues a call for freedom in Iran. If he provides vocal, financial as well as moral support for the underground democracy movement in Iran he would make his goal of ending Iran's burgeoning nuke program by creating a democracy in Iran. We see the people power at work in Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan, why not Iran. If I was advising the President, I'd tell him to push option five (regime change) but also reserve the right to use option 4 (military strike). Whatever he does, he shouldn't buckle or back down from his "nuke-free" Iran policy by appeasing the Mullahs with gifts.
As I noted with some disappointment in an earlier post on Iran, the White House seems to be going wobbly and offering to join in the talks with the Mullahs over their nuke program. Well, Jeffrey Bergner has a interesting article over @ The Weekly Standard on the various options that the US can take with Iran. Amongst the many options available, Bergner has decided to focus on four specific options.
The First option is the current "good cop, bad cop" option, were the European three continue to hold talks while the US stands on the sidelines and voice a strong hand against the nuclear program. Such a policy seems wise but the Iranians will continue to build nuke, blame America for it, pull the coalition between the US and the EU3 further apart. The Second option that the US could take with Iran is the much bandied EU3 plus the US, in which the three nations and the US come together and talk with the Mullahs. Along with the direct involvement of the US, they're would also be offers of various bargain chips to Iran (No-Aggression Pact- not likely with #1 sponsor of terror, WTO offering, lifting of sanctions). As with the "good cop, bad cop" option, this EU3+US would yet again fail because the Iranians will not give up their nukes and they'll blame the US hardline for such failures. Even worse, the US could provide all kinds of inducements and Iran would still do nothing. (We compromise our position of strength by talking with Iran with our hat in hand). This pushes us to the third option which is the "EU3+US plus Sanctions" option. Under this option, the US and its European partners would sit down with the Iranians but if they failed to get the Iranians to agree to dismantle the program they would push for UN sanctions. The only problem is that the regime in Iran knows that if they call off negotiations they still win because they have the vetoes of China & Russia in the Security Council when it comes to sanctions. Without the UN signing on, the US runs into the problem of the EU being reluctant to impose sanctions. Even if you slapped sanctions on Iran, they still wouldn't stop trying to build their weapons to destroy the "Great Satan" and "Little Satan." With all of these failed options, Bergner offers a fourth option of "military strikes." Under this option, the US would bomb the various elements of Irans nuke program. The only problem with this, is that by launching such strikes they would wreak the ire of the World and lose the democratic movement of Iran. (people get nationalistic when you attack their homeland). While it would bring about anger, Bergner argues that it could destroy the nuke program.
As you know, I've promoted a fifth option, which is "Regime Change." If the US just voiced a demand for democracy in Iran via a national referendum (Do you wants the theocrats running the show or a Democratic government, yes or no?) I'd also suggest that the President continues a call for freedom in Iran. If he provides vocal, financial as well as moral support for the underground democracy movement in Iran he would make his goal of ending Iran's burgeoning nuke program by creating a democracy in Iran. We see the people power at work in Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan, why not Iran. If I was advising the President, I'd tell him to push option five (regime change) but also reserve the right to use option 4 (military strike). Whatever he does, he shouldn't buckle or back down from his "nuke-free" Iran policy by appeasing the Mullahs with gifts.
The Cedar Revolution
Fire of Liberty
Just keep the momentum going, don't let up on Assad. All Assad and company need is for the media to avert their eyes from the situation to return to their dirty trick. Don't stop, push them to the tipping point and take back your nation.
"I have friends who are Maronites and friends who are Druze and we all see ourselves as Lebanese before anything else - at this time that is what is important."If they participants in The Cedar Revolution all feel this way, they won't have many problems. Click here for details.
Just keep the momentum going, don't let up on Assad. All Assad and company need is for the media to avert their eyes from the situation to return to their dirty trick. Don't stop, push them to the tipping point and take back your nation.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Pope John Paul II
Purple-fingered Iraqis voting on their own destiny, and Lebanese demonstrating in Martyrs Square for freedom from Syrian overlordship, are the latter-day heirs of the John Paul II, for the quarter-century of liberation which is now shaking the Middle East began with him, when the brand-new Polish Pope made a pilgrimage to his homeland in the summer of 1979.
This is from a wonderful piece in The New York Observer by Richard Brookhiser. Rick has a wonderful way of putting things in a clear and concise manner much like his wonderful books: Founding Father, George Washington: A National Treasure, The Rules of Civility, Gentleman Revolutionary, Alexander Hamilton, American, America's First Dynasty: The Adamses, 1735-1918, Way of the Wasp. Check out his work, you won't be disappointed.
Darfur, Sudan
Fire of Liberty
I was over @ Southern Appeal and came across the post on Darfur. As with the Steve Dillard (Founder of Southern Appeal), I'm appalled at the lack of news coverage and as well as the tepid response by the UN to this massive genocide . It's unbelievable that an institution that was originally established to prevent this sort of thing, hasn't bothered to lift a finger to save these people from their murderers. Currently, the UN's response to these events is to conduct talks about the situation in Darfur which has resulted only in a 176 report to the Security Council. Even when they conduct such investigations, they continue to deny the people of Darfur any sense of hope thus opening the door for continued rapes, murder, torture, beheadings, and starvation. Even when the Janjaweed and its compatriots in Khartoum continue to slaughter some 300,000 plus people and dislodging some 2 million individuals, Kofi and the boys sit on their assumed laurels and do nothing. To understand the complete hypocrisy and ever increasing ineffectiveness of "the sacred" UN, check out this article by Daniel McKivergan over @ The Weekly Standard.
I'd also suggest that you read this interesting Op/Ed by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. I don't know about the ICC getting involved in the situation in Darfur. All we need is another international body of lawyers getting involved with the situation in Darfur. I doubt the Janjaweed or the leaders in Khartoum really care if some lawyer in Brussels threatens to put them in the dock. When you kill some 300,000 plus people you're beyond the point of respecting the rule of law let along receiving that respect. I think it's time to push the Organization of African Union and the UN to respond. By God, its what they're created to do. We can provide the logistical, moral and financial support as well as a small contingent of advisors for these groups but the actual peacekeeping should be done by the local AU forces (they know the language and territory better than us) and the UN. Also check out these following pieces here, here, here, and here.
Also go over to the blog Coalition for Darfur and read more on the situation.
I was over @ Southern Appeal and came across the post on Darfur. As with the Steve Dillard (Founder of Southern Appeal), I'm appalled at the lack of news coverage and as well as the tepid response by the UN to this massive genocide . It's unbelievable that an institution that was originally established to prevent this sort of thing, hasn't bothered to lift a finger to save these people from their murderers. Currently, the UN's response to these events is to conduct talks about the situation in Darfur which has resulted only in a 176 report to the Security Council. Even when they conduct such investigations, they continue to deny the people of Darfur any sense of hope thus opening the door for continued rapes, murder, torture, beheadings, and starvation. Even when the Janjaweed and its compatriots in Khartoum continue to slaughter some 300,000 plus people and dislodging some 2 million individuals, Kofi and the boys sit on their assumed laurels and do nothing. To understand the complete hypocrisy and ever increasing ineffectiveness of "the sacred" UN, check out this article by Daniel McKivergan over @ The Weekly Standard.
I'd also suggest that you read this interesting Op/Ed by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. I don't know about the ICC getting involved in the situation in Darfur. All we need is another international body of lawyers getting involved with the situation in Darfur. I doubt the Janjaweed or the leaders in Khartoum really care if some lawyer in Brussels threatens to put them in the dock. When you kill some 300,000 plus people you're beyond the point of respecting the rule of law let along receiving that respect. I think it's time to push the Organization of African Union and the UN to respond. By God, its what they're created to do. We can provide the logistical, moral and financial support as well as a small contingent of advisors for these groups but the actual peacekeeping should be done by the local AU forces (they know the language and territory better than us) and the UN. Also check out these following pieces here, here, here, and here.
Also go over to the blog Coalition for Darfur and read more on the situation.
Fire of Liberty
Fire of Liberty
I couldn't have put it any better. See here for details. Long live The Cedar Revolution!!!
“You get your troops and your secret services out of Lebanon so that good democracy has a chance to flourish.” - George W. Bush
I couldn't have put it any better. See here for details. Long live The Cedar Revolution!!!
Senator Santorum on Iran
Fire of Liberty
Senator Rick Santorum has finally stood up to the appeasement talks which are that's emanating from the White House and the State Department about Iran's nuke program. According to this article in The New York Sun, Senator Santorum and Rep. Tom Delay have registered their complaints of President Bush going wobbly on Iran by offering gifts instead of more muscle. As I noted earlier, the mere thought of offering carrots to Iran is pure idiocy, such offers would embolden the Mullahs and suck the wind out of the underground freedom movement in Iran. Here's a peek on Sen. Santorum's view:
Senator Rick Santorum has finally stood up to the appeasement talks which are that's emanating from the White House and the State Department about Iran's nuke program. According to this article in The New York Sun, Senator Santorum and Rep. Tom Delay have registered their complaints of President Bush going wobbly on Iran by offering gifts instead of more muscle. As I noted earlier, the mere thought of offering carrots to Iran is pure idiocy, such offers would embolden the Mullahs and suck the wind out of the underground freedom movement in Iran. Here's a peek on Sen. Santorum's view:
In an interview yesterday with The New York Sun, Senator Santorum, a Republican of Pennsylvania who is his party's third-ranking senator, said he did not like the idea of the negotiations. "I don't think we should negotiate with folks who lie and are less trustworthy than anyone in the region," the chairman of the Republican conference in the Senate said. "It undermines our consistency in how we approach evil."Senator Santorum is going to go places with his overwhelming support of the democratic movements in Syria, Iran and countless other nations. Thank God for his undying dedication to the Fire of Liberty.
Farid N. Ghadry
Fire of Liberty
Here's a Q&A over @ National Review Online with the president of The Reform Party of Syria.
Here's a Q&A over @ National Review Online with the president of The Reform Party of Syria.
The Steel Magnolia
Fire of Liberty
Sad news, Former US Representative Tillie Fowler has passed away. She will be missed by the state of Florida, the Defense family as well as the US. I didn't know too much about her but I knew she was a strong patriot who stood for the strength of this nation through her steeled support of the Defense Department. My prayers go out to her family. RIP Tillie.
Sad news, Former US Representative Tillie Fowler has passed away. She will be missed by the state of Florida, the Defense family as well as the US. I didn't know too much about her but I knew she was a strong patriot who stood for the strength of this nation through her steeled support of the Defense Department. My prayers go out to her family. RIP Tillie.
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
The Cedar Revolution continues to gain momentum in Lebanon. According to Lebanon's The Daily Star and various other news outlets, a statue of Hafez Assad was toppled in Qana, Lebanon by the anti-Syrian movement. Such a move is stunning, especially when it comes to ornaments of the late Syrian dictator. For those who don't know, it was taboo as well as illegal to condemn or desecrate the image and honor of the Syrain regime. It's just one more sign of the ever growing power of The Cedar Revolution movement. Click here, here and here for details.
The Cedar Revolution continues to gain momentum in Lebanon. According to Lebanon's The Daily Star and various other news outlets, a statue of Hafez Assad was toppled in Qana, Lebanon by the anti-Syrian movement. Such a move is stunning, especially when it comes to ornaments of the late Syrian dictator. For those who don't know, it was taboo as well as illegal to condemn or desecrate the image and honor of the Syrain regime. It's just one more sign of the ever growing power of The Cedar Revolution movement. Click here, here and here for details.
North Korea
Fire of Liberty
This is paragraph from an excellent piece on North Korea's nukes by Nicholas Eberstadt, who's the Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy @ AEI. He notes that the North Koreans are not in the game for a win-win situation they're here to play a hardball zero-sum solution. We can negotiate all we want with the Stalinist state but they will continue to deny us a deal. Eberstadt points out that the Kim Jong Il regime has three objectives 1.Conduct a war - finish what they started in 1950, 2. Reunify the two Koreas and remove the US from the peninsula via nuclear weapons, 3.Would rather be a hostile nuclear pariah than a poor, nuke free third World nation. If they can stand up to the US, they feel they'd be the envy of dictators. Just see for yourself, Eberstadt has his finger on North Korea's pulse.
Kim Jong Il is doing his best to make the world safe for the DPRK. Our task, by contrast, is to make the world safe from the DPRK. This will be a difficult, expensive and dangerous undertaking. For America and its allies, however, the costs and dangers of failure are higher--incalculably higher.
This is paragraph from an excellent piece on North Korea's nukes by Nicholas Eberstadt, who's the Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy @ AEI. He notes that the North Koreans are not in the game for a win-win situation they're here to play a hardball zero-sum solution. We can negotiate all we want with the Stalinist state but they will continue to deny us a deal. Eberstadt points out that the Kim Jong Il regime has three objectives 1.Conduct a war - finish what they started in 1950, 2. Reunify the two Koreas and remove the US from the peninsula via nuclear weapons, 3.Would rather be a hostile nuclear pariah than a poor, nuke free third World nation. If they can stand up to the US, they feel they'd be the envy of dictators. Just see for yourself, Eberstadt has his finger on North Korea's pulse.
Iraqi Special Tribunal Judge killed.
"We knew this was coming because of my father's work. He and my brother died holding their heads up high. This gives me comfort."
These are the words of Maryon Mahmoud, who's father and brother were gunned down in front of their home on their commute to work. Based on this report, Judge Barawiz Mahmoud and his son, who both work on the special Iraqi tribunal prosecuting Saddam and his henchmen, were riddled with bullets by Saddam's loyalists and their fellow terrorists. It seems these mavens of death will do anything to stop Iraq from pushing itself towards a democracy. Fortunately, the people of Iraq are stronger than the thugs who killed the judge and his son. They put up with Saddam's sludge for thirty years and are fed-up with death, mayhem and Saddam's blood-cult. My prayers go out to the brave ones in Iraq who are spreading the flames of freedom and democracy.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Egypt
Fire of Liberty
Here's Amir Taheri's take on the events taking place in Egypt. I'm still skeptical about Mubarak, there's something about him I just don't like.
Here's Amir Taheri's take on the events taking place in Egypt. I'm still skeptical about Mubarak, there's something about him I just don't like.
Syria
Fire of Liberty
It seems Bashir Assad is backing himself further in a corner on the Syrian troop withdrawal from Lebanon. Along with the call from France and the United States for an immediate withdrawal, the Assad regime is receiving the same demands from Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Even with this, Assad is playing a typical dictator game by saying he might withdrawal his 15,000 troops "maybe in the next few months." The man has some nerve to suggest such absurdities. While he might think that he is taking the heat off himself by signaling this softer position he is sadly mistaken. Unlike the old days, the US and fellow nations will not sit idly by and allow the wily dictator slip away through some bogus double-talk, he will have to follow through with a withdrawal. He also has to face the growing Cedar Revolution in Lebanon who have vowed to stay in Martyr's Square until the Syrians get out. When people power starts up something like this, woe is the target. Assad can't escape the people's demand of freedom.
My best advice to Assad is to get Syria out of Lebanon. As for the Lebanese people, keep up the Cedar Revolution.
It seems Bashir Assad is backing himself further in a corner on the Syrian troop withdrawal from Lebanon. Along with the call from France and the United States for an immediate withdrawal, the Assad regime is receiving the same demands from Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Even with this, Assad is playing a typical dictator game by saying he might withdrawal his 15,000 troops "maybe in the next few months." The man has some nerve to suggest such absurdities. While he might think that he is taking the heat off himself by signaling this softer position he is sadly mistaken. Unlike the old days, the US and fellow nations will not sit idly by and allow the wily dictator slip away through some bogus double-talk, he will have to follow through with a withdrawal. He also has to face the growing Cedar Revolution in Lebanon who have vowed to stay in Martyr's Square until the Syrians get out. When people power starts up something like this, woe is the target. Assad can't escape the people's demand of freedom.
My best advice to Assad is to get Syria out of Lebanon. As for the Lebanese people, keep up the Cedar Revolution.
Cedar Revolution
Fire of Liberty
Throughout the day I've read countless Op/Ed's and columns on the momentous events that have conspired in Lebanon the past two days and the aftershocks that are rumbling the Assad regime. I thought I'd share them with you. First, here's an Op/Ed by Hassan Mneimneh in The New York Post. Secondly, here's a piece by Professor Walid Phares in today's National Review Online edition on Syria. Anyone who's read Fire of Liberty since its inception know my admiration for the professor. If you want an expert on Lebanon and its terror-master Syria, Professor Phares is someone you should read. Thirdly, here's an article by Nir Boms, Vice-President of the Center for Freedom in the Middle East and Aaron Mannes, author of Profiles in Terror. This wonderful duo has penned a detailed piece over @ National Review Online on the long and rocky road that will have to be traveled before Syria releases its grasp from Lebanon. Fourthly, here's an article by Joshua Livestro over at Tech Central Station on how the blogosphere can move beyond the usual boundaries set up by authoritarian/autocratic regimes. All you need is a modem, phone line, computer and your wired into a powerful tool. We used mimeograph machines in Poland to power the samizadt (underground press) and we can use the blogosphere and the info highway to change the Middle East. Finally, here's a piece by William Kristol over @ The Weekly Standard. Kristol has written a definitive defense of President Bush's policy of democracy promotion and destroying terror regimes. Check out all of these articles/columns and put the people of Lebanon in your prayers. And add the people under tyranny on that list as well.
Throughout the day I've read countless Op/Ed's and columns on the momentous events that have conspired in Lebanon the past two days and the aftershocks that are rumbling the Assad regime. I thought I'd share them with you. First, here's an Op/Ed by Hassan Mneimneh in The New York Post. Secondly, here's a piece by Professor Walid Phares in today's National Review Online edition on Syria. Anyone who's read Fire of Liberty since its inception know my admiration for the professor. If you want an expert on Lebanon and its terror-master Syria, Professor Phares is someone you should read. Thirdly, here's an article by Nir Boms, Vice-President of the Center for Freedom in the Middle East and Aaron Mannes, author of Profiles in Terror. This wonderful duo has penned a detailed piece over @ National Review Online on the long and rocky road that will have to be traveled before Syria releases its grasp from Lebanon. Fourthly, here's an article by Joshua Livestro over at Tech Central Station on how the blogosphere can move beyond the usual boundaries set up by authoritarian/autocratic regimes. All you need is a modem, phone line, computer and your wired into a powerful tool. We used mimeograph machines in Poland to power the samizadt (underground press) and we can use the blogosphere and the info highway to change the Middle East. Finally, here's a piece by William Kristol over @ The Weekly Standard. Kristol has written a definitive defense of President Bush's policy of democracy promotion and destroying terror regimes. Check out all of these articles/columns and put the people of Lebanon in your prayers. And add the people under tyranny on that list as well.
God's Speed, Tony Snow
Fire of Liberty
Fox News' Tony Snow is recovering from colon cancer surgery. My prayers go out to Tony and I hope he will kick the big C. With his positive spirit and optimistic personality, he'll be back on his toes in no time. I'll be glad to see him back on Fox News again when he recovers, Brian Wilson is good but no cigar. Get well soon and God's speed. Click here and here for more info.
Fox News' Tony Snow is recovering from colon cancer surgery. My prayers go out to Tony and I hope he will kick the big C. With his positive spirit and optimistic personality, he'll be back on his toes in no time. I'll be glad to see him back on Fox News again when he recovers, Brian Wilson is good but no cigar. Get well soon and God's speed. Click here and here for more info.
Syria
Fire of Liberty
Lawrence Kudlow had Farid N. Ghadry, President of the Reform Party of Syria on his show "Kudlow & Company" on CNBC (5:00 p.m. M-F). He urged President Bush to meet and embrace various dissidents of Syria and other regimes in the Middle East thus giving them a stronger voice. Ghadry is well aware of the power of the President has when it comes to supporting freedom movements. Just think of what the dissidents throughout South America, Poland and Russia achieved through President Reagan's support as well as the people in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Lebanon with the support of President Bush. Ghadry noted how there were double thinking people in Syria who privately support freedom and democracy but publicly support Syria's Assad due to the fear of their life. He suggested that the President urge a democratic movement by supporting the people of Syria.
I hope Mr. Ghadry and his fellow dissidents get this much needed support. My bet is that the President will be glad to meet with him and his compatriots. Check out Mr. Ghadry and his Reform Party at http://reformsyria.org. I wish them the very best.
Lawrence Kudlow had Farid N. Ghadry, President of the Reform Party of Syria on his show "Kudlow & Company" on CNBC (5:00 p.m. M-F). He urged President Bush to meet and embrace various dissidents of Syria and other regimes in the Middle East thus giving them a stronger voice. Ghadry is well aware of the power of the President has when it comes to supporting freedom movements. Just think of what the dissidents throughout South America, Poland and Russia achieved through President Reagan's support as well as the people in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Lebanon with the support of President Bush. Ghadry noted how there were double thinking people in Syria who privately support freedom and democracy but publicly support Syria's Assad due to the fear of their life. He suggested that the President urge a democratic movement by supporting the people of Syria.
I hope Mr. Ghadry and his fellow dissidents get this much needed support. My bet is that the President will be glad to meet with him and his compatriots. Check out Mr. Ghadry and his Reform Party at http://reformsyria.org. I wish them the very best.
Iraq
The people of Iraq are demonstrating their freedoms and bravery as well. If you heard yesterday, the terrorists murdered close to 125 people in Hillah via a car-bomb. While most people would expect limited activity at the explosion site, some 2,000 Iraqis returned to the site in a mass protest against terrorism. Throngs of people were shouting "No to terrorism!" and "No to Baathism and Wahhabism" I hope the Iraqi people continue this vigilant stand and show the terrorists that they won't stand for this. After January 30, 2005, I wouldn't doubt the abilities of the freedom loving Iraqi people. God go with them. Let the "Purple Revolution" carry on.
Thank you Powerline and The Corner for the heads up.
Check out this article from Eli Lake on the possible source of the explosion.
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
While the Lebanese people took a great stride in the Cedar Revolution by forcing the resignation of the PM and the government, they still face the pro-Syrian stalwart President Emile Lahoud. Unlike the parliament, Lahoud has a very tight-nit relationship with the Syrian regime and has no sympathy for Lebanon. He's devoted to Assad and his terrorist regime. If you recall, the Syrian government used its lackeys in the Lebanese to change the constitution to allow Lahoud an unprecedented third term. Such an act resulted in the resignation of the late Rafik Hariri, who argued that he couldn't remain in a gov't run by a gaggle of Syrian puppets. We saw on February 14, 2005 what the Syrian regime is capable of and I expect a fight with Lahoud who is currently trying to form a new government.
Unfortunately, Lahoud faces the people powered Cedar Revolution who have set up camp in Martyr Square and are rallying for democracy and freedom from Syrian domination. I doubt Lahoud will be able to avoid thousands of people chanting "Freedom, Sovereignty, Independence." or "We are all, Muslims and Christians, against the Syrians." Keep up the good fight. Lebanon will be free by your actions.
While the Lebanese people took a great stride in the Cedar Revolution by forcing the resignation of the PM and the government, they still face the pro-Syrian stalwart President Emile Lahoud. Unlike the parliament, Lahoud has a very tight-nit relationship with the Syrian regime and has no sympathy for Lebanon. He's devoted to Assad and his terrorist regime. If you recall, the Syrian government used its lackeys in the Lebanese to change the constitution to allow Lahoud an unprecedented third term. Such an act resulted in the resignation of the late Rafik Hariri, who argued that he couldn't remain in a gov't run by a gaggle of Syrian puppets. We saw on February 14, 2005 what the Syrian regime is capable of and I expect a fight with Lahoud who is currently trying to form a new government.
Unfortunately, Lahoud faces the people powered Cedar Revolution who have set up camp in Martyr Square and are rallying for democracy and freedom from Syrian domination. I doubt Lahoud will be able to avoid thousands of people chanting "Freedom, Sovereignty, Independence." or "We are all, Muslims and Christians, against the Syrians." Keep up the good fight. Lebanon will be free by your actions.
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
Joseph Farah over @ WorldNetDaily has a great article on the ongoing Cedar Revolution. He notes that the assassination of Hariri, possibly by Syria, has sparked an unprecedented amount of togetherness. First of all, the assassination has pulled the US and France closer together, who have decided to push the Syrians out of Lebanon by calling for the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1559. Secondly, the death of Hariri has also united the various Sunni, Druze Muslims, Maronite Christians as well as Shiites in a common cause, which is the removal of Syria's troops and influence from Lebanon. What's more amazing is the fact that these groups are coming together especially after they fought a 20 year Civil War against each other. It truly says something about a nation when they take to the streets for a fellow countryman. I guess they're tired of Syrian manipulation.
The Cedar Revolution has not only brought about a call for democracy it has also weakened Syria's support for its terror allies Hezbollah. As I've noted before, Farah notes that all of this people power wouldn't be occurring now without the invasion of Iraq and the promotion of democracy and freedom by President Bush.
Joseph Farah over @ WorldNetDaily has a great article on the ongoing Cedar Revolution. He notes that the assassination of Hariri, possibly by Syria, has sparked an unprecedented amount of togetherness. First of all, the assassination has pulled the US and France closer together, who have decided to push the Syrians out of Lebanon by calling for the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1559. Secondly, the death of Hariri has also united the various Sunni, Druze Muslims, Maronite Christians as well as Shiites in a common cause, which is the removal of Syria's troops and influence from Lebanon. What's more amazing is the fact that these groups are coming together especially after they fought a 20 year Civil War against each other. It truly says something about a nation when they take to the streets for a fellow countryman. I guess they're tired of Syrian manipulation.
The Cedar Revolution has not only brought about a call for democracy it has also weakened Syria's support for its terror allies Hezbollah. As I've noted before, Farah notes that all of this people power wouldn't be occurring now without the invasion of Iraq and the promotion of democracy and freedom by President Bush.
The ever changing Arab World
Fire of Liberty
Christopher Hitchens makes a good point in this Slate article about the concept of the angry "Arab street." Unlike the NY Times and EU elites image of angry youths in the street raging about the west, Hitch notes the "Arab street" is standing up to their own leadership and demanding greater freedoms. He also notes how the cultural elites are creating greater problems throughout Europe through their policies of multi-culturism and a fear of offending "sensitive Muslim" groups.
Christopher Hitchens makes a good point in this Slate article about the concept of the angry "Arab street." Unlike the NY Times and EU elites image of angry youths in the street raging about the west, Hitch notes the "Arab street" is standing up to their own leadership and demanding greater freedoms. He also notes how the cultural elites are creating greater problems throughout Europe through their policies of multi-culturism and a fear of offending "sensitive Muslim" groups.
EU Constitution Cont'd
Fire of Liberty
The Danes have decided to hold its EU constitutional referendum this September. We'll see if the referendum passes in Denmark, they've already voted no on the Euro as well as Maastricht Treaty in 1992. I'm betting they'll reject the treaty.
The Danes have decided to hold its EU constitutional referendum this September. We'll see if the referendum passes in Denmark, they've already voted no on the Euro as well as Maastricht Treaty in 1992. I'm betting they'll reject the treaty.
EU Cont'd.
Fire of Liberty
David Frum offers his insight on the EU construct and its many problems in this piece @ the National Post (Canada). Here's a peek:
David Frum offers his insight on the EU construct and its many problems in this piece @ the National Post (Canada). Here's a peek:
The United States and Europe, and for that matter Canada, Australia and New Zealand, share a common civilization--and share as well a long list of dangerous common enemies. The growing separation between the United States and Europe is a civilization disaster, and the attempt to build Europe into a single state is the disaster's single most important cause. Those European politicians who seek to create a new European identity to replace old national loyalties can succeed only by creating a new transatlantic "other"--a new American rival and antagonist--to lend emotion to their otherwise pallid bureaucratic project.
EU Constitution
Fire of Liberty
Lord William Rees-Mogg, former editor of The Times, has a thought provoking Op/Ed in The Times on the EU constitution. Ress-Mogg points out a considerable amount of confusion between the German and British position on the EU constitution. The Germans argue that the constitution will be a "new birth certificate for the United States of Europe," while the UK's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw continues to argue that the constitution signaled "thus far and no further on European integration." Though I tend to trust the British more than the Germans on the EU and its constitution, I'd have to beg to differ with Mr. Straw. One only has to read the papers and look around to see that the EU is moving further and further towards becoming a Leviathan. To begin with -barring the UK and some Scandinavian countries - the EU member states share a common currency, economic policies and have a common market policy. The EU is also pushing for a common foreign & defense policy with a single foreign minister as well as talk of having a single permanent seat in the UN Security Council (This would be good, could free up room for India & Japan).
While these examples are enough to cause anyone to pause, the most obvious warning sign is the EU constitution. Aside from the fact that this constitution ranges in the 350-500 page phone-book style which reads like a bill in the US Congress with all of its technical jargon that only a few if any bothers to read. If one bothers to read it like Lord William Rees-Moog has, they'll eventually come to the same conclusion the Germans already know which is the EU constitution is the beginning of a further EU integration. Just look at what Rees Mogg points out about the constitution:
Lord William Rees-Mogg, former editor of The Times, has a thought provoking Op/Ed in The Times on the EU constitution. Ress-Mogg points out a considerable amount of confusion between the German and British position on the EU constitution. The Germans argue that the constitution will be a "new birth certificate for the United States of Europe," while the UK's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw continues to argue that the constitution signaled "thus far and no further on European integration." Though I tend to trust the British more than the Germans on the EU and its constitution, I'd have to beg to differ with Mr. Straw. One only has to read the papers and look around to see that the EU is moving further and further towards becoming a Leviathan. To begin with -barring the UK and some Scandinavian countries - the EU member states share a common currency, economic policies and have a common market policy. The EU is also pushing for a common foreign & defense policy with a single foreign minister as well as talk of having a single permanent seat in the UN Security Council (This would be good, could free up room for India & Japan).
While these examples are enough to cause anyone to pause, the most obvious warning sign is the EU constitution. Aside from the fact that this constitution ranges in the 350-500 page phone-book style which reads like a bill in the US Congress with all of its technical jargon that only a few if any bothers to read. If one bothers to read it like Lord William Rees-Moog has, they'll eventually come to the same conclusion the Germans already know which is the EU constitution is the beginning of a further EU integration. Just look at what Rees Mogg points out about the constitution:
Nevertheless, the constitution does two things which do allow one to answer the question: boundary stone or birth certificate? It creates a state. Article 11: "The constitution establishes the European Union." Article 15a: "The constitution . . . shall have primacy over the law of the member states." Article 18: "Every national of a member state shall be a citizen of the union."Tell me who you believe? I hope the British people get the point that by voting Yes on the EU constitution, they will forever cede their sovereignty and British state to the chaps in Brussels. Vote no!!!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Europe
Fire of Liberty
The EU contribution to the training and support of Iraqi forces is a paltry sum compared to the US and its coalition of the willing. Europe's almost resembles a credit card commercial but don't take my word for it, read Emanuele Ottolenghi's article over @ NRO.
The EU contribution to the training and support of Iraqi forces is a paltry sum compared to the US and its coalition of the willing. Europe's almost resembles a credit card commercial but don't take my word for it, read Emanuele Ottolenghi's article over @ NRO.
Syria Out!!!
Fire of Liberty
Peter Brookes has his take in today's New York Post on the spirit of freedom which is floating around the Middle East. He notes that the US and World powers need to pressure the Syrian government to 1. Withdrawal all troops and intelligence forces from Lebanon 2. Resignation of Lebanon's pro-Syrian gov't 3. Free elections when Syrian troops leave. He notes that if they don't do this the US needs to push the sanctions established under the 2004 Syrian Accountability Act. He also notes the EU shouldn't push trade and political deals with Syria. While the various member states of the EU might not be willing to cut Syria off, the British are signaling their intentions. Check out this article in The Times, the Brits are pushing Syria on its relationship with terrorists.
The situation is fluid. The people of Lebanon have achieved step 2 and as long as we watch the situation, the people of Lebanon shouldn't fear pushing forward the "Cedar Revolution."
Peter Brookes has his take in today's New York Post on the spirit of freedom which is floating around the Middle East. He notes that the US and World powers need to pressure the Syrian government to 1. Withdrawal all troops and intelligence forces from Lebanon 2. Resignation of Lebanon's pro-Syrian gov't 3. Free elections when Syrian troops leave. He notes that if they don't do this the US needs to push the sanctions established under the 2004 Syrian Accountability Act. He also notes the EU shouldn't push trade and political deals with Syria. While the various member states of the EU might not be willing to cut Syria off, the British are signaling their intentions. Check out this article in The Times, the Brits are pushing Syria on its relationship with terrorists.
The situation is fluid. The people of Lebanon have achieved step 2 and as long as we watch the situation, the people of Lebanon shouldn't fear pushing forward the "Cedar Revolution."
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
The US needs to push forward UN Security Council resolution 1559 , which calls for the removal of Bashir Assad's 15,000 man military from Lebanon. The people of Lebanon are about to reach the tipping point of no return, where freedom and democracy are waiting in the wings. Its time to push Assad back into his dictator paradise known as Syria, the Labanese people have had enough of this madness.
The US needs to push forward UN Security Council resolution 1559 , which calls for the removal of Bashir Assad's 15,000 man military from Lebanon. The people of Lebanon are about to reach the tipping point of no return, where freedom and democracy are waiting in the wings. Its time to push Assad back into his dictator paradise known as Syria, the Labanese people have had enough of this madness.
Iran
Fire of Liberty
I guess the Bush White House is going wobbly with Iran. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't like what I see. According to a report on FOX News' Special Report, Secretary Rice is about to give the British, German and French delegation that is working with Iran, a go-ahead in offering inducements to the Mullahs in Tehran on their nuclear program. The only problem with this is that The White House is presenting a sign of weakness to the regime in Iran. What with the Iranians already proclaiming they have a nuclear program (the IAEA has already noted its existence) and the Mullahs inking deals with the Russians on nuclear fuel, what would lead anyone into thinking that making deals with the E3 delegation will do. Instead of making deals, the Bush White House should push the freedom quotient. They should demand the spread of more democratic freedoms to its people rather than on the nukes. We need less carrots and a bigger stick to get the Iranians to stop their dirty work. It would be a mistake to reward the Iranians for bad behavior like Bill Clinton did for the North Koreans in the 1990's.
This nonsense reminds me of Winston Churchill's old adage: "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." Well Mr President, this act of giving a go-ahead to the E3 to offer sweets to the Iranians is pretty much like feeding a crocodile. Unfortunately, this crocodile has a more deadly bite which could wipe out millions of people in the blink of an eye. Even if the Iranians promise to stop producing their nukes what guarantees that the Mullahs aren't cooking up their nukes somewhere else. Even worse, what do you do to prevent the Russians from selling nuclear fuel to Iran. No matter what, making deals with the Iranians is a fools errand. Time to boost VOA and other broadcasts into Iran on freedom and push for an internal regime change. Support the people of Iran (the real democracy movement- 60% of Iran is under 25 and are very pro American) not the Mullahs or their adopted and hand selected "Moderates". President Bush needs to read more of Michael Ledeen's The War Against the Terror Masters and his favorite book by Natan Sharansky, The Case for Democracy.
I guess the Bush White House is going wobbly with Iran. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't like what I see. According to a report on FOX News' Special Report, Secretary Rice is about to give the British, German and French delegation that is working with Iran, a go-ahead in offering inducements to the Mullahs in Tehran on their nuclear program. The only problem with this is that The White House is presenting a sign of weakness to the regime in Iran. What with the Iranians already proclaiming they have a nuclear program (the IAEA has already noted its existence) and the Mullahs inking deals with the Russians on nuclear fuel, what would lead anyone into thinking that making deals with the E3 delegation will do. Instead of making deals, the Bush White House should push the freedom quotient. They should demand the spread of more democratic freedoms to its people rather than on the nukes. We need less carrots and a bigger stick to get the Iranians to stop their dirty work. It would be a mistake to reward the Iranians for bad behavior like Bill Clinton did for the North Koreans in the 1990's.
This nonsense reminds me of Winston Churchill's old adage: "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." Well Mr President, this act of giving a go-ahead to the E3 to offer sweets to the Iranians is pretty much like feeding a crocodile. Unfortunately, this crocodile has a more deadly bite which could wipe out millions of people in the blink of an eye. Even if the Iranians promise to stop producing their nukes what guarantees that the Mullahs aren't cooking up their nukes somewhere else. Even worse, what do you do to prevent the Russians from selling nuclear fuel to Iran. No matter what, making deals with the Iranians is a fools errand. Time to boost VOA and other broadcasts into Iran on freedom and push for an internal regime change. Support the people of Iran (the real democracy movement- 60% of Iran is under 25 and are very pro American) not the Mullahs or their adopted and hand selected "Moderates". President Bush needs to read more of Michael Ledeen's The War Against the Terror Masters and his favorite book by Natan Sharansky, The Case for Democracy.
Lebanon Cont'd.
Fire of Liberty
The political climate in Lebanon is definitely reminiscent of the acts of civil disobedience in Ukraine. Unlike most countries in the region, Lebanon's government seems to be going along with the people. Could you imagine the horrible things the dictators in Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran would have done to these protesters, blood would be running in the streets and mass arrests. I suggest the Syrian gov't will steer clear of using their military forces on the people of Lebanon. Assad should tuck his tail and remove his forces from Lebanon. Freedom is in the water and the Lebanese people are drunk with it. How sweet it is!!!
The political climate in Lebanon is definitely reminiscent of the acts of civil disobedience in Ukraine. Unlike most countries in the region, Lebanon's government seems to be going along with the people. Could you imagine the horrible things the dictators in Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran would have done to these protesters, blood would be running in the streets and mass arrests. I suggest the Syrian gov't will steer clear of using their military forces on the people of Lebanon. Assad should tuck his tail and remove his forces from Lebanon. Freedom is in the water and the Lebanese people are drunk with it. How sweet it is!!!
Freedom on the March
Fire of Liberty
Here's some photos of Lebanon's "Cedar Revolution", which are provided by the BBC. The people are gaining the spirit of freedom, and spreading the Fire of Liberty throughout the Middle East. The Christian Science Monitor has a good article on the events that have conspired in the past twelve hours in the streets and halls of government in Beirut. I particularly like the comments of Ghattas Khouri, an Opposition lawmaker:
Here's some photos of Lebanon's "Cedar Revolution", which are provided by the BBC. The people are gaining the spirit of freedom, and spreading the Fire of Liberty throughout the Middle East. The Christian Science Monitor has a good article on the events that have conspired in the past twelve hours in the streets and halls of government in Beirut. I particularly like the comments of Ghattas Khouri, an Opposition lawmaker:
"The battle is long, and this is the first step, this is the battle for freedom, sovereignty and independence."
Lebanon's Gov't Resigns
Fire of Liberty
The people power of the 25,000 strong "Cedar Revolution" is gaining ground. At this moment, FOX News is reporting that Lebanon's Prime Minister Omar Karami walked into parliament and declared the resignation of the Lebanese government. First you remove the pro-Syrian government and then the military. The Fire of Liberty is burning bright in Lebanon. For more, read here, here.
The people power of the 25,000 strong "Cedar Revolution" is gaining ground. At this moment, FOX News is reporting that Lebanon's Prime Minister Omar Karami walked into parliament and declared the resignation of the Lebanese government. First you remove the pro-Syrian government and then the military. The Fire of Liberty is burning bright in Lebanon. For more, read here, here.
North Korea
Fire of Liberty
Claudia Rosett has a moving piece in The Wall Street Journal on the biggest problem facing the UN which is its failure to stand up for the refugees in North Korea. Here's a sample:
Claudia Rosett has a moving piece in The Wall Street Journal on the biggest problem facing the UN which is its failure to stand up for the refugees in North Korea. Here's a sample:
The situation, by U.N. lights, is of course complex. For more than a decade, North Koreans have been fleeing their country by the only avenue even partly open to them--past the northern border patrols, into China. An estimated 300,000 North Koreans are in hiding in China today. They have a well-founded fear of persecution, should they be sent back. Testimony has stacked up high and wide--much of it over the past four years, on Mr. Lubbers's watch-- that if returned these refugees would likely end up starved or worked to death in the labor camps of Kim Jong Il. Some are murdered outright. One recent dispatch from a South Korean private aid group, the Headquarters for the Protection of North Korean Defectors, reports that according to sources inside North Korea the regime there just last month executed some 60 North Korean would-be defectors sent back by China, killing at least eight in public, in the northern city of Chongjin--to deter others from making a run for it.
Brussels
Fire of Liberty
While the President visited the Belgium Kingdom and seemed to have a good time, the reality of the situation is that his hosts were putting on a mask. According to this piece in The Weekly Standard, the various urinals throughout the government offices of Vice Prime Minister Johan Vande Lanotte feature stickers with the face of George W. Bush and the American Flag in them. Just imagine what this symbolizes to the various Americans who fought to ensure the freedom of the Kingdom of Belgium during WWII. I think the writer of this piece, Paul Belien, provides a good synopsis of the problem in the following passage:
While the President visited the Belgium Kingdom and seemed to have a good time, the reality of the situation is that his hosts were putting on a mask. According to this piece in The Weekly Standard, the various urinals throughout the government offices of Vice Prime Minister Johan Vande Lanotte feature stickers with the face of George W. Bush and the American Flag in them. Just imagine what this symbolizes to the various Americans who fought to ensure the freedom of the Kingdom of Belgium during WWII. I think the writer of this piece, Paul Belien, provides a good synopsis of the problem in the following passage:
Indeed, they think that the world will be saved if America becomes more like Europe, whereas I think that Europe will be saved only if it becomes more like America. But that is an opinion which no one in Europe is allowed to have. Those who do, get peed upon.Check out Paul Belien's book A Thorne in Brussels, seems to be a good book.
Marines in Hit, Iraq
Fire of Liberty
Here's a good article in The Christian Science Monitor on the Marines and their successful operations in Western Iraq. They've learned lessons from Fallujah and are using them in the Anbar province. The Marines are fighting a three-block operation which begin with full-scale operations(Fallujah), followed by security operations (focus on known terrorist or ammo cache via patrols- "broken windows"), and lastly humanitarian assistance and community outreach. All of these combined make the efforts to secure Iraq much easier. We're turning the corner. Go get 'em you devil dogs!!!
Here's a good article in The Christian Science Monitor on the Marines and their successful operations in Western Iraq. They've learned lessons from Fallujah and are using them in the Anbar province. The Marines are fighting a three-block operation which begin with full-scale operations(Fallujah), followed by security operations (focus on known terrorist or ammo cache via patrols- "broken windows"), and lastly humanitarian assistance and community outreach. All of these combined make the efforts to secure Iraq much easier. We're turning the corner. Go get 'em you devil dogs!!!
Iraq Turns Corner
Fire of Liberty
Jack Kelley has a positive column in Sunday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the Iraqi front. He notes that the suicide bombings are losing their effectiveness against Iraqi citizens and US soldiers. Operation Iraqi Freedom seems to be turning the corner especially when critics of the Bush White House, like Hillary Clinton visits Iraq and says the Iraqi are pushing ahead. Awesome!!! My favorite part of the column was the description of the hapless bombers/terrorists in Iraq. Take a look:
Jack Kelley has a positive column in Sunday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the Iraqi front. He notes that the suicide bombings are losing their effectiveness against Iraqi citizens and US soldiers. Operation Iraqi Freedom seems to be turning the corner especially when critics of the Bush White House, like Hillary Clinton visits Iraq and says the Iraqi are pushing ahead. Awesome!!! My favorite part of the column was the description of the hapless bombers/terrorists in Iraq. Take a look:
Lt. Col. Jim Stockmoe, chief intelligence officer for the First Infantry Division, roared with laughter as he recalled the increasing missteps of the resistance in Iraq in an interview earlier this month with British journalist Toby Harnden, writing for The Spectator.
"There were three brothers down in Baghdad who had a mortar tube and were firing into the Green Zone," Stockmoe said. "They were storing the mortar rounds in the car engine compartment and the rounds got overheated. Two of these clowns dropped them in the tube and they exploded, blowing their legs off."
The surviving brother sought refuge in a nearby house, but the occupants "beat the crap out of him and turned him over to the Iraqi police," Stockmoe told Harnden, "It was like the movie 'Dumb and Dumber.' "
"The nine election day suicide bombers averaged about three victims each, a strike rate so bad that Allah might soon start rationing the virgins to show his displeasure," Harnden wrote.
EU
Fire of Liberty
Victor Davis Hanson wrote an awesome Op/Ed in the February 22, 2005 issue of The Wall Street Journal. Hanson points out that the future relationship between the EU and the United States will continue to atrophy as long as the EU fails to accept reality. As long as the EU looks the other way and work with regimes like China or Iran for money rather than taking principle stands on behalf of freedom and democracy they will become the laughing-stock of the World. When the EU refuses to accept the fact that the use of hard power generates more beneficial results in certain areas than the alternative soft power they provide the World an image of a feckless power. Hanson seems to sum up the relationship between the US and the EU in the following paragraph:
Victor Davis Hanson wrote an awesome Op/Ed in the February 22, 2005 issue of The Wall Street Journal. Hanson points out that the future relationship between the EU and the United States will continue to atrophy as long as the EU fails to accept reality. As long as the EU looks the other way and work with regimes like China or Iran for money rather than taking principle stands on behalf of freedom and democracy they will become the laughing-stock of the World. When the EU refuses to accept the fact that the use of hard power generates more beneficial results in certain areas than the alternative soft power they provide the World an image of a feckless power. Hanson seems to sum up the relationship between the US and the EU in the following paragraph:
The United States should ignore all this ankle-biting, praise the EU to the skies, but not take very seriously their views on the world until we learn exactly what is going on inside Europe during these years of its uncertainty. America is watching enormous historical forces being unleashed on the continent from its own depopulation, new anti-Semitism, and rising Islamicism to Turkish demands for EU membership and further expansion of the Union into the backwaters of Eastern Europe that will bring it to the uncertain doorstep of Russia. Whether its politics and economy will evolve to embrace more personal freedom, its popular culture will integrate its minorities, and its military will step up to protect Western values and visions is unclear. But what is certain is that the United States cannot remain a true ally of a militarily weak but shrill Europe should its politics grow even more resentful and neutralist, always nursing old wounds and new conspiracies, amoral in its inability to act, quite ready to preach to those who do.Hanson always lays it out in a clear and concise manner. By the way, check out his piece in National Review Online, its a good read too. Last but not least is Mark Steyn, who's Chicago Sun-Times column, notes the decline of Europe via the EU Constitution.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Saddam
Fire of Liberty
Saddam is going to be tried in a cage like Hannibal Lecter was tried in the movie Silence of the Lambs. It's fitting that the "Butcher of Baghdad" will be tried like a dangerous serial killer. I guess when you kill some 300,000 plus people you get the very best seat in the house. Just imagine what accommodations await him in hell.
Saddam is going to be tried in a cage like Hannibal Lecter was tried in the movie Silence of the Lambs. It's fitting that the "Butcher of Baghdad" will be tried like a dangerous serial killer. I guess when you kill some 300,000 plus people you get the very best seat in the house. Just imagine what accommodations await him in hell.
War on LBJ's Great Society
Fire of Liberty
Myron Magnet, of The Manhattan Institute, had a great piece in Friday's Wall Street Journal on President Bush's current War on LBJ's failed Great Society. While people in the press and across the political isle shout "You'll destroy Social Security" or "You'll put countless families on the street with these reforms", they fail to realize that these actions are needed in order to forestall a problem. If you kick the can down the road too much to avoid solving the problem, you'll eventually run out of road one day. President Bush has decided to pick the can up and prevent a disaster. Good luck Mr. President
Myron Magnet, of The Manhattan Institute, had a great piece in Friday's Wall Street Journal on President Bush's current War on LBJ's failed Great Society. While people in the press and across the political isle shout "You'll destroy Social Security" or "You'll put countless families on the street with these reforms", they fail to realize that these actions are needed in order to forestall a problem. If you kick the can down the road too much to avoid solving the problem, you'll eventually run out of road one day. President Bush has decided to pick the can up and prevent a disaster. Good luck Mr. President
Outsourcing
Fire of Liberty
John Stossel has a great Op/Ed on outsourcing in today's Manchester Union Leader. If you want to understand the benefits of outsourcing in a clear-cut piece, this is the one.
John Stossel has a great Op/Ed on outsourcing in today's Manchester Union Leader. If you want to understand the benefits of outsourcing in a clear-cut piece, this is the one.
Japan
Fire of Liberty
Thomas Donnelly has a good article in The Weekly Standard which points out the fact that Japan is a becoming a greater ally to the US rather than Europe. While the Europeans are trying their best to become an equal to the US through a common security policy in the EU the Japanese are trying their best to stay in the US column. First, the Japanese are on the same page as the US when it comes to strategic goals like securing the Far-East from an aggressive China and promoting democracy in The Middle East. Secondly, the Japanese offer essential airfields, logistics as well as a military which is compatible to US forces and technology. Donnelly also notes that the greatest aspect of this strong relationship is that it provides a great lesson to the World. The lesson is basically:
I guess the Europeans could learn a thing our two from the Japanese. It's amazing that the EU is a large superstate and still can't muster the power that the island nation Japan holds. When you fail to see the forest for the trees things like this tend to happen.
Thomas Donnelly has a good article in The Weekly Standard which points out the fact that Japan is a becoming a greater ally to the US rather than Europe. While the Europeans are trying their best to become an equal to the US through a common security policy in the EU the Japanese are trying their best to stay in the US column. First, the Japanese are on the same page as the US when it comes to strategic goals like securing the Far-East from an aggressive China and promoting democracy in The Middle East. Secondly, the Japanese offer essential airfields, logistics as well as a military which is compatible to US forces and technology. Donnelly also notes that the greatest aspect of this strong relationship is that it provides a great lesson to the World. The lesson is basically:
In simplest terms, that reasoning is as follows: The spread of free and representative governments occasioned by the Pax Americana is not only morally good, but tends toward peace and prosperity; China and radical Islamists, by their own assertions, take issue with the current international order; and the use of military force is occasionally and lamentably necessary to preserve and protect that order. Ergo, a military alliance with the United States makes sense.
I guess the Europeans could learn a thing our two from the Japanese. It's amazing that the EU is a large superstate and still can't muster the power that the island nation Japan holds. When you fail to see the forest for the trees things like this tend to happen.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Egypt
Fire of Liberty
During President Bush's State of the Union speech, he noted that the Egypt should take greater steps towards the promotion of freedom and democracy to its people. Since then, the Egyptian government has locked up Ayman Nour, leader of opposition party al-Ghad, for trumped up charges. By arresting Nour, the Mubarak regime has basically found a way to silence one of its opponents who actually has a good chance of winning. As I noted in a previous post, Nour and his party have been calling for a change to the Mubarak-friendly constitution that will allow an open presidential election rather than the yes or no referendum for a candidate approved by parliament. Unlike other opposition groups, who offer violence like the Muslim Brotherhood, the al-Ghad party has presented itself as a peaceful and more liberally minded alternative that allows more democratic freedoms, which are currently absent under the Mubarak government and his ruling National Democratic Party. While the actions of Mubarak and his lackeys would have been swept under the carpet some years ago, the arrest of Nour seems to have occurred at the most inopportune time. With freedom on the march in Afghanistan and Iraq, the people of the Arab World have looked around and have called for their move for greater democratic reforms. The Mubarak regime has also been presented with various demands from student protestors calling for his resignation as well as pressure from The White House and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice calling for the release of Mr. Nour and the broadening of democratic reforms within Egypt.
With all of the combined pressure, Mubarak seems to be cracking under pressure. Based on reports from Egypt, Mubarak has recommended that the NDP controlled parliament reform the constitution to allow an open election for president. Therefore, President Mubarak would have a challenger facing him in upcoming elections. You could say that the wily politician has come to his senses and is trying to become a greater democrat but you'd be wrong. As with all autocrats who sense a potential problem coming over the horizon, Mubarak has decided to make a move that would calm the waters and feels if he uses the right words, democracy in this case, he can escape the wrath of the US. The only problem with this pledge to hold an open presidential election is that its a chimera because the opposing candidate still has to be from an official political party and vetted by Mubarak's NDP controlled parliament. The only problem is that in order to get into the race, you have to go through the Mubarak gang. If you think this will pry Mubarak's hands from the reigns of power keep dreaming. He hasn't held power for 25 years for nothing and I doubt he'd welcome change anytime soon. While naive people like the national/international media as well as various members of the Near Eastern Affairs branch in the US State Department might see this as an opening to democracy, I see it as a ruse to turn down the heat. Mubarak might think his actions will improve his democratic credentials in the US and Egypt but he's actually playing the crazy dictator games that the World has had enough of. The attitude towards The Middle East has changed in Washington from the promotion of realism into the promotion of democratic oriented governments that shows a disdain for autocratic rule. The people of these nations have also gained the spirit of freedom especially after watching the recent events in Ukraine, Iraq and Lebanon. They've decided they've had enough of the Mubarak reign and are calling for change but the aging dictator only placates the people by offering them a chimera of hope that simply disappears when trouble moves off the radar screen.
Personally, I suggest that President Bush should re-evaluate our current military/civilian aide that we provide to the Nile Kingdom. If the Egyptian government can't offer greater democratic reforms than they currently offer then they will receive less and less of our money. Autocratic regimes seem to sit up straight and listen when you mention the words "money" or "regime change". While we are a long way from the extreme measures like a regime change, we still have leverage in the World and the likes of Mubarak still seem to listen. It's time to spread the fire of liberty to Egypt and push them to open the door to democracy. Time is wasting and the people of Egypt are ready for the door to be opened. Just look at what Dr. Rice and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Cal.) have been doing, click here.
During President Bush's State of the Union speech, he noted that the Egypt should take greater steps towards the promotion of freedom and democracy to its people. Since then, the Egyptian government has locked up Ayman Nour, leader of opposition party al-Ghad, for trumped up charges. By arresting Nour, the Mubarak regime has basically found a way to silence one of its opponents who actually has a good chance of winning. As I noted in a previous post, Nour and his party have been calling for a change to the Mubarak-friendly constitution that will allow an open presidential election rather than the yes or no referendum for a candidate approved by parliament. Unlike other opposition groups, who offer violence like the Muslim Brotherhood, the al-Ghad party has presented itself as a peaceful and more liberally minded alternative that allows more democratic freedoms, which are currently absent under the Mubarak government and his ruling National Democratic Party. While the actions of Mubarak and his lackeys would have been swept under the carpet some years ago, the arrest of Nour seems to have occurred at the most inopportune time. With freedom on the march in Afghanistan and Iraq, the people of the Arab World have looked around and have called for their move for greater democratic reforms. The Mubarak regime has also been presented with various demands from student protestors calling for his resignation as well as pressure from The White House and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice calling for the release of Mr. Nour and the broadening of democratic reforms within Egypt.
With all of the combined pressure, Mubarak seems to be cracking under pressure. Based on reports from Egypt, Mubarak has recommended that the NDP controlled parliament reform the constitution to allow an open election for president. Therefore, President Mubarak would have a challenger facing him in upcoming elections. You could say that the wily politician has come to his senses and is trying to become a greater democrat but you'd be wrong. As with all autocrats who sense a potential problem coming over the horizon, Mubarak has decided to make a move that would calm the waters and feels if he uses the right words, democracy in this case, he can escape the wrath of the US. The only problem with this pledge to hold an open presidential election is that its a chimera because the opposing candidate still has to be from an official political party and vetted by Mubarak's NDP controlled parliament. The only problem is that in order to get into the race, you have to go through the Mubarak gang. If you think this will pry Mubarak's hands from the reigns of power keep dreaming. He hasn't held power for 25 years for nothing and I doubt he'd welcome change anytime soon. While naive people like the national/international media as well as various members of the Near Eastern Affairs branch in the US State Department might see this as an opening to democracy, I see it as a ruse to turn down the heat. Mubarak might think his actions will improve his democratic credentials in the US and Egypt but he's actually playing the crazy dictator games that the World has had enough of. The attitude towards The Middle East has changed in Washington from the promotion of realism into the promotion of democratic oriented governments that shows a disdain for autocratic rule. The people of these nations have also gained the spirit of freedom especially after watching the recent events in Ukraine, Iraq and Lebanon. They've decided they've had enough of the Mubarak reign and are calling for change but the aging dictator only placates the people by offering them a chimera of hope that simply disappears when trouble moves off the radar screen.
Personally, I suggest that President Bush should re-evaluate our current military/civilian aide that we provide to the Nile Kingdom. If the Egyptian government can't offer greater democratic reforms than they currently offer then they will receive less and less of our money. Autocratic regimes seem to sit up straight and listen when you mention the words "money" or "regime change". While we are a long way from the extreme measures like a regime change, we still have leverage in the World and the likes of Mubarak still seem to listen. It's time to spread the fire of liberty to Egypt and push them to open the door to democracy. Time is wasting and the people of Egypt are ready for the door to be opened. Just look at what Dr. Rice and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Cal.) have been doing, click here.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Middle East
Fire of Liberty
David Warren has an insightful column on the current march of freedom in the Middle East. He notes that since the "Purple Revolution" occurred in Iraq, the people in the neighboring Arab states have taken notice thus opening the door for the various democratic movements in places like Egypt and Lebanon. Check out the column, it's a good read.
David Warren has an insightful column on the current march of freedom in the Middle East. He notes that since the "Purple Revolution" occurred in Iraq, the people in the neighboring Arab states have taken notice thus opening the door for the various democratic movements in places like Egypt and Lebanon. Check out the column, it's a good read.
Venezuela
Fire of Liberty
It seems that Hugo Chavez making his move to become the next Fidel Castro in South America. Lieutenant Colonel Chavez has solidified his position as a Marxist even further by suspending one of the greatest freedoms which is the right to own property. Chavez's land grab adds yet another page into his dictator scrapbook which already includes the elimination of a free press (Only state-run TV, Radio and Newspapers), deadly crack-downs, court packing, nationalization of the oil industry and now the elimination of property rights. In the same manner as the Bolshevik's of Russia in 1917 or Castro and his henchmen in Cuba in 1959, Chavez has seized the property of a British company's farmland for "the people." El Commandante's land seizure is part of a land redistribution law enacted in 2001, which gives the nation the right to seize land that is illegally obtained or is idle (Talk about eminent domain on steroids). While Chavez has held off from launching his land reform, he has decided the time has come to solidify his Communist credentials and has gone after a "big fish." In this case the "big fish" is Lord Vestey, the largest cattle rancher in Venezuela, and his 29,640 acre cattle ranch. Based on The Financial Times, Venezuelan authorities have declared that 14,000 acres were illegally obtained and will be distributed to a grouping of some 1000 poor farmers. While Lord Vestey notes that his great grandfather bought the land in 1903, the Chavez government refuses to honor the Lord's property rights.
While Chavez might think his Bolivar revolution is the greatest path to power and Venezuelan glory, his land grab will destroy his nation and create dire shortages of food. Throughout history, land grabs has resulted in dire straits, just look at France(French Rev.), Russia(1917-1991), Ukraine(1930's), China(Great Leap), Cuba (1959-Current) as well as current day Zimbabwe. In all of these nations, the government seized the land from the wealthy owners and redistributed it to individuals who had no concept or ability to farm the land. Without a strong working knowledge, these individuals either under-use or over-use the land and are generally unable to produce enough crops thus they create a shortage of food or even worse, a famine. Venezuela's latest seizure will also dry up various foreign investments in the nation. If you don't have a clearly defined law on property rights as well as a legal system that enforces those rights, then why would any business or corporation put money into a place that the government can come and seize up. Even worse, the destruction or decline of property rights takes a toll on the poor. Since the big money moves out, jobs and investments in infrastructure dries up thus leaving everyone without hope or an ability to pull themselves up from the depths of poverty.
Another problem with the elimination of Lord Verey's property rights is the fact that the government has no right to take land from someone who clearly owns the deeds to the property. When someone can't feel at ease with their own possessions they definitely will never feel safe in their own nation. Since the retention of property provides an individual power over the state because they have a say in what happens on the land, a dictatorial state will do whatever it takes to ensure that power doesn't go beyond the state's grasp. One only has to look at Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy or Stalin's USSR to understand how omnipotent states destroy the whole concept of the rule of law to ensure the continuation of power. Therefore, Chavez took the initiative and pushed his reign of terror even further by taking property from wealthy landowners. He has slowly but surely moved his nation into a leftist dictatorial hell-hole, where property rights disappear and the rule of law is now the rules of Hugo Chavez. I guess it helps when someone has packed the legislature and the courts with his legion of sycophantic thugs who do his bidding. I guess the World has met the second coming of Castro, lets hope he doesn't last as long as "the bearded one." The people in Venezuela are bound to find the Fire of Liberty and will learn how warm the flames of freedom really are.
It seems that Hugo Chavez making his move to become the next Fidel Castro in South America. Lieutenant Colonel Chavez has solidified his position as a Marxist even further by suspending one of the greatest freedoms which is the right to own property. Chavez's land grab adds yet another page into his dictator scrapbook which already includes the elimination of a free press (Only state-run TV, Radio and Newspapers), deadly crack-downs, court packing, nationalization of the oil industry and now the elimination of property rights. In the same manner as the Bolshevik's of Russia in 1917 or Castro and his henchmen in Cuba in 1959, Chavez has seized the property of a British company's farmland for "the people." El Commandante's land seizure is part of a land redistribution law enacted in 2001, which gives the nation the right to seize land that is illegally obtained or is idle (Talk about eminent domain on steroids). While Chavez has held off from launching his land reform, he has decided the time has come to solidify his Communist credentials and has gone after a "big fish." In this case the "big fish" is Lord Vestey, the largest cattle rancher in Venezuela, and his 29,640 acre cattle ranch. Based on The Financial Times, Venezuelan authorities have declared that 14,000 acres were illegally obtained and will be distributed to a grouping of some 1000 poor farmers. While Lord Vestey notes that his great grandfather bought the land in 1903, the Chavez government refuses to honor the Lord's property rights.
While Chavez might think his Bolivar revolution is the greatest path to power and Venezuelan glory, his land grab will destroy his nation and create dire shortages of food. Throughout history, land grabs has resulted in dire straits, just look at France(French Rev.), Russia(1917-1991), Ukraine(1930's), China(Great Leap), Cuba (1959-Current) as well as current day Zimbabwe. In all of these nations, the government seized the land from the wealthy owners and redistributed it to individuals who had no concept or ability to farm the land. Without a strong working knowledge, these individuals either under-use or over-use the land and are generally unable to produce enough crops thus they create a shortage of food or even worse, a famine. Venezuela's latest seizure will also dry up various foreign investments in the nation. If you don't have a clearly defined law on property rights as well as a legal system that enforces those rights, then why would any business or corporation put money into a place that the government can come and seize up. Even worse, the destruction or decline of property rights takes a toll on the poor. Since the big money moves out, jobs and investments in infrastructure dries up thus leaving everyone without hope or an ability to pull themselves up from the depths of poverty.
Another problem with the elimination of Lord Verey's property rights is the fact that the government has no right to take land from someone who clearly owns the deeds to the property. When someone can't feel at ease with their own possessions they definitely will never feel safe in their own nation. Since the retention of property provides an individual power over the state because they have a say in what happens on the land, a dictatorial state will do whatever it takes to ensure that power doesn't go beyond the state's grasp. One only has to look at Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy or Stalin's USSR to understand how omnipotent states destroy the whole concept of the rule of law to ensure the continuation of power. Therefore, Chavez took the initiative and pushed his reign of terror even further by taking property from wealthy landowners. He has slowly but surely moved his nation into a leftist dictatorial hell-hole, where property rights disappear and the rule of law is now the rules of Hugo Chavez. I guess it helps when someone has packed the legislature and the courts with his legion of sycophantic thugs who do his bidding. I guess the World has met the second coming of Castro, lets hope he doesn't last as long as "the bearded one." The people in Venezuela are bound to find the Fire of Liberty and will learn how warm the flames of freedom really are.
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
The Lebanese government is probably going to be deemed a bigger lackey of the Syrian government by the people protesting in the street with their most recent appeasement of Junior Assad. The government of Lebanon has failed its people by allowing the Syrian military to dictate their own token withdrawal to Eastern Lebanon in the Bekaa valley. I doubt that the people will put up with such nonsense and I know the US will never be satisfied with this asinine placating. Assad seems to be playing the typical Arab dictator game of promising to do something but never following through. People grow tired of these old tricks and eventually seek solutions which are currently occurring in the streets of Beirut and the halls of Lebanon's opposition parties. The "Cedar Revolution" is rising and Syria might regret the events that it set in motion.
The Lebanese government is probably going to be deemed a bigger lackey of the Syrian government by the people protesting in the street with their most recent appeasement of Junior Assad. The government of Lebanon has failed its people by allowing the Syrian military to dictate their own token withdrawal to Eastern Lebanon in the Bekaa valley. I doubt that the people will put up with such nonsense and I know the US will never be satisfied with this asinine placating. Assad seems to be playing the typical Arab dictator game of promising to do something but never following through. People grow tired of these old tricks and eventually seek solutions which are currently occurring in the streets of Beirut and the halls of Lebanon's opposition parties. The "Cedar Revolution" is rising and Syria might regret the events that it set in motion.
UN
Fire of Liberty
Well the UN doesn't handle things like military interventions or peacekeeping very well, they seem to be good with numbers, um, statistics not money. Anyway the UN has released their World Population Prospects which notes that by 2050 India's population will reach some 1.5 billion and will surpass China's population estimate of 1.3 billion. I guess that one child, preferably male, quota per family has come back to bite the Chinese. The report also notes that Europe will also expect a decline from the current population of 728 million to 630 million in 2050. Japan's population is also expected to decline as well.
I guess those Malthusian theorists need to re-assess their "population bomb" theories and focus more on the emerging population dearth. If you want to learn more about the declining populations of the World, then I suggest you look at Ben Wattenberg's book Fewer. As a devotee to population numbers, Ben Wattenberg has put a lot of study into the subject and offers a good read that everyone should check out. Another individual who offers a great bit of insight on the whole demographic situation is Phillip Longman who has documented a population decline in his book The Empty Cradle. Aside from a promoter of Freedom and Liberty, I'm also a demographic buff who tries to keep an eye on the decline of populations throughout the World. In my opinion, people in the US need to start having large families or the population will fail to sustain retiring and aging generations much like what the Europeans are experiencing today. Remember by 2018, this nation will begin to feel such a strain when more people start taking out more social security money than is being put in. When the ratio of worker to retiree ratios move from 14:1 to 2:1, you start to have problems. My advice, get started on making a family. Time is not on our side.
Well the UN doesn't handle things like military interventions or peacekeeping very well, they seem to be good with numbers, um, statistics not money. Anyway the UN has released their World Population Prospects which notes that by 2050 India's population will reach some 1.5 billion and will surpass China's population estimate of 1.3 billion. I guess that one child, preferably male, quota per family has come back to bite the Chinese. The report also notes that Europe will also expect a decline from the current population of 728 million to 630 million in 2050. Japan's population is also expected to decline as well.
I guess those Malthusian theorists need to re-assess their "population bomb" theories and focus more on the emerging population dearth. If you want to learn more about the declining populations of the World, then I suggest you look at Ben Wattenberg's book Fewer. As a devotee to population numbers, Ben Wattenberg has put a lot of study into the subject and offers a good read that everyone should check out. Another individual who offers a great bit of insight on the whole demographic situation is Phillip Longman who has documented a population decline in his book The Empty Cradle. Aside from a promoter of Freedom and Liberty, I'm also a demographic buff who tries to keep an eye on the decline of populations throughout the World. In my opinion, people in the US need to start having large families or the population will fail to sustain retiring and aging generations much like what the Europeans are experiencing today. Remember by 2018, this nation will begin to feel such a strain when more people start taking out more social security money than is being put in. When the ratio of worker to retiree ratios move from 14:1 to 2:1, you start to have problems. My advice, get started on making a family. Time is not on our side.
Bush's European Trip
Fire of Liberty
Dick Morris has a great column on President Bush's trip to Europe in today's New York Post. As the master strategist notes, President Bush has achieved a considerable amount of attention in Europe because of his great victory this past November and his accomplishments in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the President achieves such successes, the "Doubting Thomas's" like Jacques Chirac, Schroeder, and Putin have suffered considerable losses. Morris also notes that the Democratic Party seems to be suffering the same fate like their friends in Europe. I guess it's good to be "misunderestimated" like President Bush always seems to be. When you've got it you've got it.
Dick Morris has a great column on President Bush's trip to Europe in today's New York Post. As the master strategist notes, President Bush has achieved a considerable amount of attention in Europe because of his great victory this past November and his accomplishments in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the President achieves such successes, the "Doubting Thomas's" like Jacques Chirac, Schroeder, and Putin have suffered considerable losses. Morris also notes that the Democratic Party seems to be suffering the same fate like their friends in Europe. I guess it's good to be "misunderestimated" like President Bush always seems to be. When you've got it you've got it.
EU's Freedom Deficit
Fire of Liberty
As the President returns to his regular schedule in the US, the people of Europe continue to march down the road known as the EU. While various potentates, presidents and prime ministers of Europe continue to prattle on about the goodness of the EU and urge the acceptance of the EU Constitution, the citizenry continues to cede their freedoms and soverignty away to a bureaucratic superstate run by a gaggle of elites. The more and more I read and hear about the EU, I continue to think of F.A. Hayek's book The Constitution of Liberty and his warnings against a people being immersed into a super-state like the one envisioned by the talking heads in Brussels.
Another individual who clearly sees the emergence of this new Leviathan within Europe is Janet Daley of The Daily Telegraph. In her recent opinion piece, Daley revealed how Europe has gone down a path that's miles away from the "classical liberal" societes of John Locke, John Stewart Mill and Edmund Burke. Europe seems to have dismissed notions like government of the people and insists on it being people of the government. Time has eroded the ideals of Liberty and Freedom within Europe and is slowly ushering in a monolithic nanny-state thus removing the people from the equation . I think Daley put it best when she wrote the following passage:
As the President returns to his regular schedule in the US, the people of Europe continue to march down the road known as the EU. While various potentates, presidents and prime ministers of Europe continue to prattle on about the goodness of the EU and urge the acceptance of the EU Constitution, the citizenry continues to cede their freedoms and soverignty away to a bureaucratic superstate run by a gaggle of elites. The more and more I read and hear about the EU, I continue to think of F.A. Hayek's book The Constitution of Liberty and his warnings against a people being immersed into a super-state like the one envisioned by the talking heads in Brussels.
Another individual who clearly sees the emergence of this new Leviathan within Europe is Janet Daley of The Daily Telegraph. In her recent opinion piece, Daley revealed how Europe has gone down a path that's miles away from the "classical liberal" societes of John Locke, John Stewart Mill and Edmund Burke. Europe seems to have dismissed notions like government of the people and insists on it being people of the government. Time has eroded the ideals of Liberty and Freedom within Europe and is slowly ushering in a monolithic nanny-state thus removing the people from the equation . I think Daley put it best when she wrote the following passage:
But it is too late now. Europe has had disillusionments too great to permit a return to that purist belief in the transforming power of democratic institutions. What was left standing in the ruins of the Bonapartist experiment was effectively demolished by the two world wars. The people - with nothing but the raw franchise - will never be allowed to run amok again. Europeans cannot be trusted to govern themselves. Their affairs will be administered by an EU oligarchy. And if they do not trust their own populations, European leaders are scarcely going to support handing out freedom to anarchic tribal societies that scarcely know what the right to vote is for. (Never mind that the only way to learn the value of democracy is to practise it.)I guess the Europeans will continue to drift listlessly down the river of ruin until its too late to prevent an impending doom. Too many Americans have fought and died on the shores and plains of Europe to ensure the spread of Freedom and Liberty not the creation of an illeberal super-state.I hope the people in Britian will wise up a vote no on the EU Constitutiion and place a wooden stake in this construct's heart.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Iraq: Not Another Iran
Fire of Liberty
While the MSM keeps nattering on and on about Iraq turning into another Iran with Al-Jafari and his fellow Shiite coalition commanding some 140 seats of the 275 member parliament, cooler heads within the media beg to differ. One individual that I've come to trust on the happenings within the Muslim World is Ralph Peters (Lt. Col., USA, Ret.). According to his most recent Op/Ed in USA Today, Peters points out that Iraq's Ayatollah's will never blur their practices with the government's activities. Through past experience and observations of Iran, the clerics are well aware of the dangers and failure that the mad mullahs have created in Iran under the leadership of Khomeini and his heirs. Peters also notes that the people of Iraq will never be like Iran but its people will still have day to day relations with each other because their neighbors and in the Middle East you tend to avoid hostilities with bordering nations thus you put up with them.
While people worry about Iraq becoming another Iran, they need to take another look. Just think about the democratic spirit that's up and running in The Middle East, whether its Afghanistan , Iraq, the Palestinians or in Lebanon, the democratic movement is afoot and could arise again in Iran. Peters also notes the election in Iraq has opened up a new era of power sharing that calls for considerable amounts of compromise and cooperation amongst the various parties in Iraq. If you want to really understand the big picture of Iraq, Ralph Peters is a good start. Read him, you won't be disappointed.
While the MSM keeps nattering on and on about Iraq turning into another Iran with Al-Jafari and his fellow Shiite coalition commanding some 140 seats of the 275 member parliament, cooler heads within the media beg to differ. One individual that I've come to trust on the happenings within the Muslim World is Ralph Peters (Lt. Col., USA, Ret.). According to his most recent Op/Ed in USA Today, Peters points out that Iraq's Ayatollah's will never blur their practices with the government's activities. Through past experience and observations of Iran, the clerics are well aware of the dangers and failure that the mad mullahs have created in Iran under the leadership of Khomeini and his heirs. Peters also notes that the people of Iraq will never be like Iran but its people will still have day to day relations with each other because their neighbors and in the Middle East you tend to avoid hostilities with bordering nations thus you put up with them.
While people worry about Iraq becoming another Iran, they need to take another look. Just think about the democratic spirit that's up and running in The Middle East, whether its Afghanistan , Iraq, the Palestinians or in Lebanon, the democratic movement is afoot and could arise again in Iran. Peters also notes the election in Iraq has opened up a new era of power sharing that calls for considerable amounts of compromise and cooperation amongst the various parties in Iraq. If you want to really understand the big picture of Iraq, Ralph Peters is a good start. Read him, you won't be disappointed.
Purple Revolution
Fire of Liberty
“In recent times, we have witnessed landmark events in the history of liberty: A Rose Revolution in Georgia, an Orange Revolution in Ukraine, and now, a Purple Revolution in Iraq.”
- Georgia W. BushWell said Mr. President, hopefully there will be a "Cedar Revolution" in Lebanon. It could happen. Once the flames of liberty touches one's soul there's no turning back, forward is the only way to go.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Iraq's future PM
Fire of Liberty
While I was betting on Chalabi it seems the United Iraqi Alliance decided to go with Jafari. I guess the people know what they're doing. To get a better grasp on the situation check out Eli Lake's New York Sun article on Jafari, he seems to know more about Iraq's elections than anyone else in the press.
While I was betting on Chalabi it seems the United Iraqi Alliance decided to go with Jafari. I guess the people know what they're doing. To get a better grasp on the situation check out Eli Lake's New York Sun article on Jafari, he seems to know more about Iraq's elections than anyone else in the press.
Ukraine
Fire of Liberty
Ukrainian prosecutors have discovered audio tapes in which several Russian agents discuss how Gleb Pavlovsky, a Russian political analyst, participated in poisoning Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko.
Ukrainian prosecutors have discovered audio tapes in which several Russian agents discuss how Gleb Pavlovsky, a Russian political analyst, participated in poisoning Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko.
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
The MSM has picked up on David Ignatius's column in which he quotes Walid Jumblatt. For those who don't know Mr. Jumblatt, he's the leader of the Druze Muslims in Lebanon and is a known warlord who sided with Syria once but seems to have changed his stripes. Check out his quote here:
The MSM has picked up on David Ignatius's column in which he quotes Walid Jumblatt. For those who don't know Mr. Jumblatt, he's the leader of the Druze Muslims in Lebanon and is a known warlord who sided with Syria once but seems to have changed his stripes. Check out his quote here:
"It’s strange for me to say it, but this process of change has started because of the American invasion of Iraq. I was cynical about Iraq. But when I saw the Iraqi people voting three weeks ago, 8 million of them, it was the start of a new Arab world." Jumblatt says this spark of democratic revolt is spreading. "The Syrian people, the Egyptian people, all say that something is changing. The Berlin Wall has fallen. We can see it."Read it and pass the word. Ignatius is no friend of the Bush White House but still seems to be fair on most subjects. Read him and see.
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
While the people of Lebanon continue their push to be freed from the hands of their Syrian masters and their 14,000 man force, things could take a different turn based on Bashar Assad. One never knows what a dictator will do to continue the status quo.
As James S. Robbins notes in his piece at National Review Online, Assad is a partner with Hezbollah and could easily instruct a massibve killing spree to destroy the movement. Robbins also notes that Assad is getting testy with the US because he has decided to team up with Iran, terror state numero uno, as well as his continued support of the insurgency in Iraq. The Middle East is getting warm and it might be Jr. Assad who needs some cooling down. Stay tuned.
While the people of Lebanon continue their push to be freed from the hands of their Syrian masters and their 14,000 man force, things could take a different turn based on Bashar Assad. One never knows what a dictator will do to continue the status quo.
As James S. Robbins notes in his piece at National Review Online, Assad is a partner with Hezbollah and could easily instruct a massibve killing spree to destroy the movement. Robbins also notes that Assad is getting testy with the US because he has decided to team up with Iran, terror state numero uno, as well as his continued support of the insurgency in Iraq. The Middle East is getting warm and it might be Jr. Assad who needs some cooling down. Stay tuned.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Fire of Liberty
Though President Bush might be meeting with a wily ex-KGB agent in Slovakia tomorrow he would probably be in better company visiting the people of Slovakia. While he found protestors in the Western half of Europe, the people in Eastern Europe will offer him a better reception. It's funny how people who once tolled under the boot of the Soviets truly understand the idea of freedom. Check out this article by Chandler Rosenberger @ NRO on President Bush's trip to Eastern Europe and the Fire of Liberty that runs through the spirit of the Slovakian people
Though President Bush might be meeting with a wily ex-KGB agent in Slovakia tomorrow he would probably be in better company visiting the people of Slovakia. While he found protestors in the Western half of Europe, the people in Eastern Europe will offer him a better reception. It's funny how people who once tolled under the boot of the Soviets truly understand the idea of freedom. Check out this article by Chandler Rosenberger @ NRO on President Bush's trip to Eastern Europe and the Fire of Liberty that runs through the spirit of the Slovakian people
Syria
Fire of Liberty
Events are very fluid within Lebanon and Syria due to Rafik Hariri's assassination in Beirut. According to this story in The Times, a group of some 140 Syrian intellectuals sent a letter of support to the Lebanese opposition by calling an immediate withdrawal of Syrian soldiers from Lebanon. Based on the letter, the intellectuals noted:
Events are very fluid within Lebanon and Syria due to Rafik Hariri's assassination in Beirut. According to this story in The Times, a group of some 140 Syrian intellectuals sent a letter of support to the Lebanese opposition by calling an immediate withdrawal of Syrian soldiers from Lebanon. Based on the letter, the intellectuals noted:
"We support your demand for the withdrawal of the Syrian Army from Lebanon and in correcting the Syrian-Lebanese relationship.”"The article also noted that the Opposition party in Lebanon will call for a no-confidence vote on the pro-Syrian government in Lebanon but few believe the small coalition to garner enough votes. But with the current uproar in Lebanon and the World against Syria, the Opposition could pull more votes from across the aisle. Maybe the power of the Lebanese people are greater than we think. It's time for us to really find out. I'm betting on Freedom and the Fire of Liberty.
UN - The Bleeding Continues
Fire of Liberty
It seems that the UN is continuing to bleed like a stuck pig. The much vaunted institution throughout the elite circles seems to be falling apart, whether it's the Oil for Food scandal or the recent Congo Sex scandal, the UN can't get its house straight. Even worse, Koffi is still at the helm of the ship while countless numbers of his people are dropping like fly. I guess the captain goes down with the ship after all. Go Koffi Go!!!
It seems that the UN is continuing to bleed like a stuck pig. The much vaunted institution throughout the elite circles seems to be falling apart, whether it's the Oil for Food scandal or the recent Congo Sex scandal, the UN can't get its house straight. Even worse, Koffi is still at the helm of the ship while countless numbers of his people are dropping like fly. I guess the captain goes down with the ship after all. Go Koffi Go!!!
Egypt
Fire of Liberty
Sad news from Egypt. Based on this report in The Financial Times, Ayman Nour, who is the opposition leader in the Egyptian parliament, has suffered a mild stroke and heart attack. According to his family, Nour, suffered these attacks after being interrogated by Egyptian authorities. Based on the government in Egypt, Nour has been charged with forging some tens of thousands signatures on his petition to establish his party al-Ghad, which is translated as The Tomorrow Party.
While forgery is a serious crime, the Egyptian government has gone too far in its prosecution, which falls well beyond enforcing law & order to just Egypt's attempt to thwart a viable opponent to Hosni Mubarak. Unlike past opposition parties, Mr. Nour and his al-Ghad party has called for more democratic reforms. Amongst the reforms proposed by al-Ghad is a reform of the constitution to allow an open election for Egypt's President instead of the typical yes or no referendum for a single candidate chosen by parliament as well as a call for an atmosphere that allows more freedom of dissent and opinion. Currently, the Egyptian government has had been operating under strict emergency laws since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. With this in effect, the Egyptian parliament has ensured a 24 year reign for Hosni Mubarak, who wants no part in losing power through an real election.
Mr. Nour needs the same opportunity that the opposition parties of our nation and the rest of the Free World have learned to enjoy. The people of Egypt has a choice of a true democrat who seeks a more democratic instead of an aging dictator or an Islamic fundamentalist like various other Arab nations. I just hope Nour can outlast his jailers and gets well, we'll see. God go with him.
For more info check here, here, and here.
Sad news from Egypt. Based on this report in The Financial Times, Ayman Nour, who is the opposition leader in the Egyptian parliament, has suffered a mild stroke and heart attack. According to his family, Nour, suffered these attacks after being interrogated by Egyptian authorities. Based on the government in Egypt, Nour has been charged with forging some tens of thousands signatures on his petition to establish his party al-Ghad, which is translated as The Tomorrow Party.
While forgery is a serious crime, the Egyptian government has gone too far in its prosecution, which falls well beyond enforcing law & order to just Egypt's attempt to thwart a viable opponent to Hosni Mubarak. Unlike past opposition parties, Mr. Nour and his al-Ghad party has called for more democratic reforms. Amongst the reforms proposed by al-Ghad is a reform of the constitution to allow an open election for Egypt's President instead of the typical yes or no referendum for a single candidate chosen by parliament as well as a call for an atmosphere that allows more freedom of dissent and opinion. Currently, the Egyptian government has had been operating under strict emergency laws since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. With this in effect, the Egyptian parliament has ensured a 24 year reign for Hosni Mubarak, who wants no part in losing power through an real election.
Mr. Nour needs the same opportunity that the opposition parties of our nation and the rest of the Free World have learned to enjoy. The people of Egypt has a choice of a true democrat who seeks a more democratic instead of an aging dictator or an Islamic fundamentalist like various other Arab nations. I just hope Nour can outlast his jailers and gets well, we'll see. God go with him.
For more info check here, here, and here.
Czech's stand up for Democracy
Fire of Liberty
I found this via Chrenkoff, a fellow blogger from Down Under. It seems The Czech Republic stood up to the EU and Cuba by blocking a ban on Cuban dissidents. In an effort to appease the dictator in Cuba, the EU, under a suggestion by Spain to ease tensions between Europe and Cuba, pushed for a ban on Cuban dissidents who attended receptions in various European embassies throughout Havana. Such events have been going on since 2003 within Havana since Castro locked up some 75 dissidents he deemed enemies of the State.
You've got to hand it to the government of the Czech Republic standing up to "The Bearded One." I guess when you've spent some fifty years under the boot of Soviet totalitarianism you generally understand the evil that exists in Havana. Thank God the Czech government has a spine.
I found this via Chrenkoff, a fellow blogger from Down Under. It seems The Czech Republic stood up to the EU and Cuba by blocking a ban on Cuban dissidents. In an effort to appease the dictator in Cuba, the EU, under a suggestion by Spain to ease tensions between Europe and Cuba, pushed for a ban on Cuban dissidents who attended receptions in various European embassies throughout Havana. Such events have been going on since 2003 within Havana since Castro locked up some 75 dissidents he deemed enemies of the State.
You've got to hand it to the government of the Czech Republic standing up to "The Bearded One." I guess when you've spent some fifty years under the boot of Soviet totalitarianism you generally understand the evil that exists in Havana. Thank God the Czech government has a spine.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
Here are several pieces on the events occurring in Lebanon. First, here's an editorial from The Washington Examiner (new paper) calling for a firmer hand on Syria. Along with the editorial, I also have a good Op/Ed by Professor Walid Phares as well as a column by Amir Taheri on Syria leaving Lebanon. Amongst these two pieces, I found a particularly interesting line in Amir Taheri's column that I thought I'd share with you. Here it is:
All of these pieces should tide you over on Syria/Lebanon front for a day at least. Enjoy.
Here are several pieces on the events occurring in Lebanon. First, here's an editorial from The Washington Examiner (new paper) calling for a firmer hand on Syria. Along with the editorial, I also have a good Op/Ed by Professor Walid Phares as well as a column by Amir Taheri on Syria leaving Lebanon. Amongst these two pieces, I found a particularly interesting line in Amir Taheri's column that I thought I'd share with you. Here it is:
Those who have wondered where next the flame of freedom may rise in the Middle East have their answer. After free and fair elections in Iraq, it is now the turn of Lebanon to break the shackles of tyranny and take the path of democracy.I've also found this article by Mordechai Nisan over at National Review Online. Nisan is a Professor of Middle East studies @ Hebrew University in Jerusalem and has a great grasp on the Middle East and its many facets.
All of these pieces should tide you over on Syria/Lebanon front for a day at least. Enjoy.
EU Constitution - European Court of Justice
Fire of Liberty
“You don’t have to read the treaty to know it’s a good thing.”These are the words of Spain's Minister of Justice Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar and he's talking about the EU Constitution. Even worse is the fact that few people in Europe even know about the European Court of Justice or the 25 individuals who sit behind it bench. Check out more in this Op/Ed by Camilla Cavendish in The Times.
EU Constitution Cont'd.
Fire of Liberty
Andrew Stuttaford has a good article on the EU Constitution at National Review Online, see here. Here's a little bit of Stuttaford:
Andrew Stuttaford has a good article on the EU Constitution at National Review Online, see here. Here's a little bit of Stuttaford:
The project of a federal EU has long been driven, at least in part, by a profound, and remarkably virulent anti-Americanism, with deep roots in Vichy-era disdain for the sinister "Anglo-Saxons" and their supposedly greedy and degenerate culture. Throw in the poisonous legacy of soixante-huitard radicalism, then add Europe's traditional suspicion of the free market, and it's easy to see how relations between Brussels and Washington were always going to be troubled. What's more, the creation of a large and powerful fortress Europe offered its politicians something else, the chance to return to the fun and games of great power politics.
EH Constitution Cont'd.
Fire of Liberty
The EU Constitution might have been approved overwhelmingly by the people of Spain but based on this article, the citizenry of Spain knows little or nothing about the Constitution. According to a survey conducted by Spanish state pollster CIS, some 90% of the Spanish public responded that they knew little or nothing about the EU Constitution.
One should expect such a lack of knowledge especially when the Constitution is close to some 350 pages long. I guess when your making a superstate out of some 20 plus member-nations you end up with a gigantic document that only policy wonks are willing to read. Thank God for our short but concise US Constitution.
The article also featured a small chart showing the results of a Eurobarometer poll on the approval/disapproval of the EU Constitution throughout the various European nations which are holding referendums. While the oppose/support numbers are mixed, the one area that seems to be relatively high is the Don't Know block. Take a look for yourself.
As for me, I'm a self-avowed "No" voter. I just don't think a big conglomeration of nation-states under a single constitution will ever work. When push comes to shove, Frenchmen will be Frenchmen and Brits will be Brits and they will give less than a fig about the bureaucrats who sit on their Mt. Olympus in Brussels and dole out orders to the masses. Unfortunately, if the people throughout Europe don't wake up and learn more about the constitution they will surely lose their sovereign identity. Once they're immersed in the EU mega-state there's no way out.
While I'm opposed to the European Union construct, I still like Europe and see myself as an Atlanticist in the mold of Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher who felt the US and Europe are stronger when they coordinate things together through institutions like NATO. I just don't feel that Europe or America can afford a mega-state that chooses to compete with the US rather that work with it. I want to preserve the relationship but the EU Colossus could spoil everything. Europe should continue to consist of individual states with their own language, culture, nationality and government rather than a "Big Box' Europe.
The EU Constitution might have been approved overwhelmingly by the people of Spain but based on this article, the citizenry of Spain knows little or nothing about the Constitution. According to a survey conducted by Spanish state pollster CIS, some 90% of the Spanish public responded that they knew little or nothing about the EU Constitution.
One should expect such a lack of knowledge especially when the Constitution is close to some 350 pages long. I guess when your making a superstate out of some 20 plus member-nations you end up with a gigantic document that only policy wonks are willing to read. Thank God for our short but concise US Constitution.
The article also featured a small chart showing the results of a Eurobarometer poll on the approval/disapproval of the EU Constitution throughout the various European nations which are holding referendums. While the oppose/support numbers are mixed, the one area that seems to be relatively high is the Don't Know block. Take a look for yourself.
As for me, I'm a self-avowed "No" voter. I just don't think a big conglomeration of nation-states under a single constitution will ever work. When push comes to shove, Frenchmen will be Frenchmen and Brits will be Brits and they will give less than a fig about the bureaucrats who sit on their Mt. Olympus in Brussels and dole out orders to the masses. Unfortunately, if the people throughout Europe don't wake up and learn more about the constitution they will surely lose their sovereign identity. Once they're immersed in the EU mega-state there's no way out.
While I'm opposed to the European Union construct, I still like Europe and see myself as an Atlanticist in the mold of Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher who felt the US and Europe are stronger when they coordinate things together through institutions like NATO. I just don't feel that Europe or America can afford a mega-state that chooses to compete with the US rather that work with it. I want to preserve the relationship but the EU Colossus could spoil everything. Europe should continue to consist of individual states with their own language, culture, nationality and government rather than a "Big Box' Europe.
EU Constitution
Fire of Liberty
Here's a Leader (Op/Ed) from The Daily Telegraph on Spain's EU Constitutional referendum. As the paper noted, the people of Spain voted overwhelmingly for the Constitution but still demonstrated their apathy when only 40% of the voters showed up. While Spain's approval of the Constitution has given credence to the pro-euro crowd throughout Europe it also gives a pause to the Yes campaign in nations like Poland, Britian or the Czech Republic which have well established and credible euroskeptic movements. As I've noted earlier, France as well as the Czech Republic have expressed their opposition to the vote. What the Telegraph concludes is that the EU has created an institution with little or no popular support.
Here's a Leader (Op/Ed) from The Daily Telegraph on Spain's EU Constitutional referendum. As the paper noted, the people of Spain voted overwhelmingly for the Constitution but still demonstrated their apathy when only 40% of the voters showed up. While Spain's approval of the Constitution has given credence to the pro-euro crowd throughout Europe it also gives a pause to the Yes campaign in nations like Poland, Britian or the Czech Republic which have well established and credible euroskeptic movements. As I've noted earlier, France as well as the Czech Republic have expressed their opposition to the vote. What the Telegraph concludes is that the EU has created an institution with little or no popular support.
Hunter S. Thompson
Fire of Liberty
I'd have to say that the Gonzo journalist never appealed to me. I'm rather put off by people who waste their life away in a drug/alcoholic stupor and cause all kinds of problems for others. This man might have some caught the eye of many people but I'd guess he'd be an example of what not to do with your life. Don't take my opinion though, check out these pieces on Mr. Thompson here, here, and here.
I'd have to say that the Gonzo journalist never appealed to me. I'm rather put off by people who waste their life away in a drug/alcoholic stupor and cause all kinds of problems for others. This man might have some caught the eye of many people but I'd guess he'd be an example of what not to do with your life. Don't take my opinion though, check out these pieces on Mr. Thompson here, here, and here.
Czech's Could vote No on EU Const.
Fire of Liberty
According to this article in The Financial Times, the Czech Republic is considered to be a serious testing ground on the future of the EU and its Constitution. While a considerable amount of Europe's Prime Ministers have pushed for the "Yes" vote, the Czech Republic's PM Stanislav Gross has called for a "No" vote. In a similar vein as Margaret Thatcher, PM Klus is adamantly opposed to a further EU integration based on Czech nationalism and an opposition to the cradle to grave welfare state socialism emerging in the rest of the EU zone. I thought Klaus put it best about the EU when he noted:
According to this article in The Financial Times, the Czech Republic is considered to be a serious testing ground on the future of the EU and its Constitution. While a considerable amount of Europe's Prime Ministers have pushed for the "Yes" vote, the Czech Republic's PM Stanislav Gross has called for a "No" vote. In a similar vein as Margaret Thatcher, PM Klus is adamantly opposed to a further EU integration based on Czech nationalism and an opposition to the cradle to grave welfare state socialism emerging in the rest of the EU zone. I thought Klaus put it best about the EU when he noted:
"I am not critical, I am 100 per cent against," Mr Klaus said in Germany recently, warning that the treaty would create a "superior entity that will make us abandon our national democracy, sovereignty and political independence".Stay tuned, this might get really interesting. I've seen a growing opposition to the EU Constitution through the various press reports out of Europe. You never know what the wise people of Europe will do. I trust their judgment in a referendum more than the people running the show in Brussels. Go for "No"!!!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Iraqi Shiites
Fire of Liberty
Robert Kagan has a good column in The Washington Post on the Shiites in Iraq. While people in the press and from the left have lamented that Iraq's Shi'ite majority will probably become a new Iran, Kagan argues that the fears are overblown and that the Iranians should be more fearful of Iraqi Shiites living in freedom. I highly recommend this column for anyone seeking an understanding of the Shiite majority in Iraq.
Robert Kagan has a good column in The Washington Post on the Shiites in Iraq. While people in the press and from the left have lamented that Iraq's Shi'ite majority will probably become a new Iran, Kagan argues that the fears are overblown and that the Iranians should be more fearful of Iraqi Shiites living in freedom. I highly recommend this column for anyone seeking an understanding of the Shiite majority in Iraq.
Lebanon
Fire of Liberty
"The Lebanese people have the right to be free, and the United States and Europe share an interest in a democratic, independent Lebanon. My nation and France worked to pass Security Council Resolution 1559, which demands that Lebanon's sovereignty be respected, that foreign troops and agents be withdrawn, and that free elections be conducted without foreign interference. In the last several months, the world has seen men and women voting in historic elections, from Kabul to Ramallah to Baghdad -- and without Syrian interference, Lebanon's parliamentary elections in the spring can be another milestone of liberty."In the quote above, which is from todays speech in Brussels, President Bush has provided a powerful voice for the Lebanese people who are protesting the continued Syrian military occupation that has seen its day. In the same manner that President Reagan and PM Thatcher were garnered great people by the democrats of Eastern Europe, President Bush will be remembered as a great man within the democratic movement in the Middle East. The people of Lebanon should "keep buggering on" as Sir. Winston Churchill once said. Restore democracy in your wonderful nation and cast out Syria.
Zimbabwe
Fire of Liberty
It seems Thabo Mbeki is going down the same street that past leaders in Africa, which is to deny that a fellow African leader is taking their nation to hell. Mbeki has argued that the US shouldn't be including Zimbabwe in its "Outposts of Tyranny" since Robert Mugabe and his fellow ZANU-PF party are working towards free & fair elections . Unfortunately, the President of South Africa seems to forget that Mugabe's thugs have used all sorts of intimidation and violence against the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change. Take a look at some of Mugabe's attempts to conduct a "fair & free" election, here, here, here, and here.
It seems Thabo Mbeki is going down the same street that past leaders in Africa, which is to deny that a fellow African leader is taking their nation to hell. Mbeki has argued that the US shouldn't be including Zimbabwe in its "Outposts of Tyranny" since Robert Mugabe and his fellow ZANU-PF party are working towards free & fair elections . Unfortunately, the President of South Africa seems to forget that Mugabe's thugs have used all sorts of intimidation and violence against the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change. Take a look at some of Mugabe's attempts to conduct a "fair & free" election, here, here, here, and here.
China
Fire of Liberty
Here's a good Op/Ed by Daniel Blumenthal and Thomas Donnelly of AEI on Europe ending its arm embargo on China. It's a good read on how the sell of these weapons will allow the PLA to jump forward in its modernization. When China gets their hands on NATO grade weaponry, they can exacerbate the situation in Taiwan. Even worse, the Chinese military could be upgraded by leaps and bounds thus allowing them to directly challenge the US presence in the area. Both of these could create a situation that the US doesn't need at the moment.
If you want to get a hand on the situation I suggest you read this.
Here's a good Op/Ed by Daniel Blumenthal and Thomas Donnelly of AEI on Europe ending its arm embargo on China. It's a good read on how the sell of these weapons will allow the PLA to jump forward in its modernization. When China gets their hands on NATO grade weaponry, they can exacerbate the situation in Taiwan. Even worse, the Chinese military could be upgraded by leaps and bounds thus allowing them to directly challenge the US presence in the area. Both of these could create a situation that the US doesn't need at the moment.
If you want to get a hand on the situation I suggest you read this.
Iran
Fire of Liberty
The mad Mullahs of Iran are up to their old tricks again by going after the bloggers. Like a true totalitarian regime, the Mullahs have to continue to control its people by clamping down on all forms of dissent. One area that the Iranian government has been concentrating on is free press. In 2000, countless newspapers were shut down because they didn't toe the government line. Without a media to communicate such dissent, the people were forced into the blogosphere, which according to the BBC, there a some 46,000 Iranians blogging on freedom, democracy and countless other subjects in the ancient Persian nation. What seems to have set the Mullahs into this massive crack-down is that the growing democracy movement in Iran, which consist of tech-savvy 20 year olds, have mastered the net and are getting their message out to the World and fellow Iranians. The mullahs have begun a campaign of silencing the bloggers by placing them in jail for long stretches of time with excessive bonds and Lord knows what else. Take for instance the bloggers Arash Sigarchi and Mojtaba Saminejad, both of which were locked into Iran's shoddy prisons just because the practiced their rights of Free Speech. Here's what the BBC had to say about these two:
The mad Mullahs of Iran are up to their old tricks again by going after the bloggers. Like a true totalitarian regime, the Mullahs have to continue to control its people by clamping down on all forms of dissent. One area that the Iranian government has been concentrating on is free press. In 2000, countless newspapers were shut down because they didn't toe the government line. Without a media to communicate such dissent, the people were forced into the blogosphere, which according to the BBC, there a some 46,000 Iranians blogging on freedom, democracy and countless other subjects in the ancient Persian nation. What seems to have set the Mullahs into this massive crack-down is that the growing democracy movement in Iran, which consist of tech-savvy 20 year olds, have mastered the net and are getting their message out to the World and fellow Iranians. The mullahs have begun a campaign of silencing the bloggers by placing them in jail for long stretches of time with excessive bonds and Lord knows what else. Take for instance the bloggers Arash Sigarchi and Mojtaba Saminejad, both of which were locked into Iran's shoddy prisons just because the practiced their rights of Free Speech. Here's what the BBC had to say about these two:
The Iranian government has not said explicitly that it is blogging that got Mr Sigarchi and Mr Saminejad into trouble.I bid my fellow bloggers in Iran and the other "Outposts of Tyranny" good fortune and hope they outlast their oppressors. Look to the Fire of Liberty to guide you through the storm of tyranny.
However, both have used their blogs in the past to criticize the detention of other Iranian webloggers.
Iranian-born Hadi Ghaemi is following both cases for Human Rights Watch in New York.
"Major charges against Sigarchi included him giving interview to foreign radio, which is completely a violation of his right to free speech and expression," Mr Ghaemi says.
"He's being kept in a prison in the city of Rasht, which is his hometown in northern Iran. Bail for his release has been set at $200,000."
Mojtaba Saminejad has not fared much better, according to Mr Ghaemi.
"Saminejad was kept in solitary confinement for 88 days, and he was subjected to severe beatings and torture. He was briefly released on 27 January for a short time, but because bail had been set at $125,000, and he wasn't able to pay that, he was rearrested, and his conditions are unknown."
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