Pakistan, India and The West

The Times: Reports that Pakistan has threatened to move its troops from the badlands of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and move them to the border between India and Pakistan due to the terrorist attack in Mumbai, India. If there is a conflict between India and Pakistan this could damage Western interest in Afghanistan, we need Pakistan to keep its troops in the badlands of the border. If they follow through with their idea to move their troops the USA and UK would have to consider placing Western troops in Pakistan. Lets not jump the gun, the USA under President Bush and Obama should send a diplomatic delegation to India and Pakistan, if that fails we should make clear to both countries, if they want a war then fine, but not nuclear, that has to be made clear to both governments. The West can not afford to see both India and Pakistan in a nuclear rubble, and not with Western troops in Afghanistan. That sounds harsh but its the reality, thus if and this is way off, should the terrorists win the final round, India and Pakistan must not be allowed to use nuclear weapons for any reason. Thus the CIA AND MI6 should make sure they are aware of the sites for these weapons in case they have to be taken out one way or another. This is the time for Obama to show real skill as a statesman, this crisis might not wait for January 20th 2009.

India and Pakistan at War ?

Telegraph: Reports that India has placed herself on a War footing with Pakistan. The terrorists have won the first two rounds, they terrorised Mumbai ( Bombay ) for days, now India and Pakistan are back at each others throats. The West has to make sure that the terrorists don't win the final round, President George W. Bush should send a Diplomatic mission to the region, he should invite President - Elect Obama to send his envoy with the group. If India and Pakistan go to war, the entire region could go up in flames, lets recall both nations are nuclear powers. Thus the security of the West requires that the USA take an active role to get both countries back on the same page, the terrorists can not be allowed to start a nuclear war in the region.

Secretary Clinton

The New York Times: Reports that President - Elect Obama will announce Hillary Clinton as his nominee for Secretary of State on Monday. I cant decide if this move by the President is brilliant or the most foolish since the Russia sold Alaska to the USA; before the Russians knew about the Oil; it can be argued that Bill Clinton will go off the Obama Foreign Policy Reservation within six months. I could not cope with the Clintons for four to eight years, Obama must have the patience of a Saint, he is going to need that patience with the Clintons.

The Military and Obama

The Washington Post: Reports on the future relationship between the US Military and President Obama. As the article points out the main issue that could be a problem is Iraq, the pledge by Obama to get out of Iraq is sixteen months, the article states the following, " ..some Pentagon officials believe an Iraq withdrawal order could become Obama's equivalent of the Clinton controversy over gays,..." Obama will not want to leave Iraq in a mess, he does not want to be President Ford, those images of the Chopper leaving the US Embassy in 1975 are iconic, Obama does not want to turn a victory in to defeat. A quick withdrawal could lead to a civil war in Iraq, the chance for Iran to invade and take over the oil fields, cut off oil to the West, would not make economic sense but who said Iran was working from the Western Page. Does Obama want to see cars waiting for Oil, this would really help the Democrats in the Mid - Term Elections of 2010. Also if the USA is seen as leaving the Terrorists could come back, does Obama want to see Iraq in a Civil War with the terrorists throwing in their bombs. Thus it could be argued that Obama will be more moderate that his Campaign Pledge. Also keeping Secretary Gates on is a good move, will allow Gates to get the USA out of Iraq with honour. Lets be honest, the Western Economy is in the toilet we have to get out of Iraq, they have to take up the burden, we just have to leave with honour and our backs protected by the Government in Iraq.

NYT and Iraq

New York Times: Reports on the Civic Progress in Iraq. Well you could hit me over a with a feather, a positive article about Iraq in the Liberal Times. Read of the Day.

Mumbai ( Bombay ) DEATH TOLL

Telegraph: Reports that the Mumbai terrorist attack could lead to a death toll of three hundred killed. If this terrorist attack on India causes a military confrontation between Pakistan and India then the terrorists would have won. The USA and UK have to play an active role in keeping these countries on the same page. If India moves its troops to the border with Pakistan and Pakistan does the same, this will be a victory for the terrorists, the soldiers of Pakistan are needed on badlands of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The new Obama Administration will have to work to keep Pakistan together, their economy is in a mess, they have parts of Pakistan under terrorist control and the central government is weak, none of this would matter to be honest but they are a Nuclear Power. The West has an interest in keeping both India and Pakistan in the Western side not falling under the threat of the terrorist.