News Attack! (Updated!)
I've been trying to get this post written for almost a week. I had a few items about Iraq to post, but they've been incorporated into this article; however, I have a few other Iraq-related stories to add. Anyway, read on.
* * *
One of the issues that the American government faces is retaining diplomatic/economic supremacy in the international community. With issues like the rise in oil prices and the declining value of the dollar, this effort becomes more and more challenging. As such, it's frustrating when the Federal Government can't find ways to work with both strategic allies and strategic friends, particularly when doing so pushes them closer to our strategic competitors. What do I mean? Well, here are two stories.
India and Russia have pledged to strengthen their ties, both in military and economic matters; this includes the joint development of a stealth aircraft. The United States has made a point of "courting" India, for lack of a better word; there were highly publicized military exercises in the Bay of Bengal in September involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. India will conduct military exercises with China in December as well. There have been issues with the proposed nuclear cooperation between India and the United States; overall, though, it is in our best interest to encourage a strong alliance with India, an up-and-coming economic and military power house in South Asia.
The United States has also turned down South Korea's requests for assistance with their space program, due to non-proliferation concerns. (Obviously we're not worried about the South Koreans developing ballistic missiles, but the technology is dual-use so there are political and diplomatic concerns.) So, given that they couldn't get their ally, the United States, to help them with their space program, what did they decide to do? They sought assistance from the Russians, who were more than willing to provide it. Really, though - couldn't we have figured out some sort of compromise in order to keep our allies from seeking assistance from Russia?
Russia has finally pulled out of a base in Georgia, although tensions between the former Soviet core and the now-independent Caucausian nation persist over an alleged Russian air raid a few months ago. Russia is also exploring the option of deploying ballistic missiles to allied Belarus in an effort to counter the American/allied ballistic missile shield. The Russian government has also pledged to build a surface fleet second only to the United States, although this article on the subject makes the Russian program appear to be every bit as troubled as France's Charles de Gaulle.
* * *
Iran has finally presented evidence that may indicate malignant intent in their "peaceful nuclear program". However, the IAEA has said that Iran's transparency on their nuclear program has declined since 2006, when Iran stopped cooperating on several key areas. (Fox, BBC) The IAEA says that Iran has come clean about their past efforts, but that their current intentions are still a mystery due to limited cooperation. (BBC, AFP) The Iranian regime is also apparently considering enriching uranium in a neutral country in order to reduce scrutiny and controversy over the program.
Meanwhile, the abrasive and confrontational foreign policy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is facing increasing criticism from both conservatives (like the mayor of Tehran) and moderates (like former Iranian presidents Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammed Khatami) over his treatment of the nuclear crisis and his antagonism of the international community. The Iranian regime has also been critized by Iranian Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi (AFP, BBC), who has gone on record saying that while Iran has the right to nuclear energy, flaunting that right is not worth a war with the United States. Ahmedinejad has also been sharply criticized by a prominent Iranian newspaper, widely held to have impeccable Islamic credentials.
American military representatives have highlighted continued diplomacy in recent weeks. China, master of the diplomatic cock block, has gone on record and affirmed Iran's right to a nuclear program, while simultaneously discouraging nuclear proliferation. Also, Venezuelan despot Hugo Chavez is visiting President Ahmedinejad - draw from that what you will, but it suggests to me that my earlier assertion that the Axis of Evil goes beyond rogue Middle Eastern states is absolutely accurate.
For the record, I have no issue with Iran having a nuclear program; and at some point, I could be okay with Iran having nuclear weapons. However, I think that this Iranian regime having a nuclear capability of any kind is completely unacceptable. It's similar to my views on Pakistan's nuclear program (which, admittedly, could be problematic soon), or the nuclear energy aspirations of Egypt or Algeria or Libya, even though Islamist threats persist to some degree in all three of those countries. The issue is not nuclear energy, which is the most viable (and, for the record, most environmentally sustainable) form of energy currently available (in the absence of fusion, for example); the issue is the credibility of the promises of peaceful use of nuclear technology. With this particular Iranian regime, that credibility simply does not exist.
* * *
Behold! Here's a conversation with the Crypto King from a couple of months ago that follows up on this post about bachelor cuisine.
* * *
I have a few quick notes about conditions in Iraq, most of the recent noteworthy developments having been noted in this article from a few days ago.
The importation of weapons from Iran into Iraq, including EFPs, appears to have slowed or stopped. General Petraeus also gives partial credit to Syria for a reduction in the in-flux of foreign terrorists into Iraq. What this means, exactly, is the subject of speculation. Hopefully, it means that Iran and Syria, no matter how unreliable and rogue they are, are keeping their pledges to stop arming and encouraging terrorists. Both regimes are particularly Machiavellian on issues like this; the bottom line, though, is that if there are less EFPs and foreign fighters getting into Iraq, that's good news for our troops as they continue to consolidate security gains in the country.
A U.S. Army major general has claimed that Northern Iraq is now the most dangerous region of the country (AP, AFP). This is primarily in areas like Diyala and Salah ad Din (and possibly Mosul?) (map), and less the Kurdish areas like Dahuk, Sulaymaniya, and Irbil. Even in the "most dangerous region", though, violence is still declining significantly. Look at it this way: even America has its own "most dangerous" areas.
Meanwhile, even the BBC is reporting the good news: Iraqis return home 'in thousands'.
* * *
As I've mentioned previously, Friar Dave is a grad student at a major university. Every now and again, he provides me with veritable gems from students who didn't pay attention or study.
* * *
In yet another story that proves that Islamists hate freedom, not American/Western decadence and foreign policy offenses, Taliban representatives murdered a boy who was teaching his schoolmates English. In a tangentally-related story, hooded "Palestinian"* militants are receiving classes from the Red Cross on the laws of armed conflict and protection of human rights; I know for a fact that there are jokes to be made there, but I'm going to be professional and leave it be.
I've wondered for years now why Afghanistan's illicit poppy production couldn't be exploited to make pharmaceuticals, thereby turning an illicit cash crop into a legitimate and productive cash crop to fuel productivity and prosperity throughout Afghanistan. I actually discussed it with M@ once, as he's in the medical field. M@ told me that the poppy crop in Afghanistan exceeds the actual demand for pharmaceutical poppy production. Well, apparently I'm not the only one who had this idea. Under the linked proposal, production and trade would occur at the village level, vice the farm level. It sounds like a good idea to me, but I'm admittedly ignorant on the issue.
British snipers are slated to get new rifles. Very cool.
And finally, the French navy has joined in the fun, escorting two ships laden with relief supplies so that they couldn't be hijacked... by Somali pirates!
* * *
Wow, lots of news, lots of links. I have a few more stories, but they can wait. I'll try to (finally) write up an introductory "China Watch" post this weekend, to include a few recent stories. Stay tuned, and have a great Thanksgiving!
* For a reminder of why I use quotation marks in such situations, take the red pill.
One of the issues that the American government faces is retaining diplomatic/economic supremacy in the international community. With issues like the rise in oil prices and the declining value of the dollar, this effort becomes more and more challenging. As such, it's frustrating when the Federal Government can't find ways to work with both strategic allies and strategic friends, particularly when doing so pushes them closer to our strategic competitors. What do I mean? Well, here are two stories.
India and Russia have pledged to strengthen their ties, both in military and economic matters; this includes the joint development of a stealth aircraft. The United States has made a point of "courting" India, for lack of a better word; there were highly publicized military exercises in the Bay of Bengal in September involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. India will conduct military exercises with China in December as well. There have been issues with the proposed nuclear cooperation between India and the United States; overall, though, it is in our best interest to encourage a strong alliance with India, an up-and-coming economic and military power house in South Asia.
The United States has also turned down South Korea's requests for assistance with their space program, due to non-proliferation concerns. (Obviously we're not worried about the South Koreans developing ballistic missiles, but the technology is dual-use so there are political and diplomatic concerns.) So, given that they couldn't get their ally, the United States, to help them with their space program, what did they decide to do? They sought assistance from the Russians, who were more than willing to provide it. Really, though - couldn't we have figured out some sort of compromise in order to keep our allies from seeking assistance from Russia?
Russia has finally pulled out of a base in Georgia, although tensions between the former Soviet core and the now-independent Caucausian nation persist over an alleged Russian air raid a few months ago. Russia is also exploring the option of deploying ballistic missiles to allied Belarus in an effort to counter the American/allied ballistic missile shield. The Russian government has also pledged to build a surface fleet second only to the United States, although this article on the subject makes the Russian program appear to be every bit as troubled as France's Charles de Gaulle.
Iran has finally presented evidence that may indicate malignant intent in their "peaceful nuclear program". However, the IAEA has said that Iran's transparency on their nuclear program has declined since 2006, when Iran stopped cooperating on several key areas. (Fox, BBC) The IAEA says that Iran has come clean about their past efforts, but that their current intentions are still a mystery due to limited cooperation. (BBC, AFP) The Iranian regime is also apparently considering enriching uranium in a neutral country in order to reduce scrutiny and controversy over the program.
Meanwhile, the abrasive and confrontational foreign policy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is facing increasing criticism from both conservatives (like the mayor of Tehran) and moderates (like former Iranian presidents Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammed Khatami) over his treatment of the nuclear crisis and his antagonism of the international community. The Iranian regime has also been critized by Iranian Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi (AFP, BBC), who has gone on record saying that while Iran has the right to nuclear energy, flaunting that right is not worth a war with the United States. Ahmedinejad has also been sharply criticized by a prominent Iranian newspaper, widely held to have impeccable Islamic credentials.
American military representatives have highlighted continued diplomacy in recent weeks. China, master of the diplomatic cock block, has gone on record and affirmed Iran's right to a nuclear program, while simultaneously discouraging nuclear proliferation. Also, Venezuelan despot Hugo Chavez is visiting President Ahmedinejad - draw from that what you will, but it suggests to me that my earlier assertion that the Axis of Evil goes beyond rogue Middle Eastern states is absolutely accurate.
For the record, I have no issue with Iran having a nuclear program; and at some point, I could be okay with Iran having nuclear weapons. However, I think that this Iranian regime having a nuclear capability of any kind is completely unacceptable. It's similar to my views on Pakistan's nuclear program (which, admittedly, could be problematic soon), or the nuclear energy aspirations of Egypt or Algeria or Libya, even though Islamist threats persist to some degree in all three of those countries. The issue is not nuclear energy, which is the most viable (and, for the record, most environmentally sustainable) form of energy currently available (in the absence of fusion, for example); the issue is the credibility of the promises of peaceful use of nuclear technology. With this particular Iranian regime, that credibility simply does not exist.
Behold! Here's a conversation with the Crypto King from a couple of months ago that follows up on this post about bachelor cuisine.
The Fly: I am, after all, a historian. And you are, after all, a connoisseur of mature content.I laughed. I hope you folks did, too.
The Fly: And Hamburger Helper.
Crypto King: Indeed I am.
Crypto King: I wish I could get a degree in that.
Crypto King: Either one, before you ask.
The Fly: You can. I think it's called Women's Studies.
The Fly: LOL
The Fly: I wouldn't have even thought of getting a degree in HH without you saying that last line.
Crypto King: Not a true HH fan, then. I see.
The Fly: Up for debate, apparently. I'd had no doubt before this.
Crypto King: yet you never even entertained the idea of majoring in HH. so disappointing.
I have a few quick notes about conditions in Iraq, most of the recent noteworthy developments having been noted in this article from a few days ago.
The importation of weapons from Iran into Iraq, including EFPs, appears to have slowed or stopped. General Petraeus also gives partial credit to Syria for a reduction in the in-flux of foreign terrorists into Iraq. What this means, exactly, is the subject of speculation. Hopefully, it means that Iran and Syria, no matter how unreliable and rogue they are, are keeping their pledges to stop arming and encouraging terrorists. Both regimes are particularly Machiavellian on issues like this; the bottom line, though, is that if there are less EFPs and foreign fighters getting into Iraq, that's good news for our troops as they continue to consolidate security gains in the country.
A U.S. Army major general has claimed that Northern Iraq is now the most dangerous region of the country (AP, AFP). This is primarily in areas like Diyala and Salah ad Din (and possibly Mosul?) (map), and less the Kurdish areas like Dahuk, Sulaymaniya, and Irbil. Even in the "most dangerous region", though, violence is still declining significantly. Look at it this way: even America has its own "most dangerous" areas.
Meanwhile, even the BBC is reporting the good news: Iraqis return home 'in thousands'.
As I've mentioned previously, Friar Dave is a grad student at a major university. Every now and again, he provides me with veritable gems from students who didn't pay attention or study.
Friar Dave: Did you know Marcus Aurelius' Meditations were the basis of Stoicism?Palestine Hill? That's Palatine Hill. See below.
Friar Dave: (and according to students in the other class, Phillip and Alexander "went on crusade" against the Persians)
The Fly: No they weren't, the Enchiridion by Epictetus was. Marcus Aurelius was a continuation.
Friar Dave: Yes. Of course.
The Fly:
The Fly: Oh, wait, is this test answers?
Friar Dave: yep
Friar Dave: Additionally, Phillip of Macedon's only histocial significance (according to many students) was that he was Alexander's father
The Fly: ROFL
The Fly: Going on a walk, keep it coming.
Friar Dave: right, and back to work for me
The Fly: k
Friar Dave: and nero set fire to the palestine hill
In yet another story that proves that Islamists hate freedom, not American/Western decadence and foreign policy offenses, Taliban representatives murdered a boy who was teaching his schoolmates English. In a tangentally-related story, hooded "Palestinian"* militants are receiving classes from the Red Cross on the laws of armed conflict and protection of human rights; I know for a fact that there are jokes to be made there, but I'm going to be professional and leave it be.
I've wondered for years now why Afghanistan's illicit poppy production couldn't be exploited to make pharmaceuticals, thereby turning an illicit cash crop into a legitimate and productive cash crop to fuel productivity and prosperity throughout Afghanistan. I actually discussed it with M@ once, as he's in the medical field. M@ told me that the poppy crop in Afghanistan exceeds the actual demand for pharmaceutical poppy production. Well, apparently I'm not the only one who had this idea. Under the linked proposal, production and trade would occur at the village level, vice the farm level. It sounds like a good idea to me, but I'm admittedly ignorant on the issue.
British snipers are slated to get new rifles. Very cool.
And finally, the French navy has joined in the fun, escorting two ships laden with relief supplies so that they couldn't be hijacked... by Somali pirates!
Wow, lots of news, lots of links. I have a few more stories, but they can wait. I'll try to (finally) write up an introductory "China Watch" post this weekend, to include a few recent stories. Stay tuned, and have a great Thanksgiving!
* For a reminder of why I use quotation marks in such situations, take the red pill.
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