No to Nuclear North Korea ?

Guardian: Reports that the USA has stated that it will not accept North Korea as a member of the Nuclear Club. These are very fine viewpoint but so far the Obama Administration has shown that its words mean nothing, Obama has condemn North Korea and what next, nothing, if your in North Korea you would get the idea that Obama is a weak President that believes his own press statements over the truth. If your in Tehran, Iran you would get the idea that Obama is an empty suit, all wind and no substance. Thus the lack of action by Obama and his failure to get the UN to be tough has shown that Obama is naive, that his apology tour of Europe was a failure, thus expect North Korea one day to get a working ICBM, and for Japan to go nuclear, also South Korea. The failure of the Obama policy in North Korea has a direct link to the Middle East, both Israel Iran will ignore Obama in the future, in the case of Israel it will carry on with the building of existing settlements on the West Bank, later down the line it will bomb Iran when it feels it is under threat. In Iran the Government will see the weakness of Obama as a green light to go nuclear, Obama wont be able to blame any one else, his naivety and weakness could lead to a war in the Middle East.

Is US Supreme Court Nonimee Judge Sotomayor Colour Blind ?

The New York Times: Reports on the legal career of Obama's nominee for the US Supreme Court, Judge Sotomayor, the Liberal NYT writes the following on Sotomayor, " has championed the importance of considering race and ethnicity in admissions, hiring and even judicial selection at almost every stage of her career..." It seems Justice is no long blind in the US Court System, one of Judge Sotomayor legal decisions opens her up to the charge that is an extreme Liberal and racist, in one case a white claimant who had a disability lost a promotion at his employment due to the fact that the exam he had passed had no been passed by other people of a ethnic background, in other words a reverse racism or just racist. How come the Civil Rights movement of the 60s had gone down the toilet, colour, gender, religious background should not be an issue, but those that fought racism have become racist.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of two British Soldiers on Saturday. The total of British Forces killed in combat action now stands at 134, those killed due to accident, illness or other incidents is 29. In total those killed in the Afghanistan operation is 165. In Iraq the UK lost 136 Armed Forces Personnel due to combat action, at this rate the military operation in Afghanistan will take a heavy toll on our Armed Forces. What is the EXIT route out of Afghanistan ?

Long Range Missile Test for North Korea ?

CNN News: Reports that North Korea could be ready to have another long range missile test, there are reports that activity in the region following the pattern of the last launch. It can be postulated that North Korea will wait in till President Obama is in Egypt for his visit to the Middle East, then launch a long range missile, this will place Obama in a box, his words have meant nothing so far then it comes to North Korea, Iran will take this weakness to mean that it can get the bomb and Obama will not have much of a reaction, just his usual speeches, a lot of hot air with no substance. Also Israel wont take much notice of Obama when it comes to the Middle East, Obama has demanded that Israel stop building new settlements in the West Bank, Israel has stated it wont build new settlements but will extend old ones, in other words Israel knows that it has the upper hand with Obama, this is not Nixon going to China or Reagan in Moscow, Obama has made much of his background, living in a Muslim country, that's the problem in political terms, Reagan could threaten the relationship between the USA and Israel if Israel did not back down in Lebanon in the early 80s, as Reagan was seen as friend of Israel, Nixon had been critical of China thus could talk to China, Obama lets be honest pre his Presidency hasn't had a long term record of defence of Israel, he been running for office for to long. Thus Obama might threaten Israel with funding cuts but the Congress would veto any such moves, the Israeli Lobby is not known for power for no reason, thus what ever Obama thinks Israel will decide its future and that of the Palestine people.

Bush 43 on Terror Policies

Fox News: Reports that Bush 43 has come out swinging in defence of his terror policies after 9/11. Bush 43 is very canny political operator, one can postulate that after keeping quite since leaving office he has had enough of President Obama bashing his Administration. President Obama should recall that the Bush 43 is quite ruthless and he has Karl Rove, it would be wise from a political point of view to recall that his bashing of Bush 43 can be returned by his successor, Obama does not have four terms, he has one and a bit, if he wins re-election 2012 with Joe Biden still on the ticket he will have candidates running for President within a year, and depending on his approval ratings, they can go up and down, he will be the one getting the critical comments. Also if Governor Jeb Bush was run in 2016 and win the Obama crowd would see what political pain can really feel like, so no drama Obama should become classy Obama and cut off the critical comments of Bush 43, as his successor might return the favour in 2016, does Obama really want Jeb Bush turning up with Bush 43 during the transition period, Obama should learn an old lesson, to misquote LBJ, don't throw tea out as it can come back hit you on the tent.

Pre - 9/11 Mind Set of the Obama Administration

LA Times: Reports that the Obama Administration will move to allow the FBI to be the lead Agency in the War on Terrorism, taking over from the CIA. This is pre 9/11 mind set, a mind set that sees the War on Terror as a matter of law, no drama Obama has become to a risk addict, what if this all goes wrong, what if the Taliban/Terrorists think that the Obama Administration is weak, its actions in North Korea has shown that its words mean nothing, if you remove the CIA as the lead Agency to deal with terrorism you open the gates to another 9/11. Naivety in a President is dangerous, Obama by his closing of Gitmo has shown that his own arrogance is more important than the security of the United States. It seems Obama wants to keep his hands clean, well the Republicans should start to remind him that he has allowed the CIA to use drones in Pakistan to kill terrorists when they are with their families. Thus his hands are as dirty as anyone, that includes the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who was informed that Bush 43 was using tough interrogations methods. Is Obama going to have the FBI search the Tribal badlands of Pakistan and Afghanistan for OBL, the leader of Al - Qeada, of course not, it seems Western Security has to take a back seat to the conscience of a naive President, yes folks another Jimmy Carter.

Bluff or real Threat to Pakistan ?

The New York Times: Reports that the Taliban have threatened to unleash major attacks on the cities of Pakistan. One can argue with today’s attacks that they have started their attacks, but at the end of the day the Taliban/Terrorists are nothing but common murders. This is the time for the Army of Pakistan to clean house in the Swat Valley and in the Tribal badlands. The Taliban/Terrorists cannot take on the Army of Pakistan in honourable combat, they are terrorists after all, thus it should be hoped that civic structure of Pakistan rejects these common murders. Lets hope the Police and the ISI, Pakistan’s Intelligence Agency are on the same page. But also it would prudent that the Army secures the major cities, making sure that the terrorists don’t have easy targets. This is the time to smash the Taliban/Terrorists.

North Korea, End Game

The Atlantic: Article on the problems of dealing with the North Korean nuclear and missile test. This article looks at the problems faced by President Obama and how North Korea is linked to Iran. Read of the Day.

The Taliban Threat to Pakistan

Telegraph: Reports on the latest bombings in Pakistan, the Taliban is countering the Army of Pakistan’s push in to the Swat Valley. As the Taliban/Terrorists are not a real army they can only strike back by using terrorists methods, thus Pakistan can expect more bombings, the more success the Army has in the Swat Valley and in the Tribal badlands the more the Taliban will strike at non military targets, thus Islamabad should be on alert, also the Army should make sure all nuclear facilities are under tight guard. Also all personnel that are guarding nuclear facilities should be checked to see if they have Taliban friends or are sympathetic to the cause. The secular Government of Pakistan can not afford for the Taliban/Terrorists to get hold of nuclear weapons. After defeating the Taliban, the Army of Pakistan has to win the hearts and minds of the people of Swat and the Tribal areas, in this the West should support this move with dollars, its cheaper that Pakistan under the Taliban.

High Alert in Asia, South Korea and US on Guard

The Times: Reports that the South Korea and US troops in South Korea have been placed on high alert due to nuclear and missiles test of North Korea. Fox News reported that the Obama Administration thought that North Korea was bluffing, then why place your troops on high alert, the Obama Administration is in a fix, a weak reaction allows Iran to think it has the green light to go nuclear, a heavy reaction and you could restart the Korea War of 1950-53. Lets be honest, North Korea is a nuclear power and according to reports in the UK Times the North Koreans have the ability to miniaturise missiles and a nuclear bomb. Thus they are part of the nuclear club thus some rules apply, a military reaction is off the table, at the end of the day there needs to be talks, North Korea wants direct talks with the USA, what about offering to send Secretary Clinton with Bill Clinton as a Presidential Envoy to have talks with North Korea, its an idea, at the end of they day there has to be talks, lets hope no one slips up and we have a real war on our hands. Or worse in some respects Iran misreads Obama and we get a war in the Middle East.

The North Korean Link to Iran

Fox News: Reports that the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is calling the bluff the Obama Administration and Israel, he has stated that the Iranian nuclear project has gone beyond the point that the USA or Israel would dare hit Iran. This goes back to North Korea, the lack of action by the UN and the Obama Administration, this weakness is taken by Tehran to mean that at end of the day Obama does not have the stomach to take action, thus as stated in previous post, a weak response is worse than no response to North Korea. Think back to the 1930s, the lack of European reaction to Nazi Germany, this weakness could lead to War in the Middle East, as Israel will not allow itself to the sacrificial lamb for the West, Israel lost six million Jews in the Holocaust of World War Two, the government of Israel has the duty to protect Israel and its population, at the end of day Israel might not have to choice, it might have to attack Iran.

Obama and North Korea

The New York Times: An interesting editorial by the Liberal New York Times on Obama and Korea, the NYT writes the following, " Loudly castigating and threatening North Korea and then failing to implement sanctions is worse than doing nothing at all..." Never thought I would say this but agree with this sentiment, if Obama at the end of day does nothing after stating that words mean something in a speech in Prague, Czech Republic then this will give a green light to Iran to go nuclear, this could lead to Israel striking Iran and Iran hitting US forces in Iraq. Thus there is a linkage from Asia to the Middle East, also the UN has to show that it has teeth or it will go the way of the League of Nations before World War Two. If the Obama Administration is seen as weak, think Jimmy Carter, and lets recall the result of that, the USSR invaded Afghanistan and there was a revolution in Iran, this lead to the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. The secular second coming has to get the fact that history was before him and history shows lessons, only a Star in his how mind thinks political reality wont affect him and that his words mean more that political reality.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of two more British Soldiers, one soldier died today due to combat operations in Afghanistan, another Soldier died due to his wounds, inflicted in Afghanistan, the soldier had been moved from Afghanistan to the UK. Thus those killed in combat operations in Afghanistan now stands at 134, those killed due to accident, illness or other incidents now stand at 29. In total the UK Armed Forces have lost 163 personnel. In comparison in Iraq the UK lost 136 Armed Forces Personnel down to combat action and 43 due to accident, illness and other incidents. In total the Iraqi death total for the UK was 179. It can be postulated that the UK will lose a lot more Armed Forces Personnel in theatre, we have the Presidential Election coming up, the Army of Pakistan is attacking the Taliban/Terrorists in Swat Valley and in the Tribal badlands of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, thus it can be expected that the Taliban might come across the border for R&R and to attack Western Forces. The Obama Administration has a lot on its plate of late, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Korea, the economy in the toilet, the bailout of the car companies. One can argue that these are the pillars of the Obama Administration, if they are brittle pillars the Obama Administration might not win re- election in 2012.

Russia on Guard over North Korea

Telegraph: Reports that Russia is putting up its guard against a War developing between North Korea and the USA. As Russia has a border with North Korea it does not want radioactive radiation coming over its border, its also has the experience of 1986 when it had nuclear meltdown at one of its plants. Thus Russia will want to be tough with North Korea but not to push it to far, the last thing Russia needs is a full blown War in its backyard, a War that didn't start but would suffer the consequences. This UN resolution is taking its time, also the UN has gone very quite, at the end of the day does Obama's words mean nothing, is Obama nothing more than an empty suite from Chicago.

North Korea is Bluffing - Obama Administration

Fox News: Reports that North Korea is bluffing in the view of the Obama Administration, the Armed Forces of North Korea are not in Battle position and the missiles launched are not seen as a threat by the USA. If it is a bluff, very good, lets call them on it, lets inspect their ships, tougher economic sanctions, pressure China to take a firmer action with her semi - satellite. If the million man army of North Korea is not is a position to fight and the short range missiles are not a threat lets give North Korea the cold shoulder, lets ignore them, let them have their tantrum, after a few months lets see if they want to talk. If the Intelligence from region is that this is a bluff then the best way to really wind up North Korea is to have tough sanctions and not have any high level talks with the USA. Lets teach North Korea that you don't have proper talks if you like an armature in International Politics.

Is the Korean War about to Re - Start in 2009 ?

BBC News: Reports that North Korea has nullified the truce that ended the Korean War in 1953, it will take action if South Korea stops its ships to prevent the selling of illegal technology. One has to ask what game North Korea is playing, it cant want a War with the United States, it will lose, the regime would fall and China would have a big mess on its hands. One can postulate that these actions by North Korea is due to an internal struggle for power, it seems the succession has become an issue, thus we could have different sides showing who has the backbone to take on the USA and South Korea. The problem for the Obama Administration and the West is that North Korea is a very closed society, thus getting any real information on the issue is hard, thus what does President Obama do about North Korea. If talks are off and if the USA and South Korea starts to blockade North Korea then the North might take action, thus a very tricky situation. One could start a blockade outside the waters of North Korea in international waters and then check the ships but the North might attack anyway, but the USA cant allow North Korea to sell technology to Iran either, Israel will attack Iran if its go nuclear. Will be interesting to see what the UN and Obama does about North Korea, appeasement will be seen as a green light to Iran to go nuclear but military action is out of the question, North Korea is a nuclear power. I wish we had full working SDI, or Star Wars, then we could take care of North Korea, Reagan as always was right.

Gay Marriage Right or Wrong ?

BBC News: Reports that the Supreme Court of California has confirmed the banning of Gay Marriage within the State. I think this is a mistake, it does not matter if your gay or straight everyone has the right to be happy, thus times change, it should be a legal right that gay couple can get married, its not the end of the world, Social Conservatives will just have to get used to the change.

The USA to defend Japan and South Korea - Obama

Telegraph: Reports that President Obama has stated that the USA will defend its Allies, Japan and South Korea. The reason the President has stated to these two countries that the USA will defend them is two fold, one after the nuclear and missile test of North Korea these two countries are worried that they are a target, the other reason is that Obama does not want South Korea and Japan to go nuclear, this would create an arms race in the region, an arms race that could go nuclear at any time. I can hear Diplomats from Asia, America, Europe to the Middle East even asking what does North Korea want to go back in to the box, quite hard if they wont talk, are Diplomats meant to read smoke signals.

Taliban have Upper Hand in Afghanistan - US Defence Secretary Gates

Fox News: Reports on a frank interview by the US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, the Secretary has stated that the Taliban/Terrorists have the upper hand in the fighting and that the USA will only have a short time to turned Afghanistan around, a year. The Secretary is being honest, but there can be to much honesty in PR and International Politics, Afghanistan wont get turned around in a year, not as long as the Taliban/Terrorists have safe heavens in Pakistan. The Army of Pakistan is just getting to grip with the Taliban/Terrorists in the Swat Valley and an expected second front in the Tribal badlands on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. One has to ask why is the UK losing good men and women in combat if we cant win this war, we cant afford to lose this war but we will never have total victory, the USA and the UK has to develop a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Have suggested a deal with the Taliban of Afghanistan in an attempt to split them for the Taliban of Pakistan. If a deal can be made, no one likes the Taliban, but its the same with North Korea, you deal with the cards you have, thus worth a punt as we say in the UK. Then move Western Forces to the Tribal badlands on both side of the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, clean house, remove the Taliban/Terrorists, help with the civic structure of the region, make sure the Government of Pakistan is secure also their nuclear weapons. Pakistan is the key, Afghanistan is the result of the policy in many respects.

Obama's Pick for the US Supreme Court - Judge Sonia Sotomayor

The New York Times: Read a profile of President Obama's pick for the US Supreme Court, Federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor. From the profile a real Liberal, Obama's ability not to surprise is remarkable.

Two more Short Range Missiles from North Korea

BBC News: Reports on more tests by North Korea. The Stalinist State has fired two missiles and is expected to fire one more missile, the UN so far has condemn the nuclear test but no tough resolution. As posted yesterday, there is not much you can do with North Korea, the North Korean state is only kept going by selling its technology to rogue states, the Syrians of late it thought to have built a nuclear reactor before it was destroyed with the help of North Korea. One can only guess what deals there are between North Korea and Iran, a trade perhaps, Iran gets the know how to to built a nuclear weapon and North Korea gets a long range missile technology. The question is what will the UN and the Obama Administration do about North Korea, the problem in the UN is China, will China turn on her semi - satellite, can she risk North Korea falling apart and millions crossing the border in to China. The Obama Administration has to worry if it is seen as weak over North Korea this could be seen as giving the green light to Iran to go nuclear, thus Israel will hit Iran. If Israel hits Iran, expect Iran to hit the USA in Iraq. Thus the actions in North Korea have a link back all the way to Tehran in Iran. One could suggest that the UN checks all ships coming out of North Korea to prevent the selling of nuclear technology, but what would North Korea do, will they take even more aggressive action by this Cuban type blockade. Also the USA has to worry that South Korea and Japan will just throw their hands in to the air and go nuclear, would you want the barmy nuclear North Korea as your close neighbour. Obama could try one last throw of the dice, offer a Presidential visit to clear all this up, a security and economic agreement with North Korea, yes the problem is that it will been seen as another Munich Agreement and Obama as Neville Chamberlain but it will give the USA time to get a plan together to attack Iran or gets its forces ready for Israel to attack Iran. Lets be clear there can be no military solution to North Korea, they are a nuclear power, its to late but not the case with Iran. Thus as stated Obama has a link from Asia to the Middle East, lets hope he does not cause friction in that link.

UN and North Korea

The New York Times: Reports that the Japan has called for an Emergency Meeting of the UN Security Council, the NYT writes the following, "... an urgent meeting of the Security Council was expected to be held on Monday.." As before there will be critical words, but a mild result as before, even the previous mild rebuke sent North Korea in to a rage, they walked away from talks. Thus after a few days of seething by the World Community, we will be back at the start, the Obama Administration will have to find what North Korea wants, so far the Obama Administration has not had much luck on that score, North Korea seems to be in some kind of internal succession struggle, thus they show their teeth then walk away. Think Iran but more tedious talks sooner or later.

2nd North Korean Nuclear Test and Short Range Missile Test

Sky News: Reports on Communist North Korea's 2nd Nuclear Test and Short Range Missile Test. This second test was expected in a few weeks, the timing is a surprise, another shot over the bow of the Obama Administration, this will drive Obama bonkers, he keeps going all Jimmy Carter and gets thrown by either Korea or Iran. Obama stated in the Czech Republic that words matter, well they don't when it comes to North Korea, its action, they have marked the card of the Obama Administration, Obama can condemn all he likes but he cant do anything, North Korea is a nuclear power. Also North Korea's protector China will veto any more tough action, not because they support the nuclear ambitions of North Korea, but because if North Korea falls the millions of people of North Korea will go to China for help, as with the rest of the world China has her own difficulties, thus it needs North Korea to stay as a state. The one wild card is Japan, sooner or later, and it could be postulated sooner Japan will go nuclear, it will not allow itself to be threatened by a bonkers regime in North Korea. So end result folks, a nuclear arms build up in region, Japan could be the first off the blocks, the UN will be its typical self, feckless and weak, Obama will pray that North Korea has not sold its nuclear technology to Iran. On the other hand that Iran has not sold its long range missile technology to North Korea. In many respects North Korea and Iran are linked, they both have what the other needs, and both could cause the defeat of Obama in 2012, also Iran through its nuclear ambitions could force Israel to attack it, thus causing Iran to attack Iraq and thus prevent the US leaving, that why Obama must not set himself timetables that cant be meet or allow the opposition as in this case Iran or North Korea to make him fall on his backside and look weak and another Carter.

Mingora, Swat Valley - Pakistan

Telegraph: Reports on the gradual retaking of Mingora the main town in the Swat Valley. The Army of Pakistan from the reports seems is taking the gradual path, street by street, house by house. The Army of Pakistan has to win the hearts and minds of people but also make sure while they are killing the Taliban/Terrorists they protect the innocent people of Mingora. Thus the operation could take weeks even months. After the operation is finished the Government of Pakistan will have to rebuild the Swat Valley but also deal with some of the social issues, help the poor see that Government of Pakistan is a benefit to the people, thus the USA and the West will have to spend billions, in the long term cheaper that a nuclear armed Pakistan in the hands of the Taliban.

Obama's Israeli problem - Expansion in the West Bank

BBC News: Reports on a very subtle policy by the new Israeli Government, no new settlements in the West Bank but the expansion of old settlements. In other words Israel has a veto over what the Obama Administration can do in the Middle East. President Obama might want to create a Palestinian State but any perceived threat to Israel and the Israeli Lobby will run to Congress to block any moves by the Obama Administration. President Obama has or will learn the reason that US Administrations leave new policy for the Middle East in till in the second term is the fact that at the end of the day its down to the players in the region, Obama cant force Israel to act, if he thinks he can he does not understand the power of Israeli Lobby, both Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan understood their power in American Politics, and more important the lobby is very powerful in Democratic politics.

The Women of JFK

Telegraph: Reports on one of the last women in the romantic life of JFK, Mimi Beardsley Alford had a seventeen month affair with the President from 1962 till his death, Mrs Alford is to write a book about her life. Lets be honest here, is it a great surprise that JFK had a woman on hand in the White House, JFK's affairs are legendary, but lets not forget the whole man, his romantic life was part of him but also he was an American War Hero, a respected Writer and witty and President of the United States.

Liberal Left and Iran vs Obama

The New York Times: Has an opinion piece from the Liberal left when it comes to Iran, it attacks Obama for his policy on Iran, seen as leading to failure, they want to surrender to Iran in many respects. Obama is being attacked from the left over Iran, that must mean he must be doing something right, Iran is playing games, it will start endless talks and then go nuclear, like North Korea. Obama cant allow himself to be played by Iran, he cant be seen as weak, weak Presidents are thrown out on their ear by the voter. Thus expect Israel to hit Iran by the end of the year if Iran does not move and start real talks, from this old Iran watcher not holding my breath.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC News: Has more details on the latest death in Afghanistan. The news wires report another British Soldier has died in Afghanistan, thus the death total due to combat is now 132, while those that have died due to accidents, illness or other incidents is 29. Since 2001 the UK has lost 161 UK Armed Forces Personnel.

Missing the Pulse of the US Voter and forgetting the Republicans

The New York Times: Reports on how the Republicans in Congress have outfoxed the Obama Administration when it comes to closing down Gitmo. It will be interesting to see of the Obama Administration can come up with a detailed plan for Congress and can sell it to the US voter, any plan for closing Gitmo has to be detailed but simple enough to explain. If Obama cant close down Gitmo it will show that his support his shallow, and thus is open to defeat in 2012. Read of the Day.

Drudge Report - Obama We Have No Money

Drudge Report: Reports that President Obama has stated in an interview that the USA has no money. In other words the USA is broke folks, its getting on by having a debt that is supported by China and the Middle East. The problem for Obama is that he has Afghanistan an on going War, Iraq that wont finish in till 2011. The bailouts of the banks and the car industry, and he he is spending billions, sorry trillions on pandering to the left. Sooner or later something will have to give, the USA has tried the Obama spending before in the Great Society of LBJ, it didn't work folks. It will take the Republicans to win 2010 for the USA to turn around, also for another Ronald Reagan, this makes Obama another Jimmy Carter.

Star Trek

Just seen the new Star Trek movie, I am a Star Trek fan, not quite going to conventions and dressing up in Starfleet costume, nothing would fit, but a fan. When I heard that a new movie was coming out and it would be back when Kirk, Spock and Bones had just left the academy I was not that happy, but it had the original Spock in it, so gave it a go, it was fantastic, it has the zest for life that I recall from the 60s series, it was fun but also moving, so I am converted, lets have a sequel but lest have the original Kirk back with Spock facing their younger self's, working or in battle with themselves. Cant wait for the next Star Trek movie, the times are changing folks.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of another UK soldier. The death total of those killed in combat now stands at 131, those killed due to accident, illness or other incidents is 29. In total since 2001 the UK has lost 160 of our Armed Forces Personnel. In hostile or combat operations in Iraq the UK lost 136, who thinks we wont pass that Afghanistan. There is expected heavy fighting in the run up to the Presidential Election in Afghanistan, how long can UK Forces take this battering, we either need to increase our force presence, use the SAS in Pakistan in the Tribal badlands or we need a smart exit route. As UK PM Gordon Brown wants to keep in the good books of the Obama Administration is expect our forces to stay, but with no increase, it like putting target marks on our soldiers. At least the Obama Administration has placed extra troops in to Afghanistan and are using their killer drones to great effect, why are the British always the last to learn military lessons.

Afghanistan Success, Negative Effects on Pakistan - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Telegraph: Reports that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mullen has stated that the success of the West in Afghanistan could have negative effects on Pakistan. Its simple really, the Taliban are not stupid they are not going to have direct battles with the USA, they will lose those battles. The Obama Administration has pushed Afghanistan and Pakistan to the top of the Agenda, thus more troops for Afghanistan, President Obama has sent twenty one thousand troops and could send another ten thousand by the end of the year. If your a clever terrorist, what do you do, fight the USA face to face, and lose, either die or become a prisoner. Or else do cross the border in the badlands of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and fight the Army of Pakistan that has a conventional mind set to fight War not terror. Thus the worry that Pakistan could become a bigger problem than Afghanistan. Also the worry that Pakistan wont learn the lessons that the USA learned the hard way in Iraq, the Army of Pakistan might win land but will it stay, the USA had to stay, does the Army of Chiefs of Pakistan understand that after winning against the Taliban they have to stay in theatre and win the heart and minds of the locals. Also how safe is the nuclear missiles of Pakistan, this is a constant worry for the USA. Thus expect heavy fighting in Afghanistan in the run up to their Presidential Election, also more tension in Pakistan and the Swat Valley, the USA might have to send troops in to Pakistan, at the end of the day Obama might have to take the political heat to win in Pakistan.

Reagan Statue in London

The Times: Reports that a statue of the great American President Ronald Reagan is to go up in London. This is great news, Reagan with his election in 1980 turned the USA and the West around. The Reagan Revolution bought about an economic boom, the Defence of USA and the West was built up, this bought down the USSR. After the tragedies of the 60s, the deaths of JFK, RFK and Martin Luther King, the Vietnam War then Watergate in 1974, the failure of Ford and Carter, the USA needed a strong President, in Reagan it gained a leader, also the UK gained a great friend. Lets be happy that we honour such a great man.

Gitmo Prisoners and Obama

The New York Times: Reports on the Obama policy when it comes to Gitmo, the Liberal NYT states the following, " But surgical approaches are rarely satisfying to those on either end of the political spectrum..." The problem for Obama is that he can never release KSM, the mastermind of 9/11 it would not matter if he was found not guilty or found a technical reason to get off, the moment that KSM walked a free man for a US Court House the Obama Presidency would be over, also the Democrats would lose the Hill. If any terrorist escapes after being transferred from Gitmo to US soil the Obama Presidency is over, snap for Congress. Obama has thrown the dice, no drama Obama has become a political russian roulette player, it only takes for the above to happen or if Al Qeada decide to attack a state that is holding terrorists for the 21 Century Democrats to suffer the fate of Democrats who faced the accusation that they had lost China to the communists in the 1940s. Democrats on the Hill face re-election in 2010, they can not afford to be water carries for Obama, no drama Obama has become risk addict, to the political careers of Democrats. Thus expect House and Senate Democrats to draw a line in the sand when it comes to Gitmo prisoners, Obama is very good speaker, sure he can make a U - turn look good, he would not want to lose Congress to Republicans.

CIA lied to Me - US Speaker Pelosi

Fox News: Reports that US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has restated that the CIA lied to her over tough interrogation methods. This is great for Republicans, it shows the Achilles heel of Democrats, its the one area that the Obama Administration does not have the pulse of the public. This brings backs the 1970s Congress Investigation of CIA, that at the end of the day didn't really work for the Democrats, the CIA leaked against Bush 43, what do you think they are going to do against Nancy Pelosi, these people have access to all her communication, its the CIA's job to gather intelligence, what do you think they could have on a San Francisco Liberal, we all have secrets, the CIA can leak a thousand times against Speaker Pelosi. They might keep their powder dry and leak before the Mid Term Congressional Elections or before the 2012 Presidential Election, its old advice but still true, don't annoy the CIA, if they want to they can sink a President or a Speaker, just ask Nixon, Bush 43 about the power of the CIA.

More about Obama than the War on Terror

White House Blog: Reports on President Obama's view of US National Security. The speech in fact tells you more about Obama than what is the real world of US National Security. The President stated the following on US Security, " But I believe with every fiber of my being that in the long run we also cannot keep this country safe unless we enlist the power of our most fundamental values. The documents that we hold in this very hall – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights – these are not simply words written into aging parchment. They are the foundation of liberty and justice in this country, and a light that shines for all who seek freedom, fairness, equality and dignity around the world....I have studied the Constitution as a student; I have taught it as a teacher; I have been bound by it as a lawyer and legislator. I took an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief. And as a citizen, I know that we must never – ever – turn our back on its enduring principles for expedience sake.....I make this claim not simply as a matter of idealism. We uphold our most cherished values not only because doing so is right, but because it strengthens our country and keeps us safe. Time and again, our values have been our best national security asset – in war and peace; in times of ease and in eras of upheaval." This shows that President Obama does not understand US National Security, did President Lincoln follow the rule of law, like hell, to protect the Union he simple suspended parts that didn't work, FDR placed Americans of Japanese decent in Camps, Truman dropped the nuclear bomb, JFK supported the CIA in its invasion of Cuba, also the Kennedy Administration gave the green light to the overthrow of Diem in Vietnam. Nixon supported the overthrowing of the Chilean Government. Carter after the invasion of Afghanistan supported the rebels, with money and weapons. Reagan supported this policy and also went after the Communist Government in Nicaragua. and those are just some of the recent highlights. Obama thinks he still in some University Seminar room. Lets hope the Congress has the pulse of the public and reminds the President that they are a equal branch of Government, lets force Obama to keep Gitmo open and take the political heat, he might learn that sometimes a President has to get the low level of approval ratings before he becomes a great President, Reagan in the first term got down to the thirty percent in approval rating, he left office with a 63% approval rating.

Obama critical of Bush 43

BBC News: Reports on a critical speech by President Obama on Bush 43 terrorist policies. This speech has confirmed my opinion that President Obama will be a one term President, he sounds so much like Jimmy Carter, not a great compliment folks. Did notice that Obama went on about Justice, winning against Al Qeada is not about justice, its about destroying a mortal threat to the USA. Obama is acting like his mind is still back in the 08 Campaign. Lets hope the Congress does not buckle, lets hope they force Obama to keep Gitmo open, Congress does have the power, might be a good idea to remind the secular second coming that they are a equal branch of government. No House or Senate member can afford to take the risk that a terrorist placed in their district or State might have negative effects, what if the terrorists hit that state, that is the aspect that Obama either cant or wont see, as with Afghanistan Obama is starting to believe his own press statements. As noted Obama has stated that Reagan would go down as a great President, Reagan had a simple solution for the USSR, we win they lose, he did what needed to be done, one can postulate that Reagan would argue that Obama is another Carter. Did one notice the idea that he can control what future Presidents do in a time of crisis, what arrogance. As a student in my time I have seen that arrogance in Uni Seminars, its the type that comes from being a Community Organizer and running for President, but not having paid ones dues in life, the type that can sell his own grandmother down the river and then finds it he was wrong on the political front, Obama it is sad to say is that type, so thus Obama = Carter. What about Cheney for 2012.

Reagan Great President - President Obama

Fox News: Reports on a very nice compliment that President Obama has stated about President Ronald Reagan for a book on his Presidency, Obama has stated that Reagan will go down as a great President. The left wing bloggers will go bonkers, not the best time for this comment to come out, but its nice, its one great communicator seeing another great communicator. On the other hand, Reagan had a better first term team, this is my political advice to Obama, get a new Chief of Staff, my suggestion, James Baker, former Chief of Staff to Reagan, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of State. Mr Baker could help Obama in so many areas, and he would make sure the first term team worked with one goal, getting Obama re-elected in 2012.

King Louis XVI and the French Revolution

Telegraph: Reports that the political testament of King Louis XVI has been found. The King and Queen lost their heads in the French Revolution. If there was such a thing as a time travel, would have a regiment of Welsh Guards with a machine gun, all that unfortunate business of the French Revolution would be removed, no storming of prisons, no killing of the innocent, no Wars between Great Britain and France. It’s only in the UK that the Revolution is seen as bad, one has to wonder about the rest of the world. Read of the Day.

Peace Deal in Afghanistan ?

The New York Times: Reports on backroom peace deal talks between the Taliban and the Government of Afghanistan. At a time that Obama has sent over twenty one thousand troops to Afghanistan and is open to sending another ten thousand, one has to ask are these talks serious, the war in Afghanistan is the Just War Obama wanted to fight on the 08 Campaign. Also could a Liberal President hand over Afghanistan to the Taliban. Also more important can any talks be taken at face value, would the Taliban in Afghanistan turn their backs on their brothers in Pakistan and repel the terrorists, that would have to be the deal. It can be postulated that the Taliban need to be beaten more in Afghanistan, and really crushed in Pakistan, before any real talks. Also to be honest I don't see Obama walking away from Afghanistan, as with LBJ with Vietnam, its his War now, if Iraq and Afghanistan go down the toilet Obama wont win in 2012.

The US Senate vs POTUS

BBC News: Reports that the US Senate has rejected the Obama Plan to close down Gitmo, to transfer the suspected terrorists to the USA. Also further votes in the Senate has made it harder for the Obama Administration to transfer suspected terrorists, two Amendments have passed that does this, the first states that each suspected terrorist will have to have a security risk report, the second amendment states that before a suspect terrorist can be moved to a state the Governor and the Local Government have to give the okay. That this was coming down the pike is not new, a few days ago the Democratic Leaders of Congress both in the House and Senate stated that they would not support the President on this move, thus the present problem for Obama. It has been stated that Obama will give a speech on Gitmo tomorrow, so what is Plan B, will Obama try to roll the Congress. This will be harder than it sounds, lets recall this is a National Security Issue, Democrats always have a weak hand on this subject at the best of times. Also lets get political, we have the Mid Term Congressional Elections in 2010, how will a House of Representatives explain that his voters have a well known terrorist in their backyard, as an example, KSM the mastermind of 9/11. Also what if once these terrorists are moved as an example to New York, their friends in Afghanistan and Pakistan decide to attack New York State again in attempt to get their friends out, they would state, no terrorists attack if as an example KSM is sent back Saudi Arabia. Thus it would be better to keep the terrorists at Gitmo.

Forever and Day = Terrorists = Gitmo

Fox News: Reports that Federal Judge John Bates has held that the US Government can hold suspected terrorists in till the end of their days. The left will go bonkers, one can see the headlines in the Extreme Liberal New York Times, they will go on about the rights of the terrorists, what about the rights of the American Citizen not die due to an terrorist act. The left in American Politics has a suicide id, the problem is the left wants to take us with them, they would rather the USA died as long they kept their hands clean. If they had been around in the time of Stalin they would have been thrown in to the nearest mental Institution, but that its the difference between Democracy and Authoritarian rule, we protect the right of the individual to protest but we don't allow them to kill us due to their cowardice.

New Missile Test by Iran

The New York Times: Reports that Iran has had a new missile test, the NYT writes the following on the missile, " an upgraded surface-to-surface missile with a range of about 1,200 miles..." This shows what Iran is up to, its developing its missile technology, its nuclear ambitions are nearing its end, one can postulate than Iran will have nuclear missile by the end of the year. One has just has to look at North Korea, it has developed smaller missiles with can carry small warheads. In fact a nuclear armed power. Iran will play Obama, expect the offer of talks, the talks will look good, but they will take time, Iran will carry on with its nuclear plans, just as North Korea did to Bill Clinton. At the end Obama will think he has a deal and the next day Iran will announce its a nuclear power. Then expect fireworks in the Middle East Folks.

Buner Not Secured - Pakistan

BBC News: Reports that the Buner District in Pakistan is not yet secured from the terrorists. Lets recall Buner is sixty miles from the Capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, it was how close that the Taliban/Terrorists had gotten that gave the Obama Administration great concern. Is it wise that the Army of Pakistan is to open a second front in the Tribal badlands when it has not cleaned house so close to its Capital. It has to be asked is the Army of Pakistan up to the job, does it understand that it has to fight a new way, this is not a conventional war, this is not India. The Army of Pakistan has to learn the lessons that the USA had to learn the hard way in Iraq. After its secures land it has to keep troops there for a long time, it has to win the heart and minds of the population. What the Army of Pakistan cant do is go in mob handed, blow things up, announce its clean house and leave, the Taliban/Terrorists will come back and the we are back here again is six months. Wise up Pakistan, this is a fight for the soul of Pakistan.

Frost/Nixon - The Movie

Have just seen Frost/Nixon the movie, had the great honour to see the stage play in London. I loved the play, the performances by Michael Sheen and Frank Langella showed why it is worth going to the theatre. Thus I was expecting great things from the movie, to be honest it was good, an intelligent film, worth getting, but must admit preferred the play. I think the battle between Frost and Nixon, on issues like Watergate and Vietnam works better in a theatre setting. When I think of the setting the play comes to mind, just two great actors going at it like heavy weight boxing champions, but through debate and argument. I don't know perhaps it was to polished, but I didn't get the feeling as in the theatre, the intensity level was lacking. One could argue that the Play is the Play the film is the film, but just that niggling thought that it missed the soul of the Play.

Not so FAST POTUS - Guantanamo Bay

The New York Times: Reports that Democratic Senate Leaders will not give President Obama the money to close down Gitmo. It simple folks, these Senators don't want major terrorists in their states. If KSM the mastermind of 9/11 is held on USA soil whats to stop Al - Qeada from trying to release him by committing terrorists acts on American soil. Thus don't be shocked if Obama keeps Gitmo open by another name, he has flipped on the release of pictures of the mistreatment of terrorists suspects and is going to revive the Bush Military Tribunals. If Congress wont give him the money to close down Gitmo its a good reason to keep them open.

The End of the Speaker

BBC News: Reports on the Resignation of the UK Speaker. This is the second forced resignation of a UK Speaker in over three hundred years. The Times are changing folks, corrupt MPs' and a weak Speaker forced out of Office.

Mr Speaker get some Loyalty

On this historic day, the ouster of a UK Speaker, some advice to the old Speaker and the new one when he or she gets elected, get a loyal Dog, they are your best political buddies.

Deadline Iran - Obama

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama has given Iran a deadline to start talks over its nuclear ambitions, Obama's timetable ends at the end of the year. As stated in this blog, Israel will never allow a full Palestine State, it would be to much of a threat to Israel. Also what the UK press elite fail to understand or don't want to recognize is that there is another branch of the US Government, that is the Congress, the Israeli lobby is very powerful in Democratic politics, thus what ever Obama might want to try in the Middle East, a Israeli Government can always check him in Congress. It seems Obama is a realist when it comes to the Middle East, he knows that he has to deal with Iran sooner rather than later. Iran will not give up its nuclear ambitions, it looks at North Korea and sees how weak the Obama Administration is when it comes to a nuclear power. Thus it is race folks, between Iran getting the bomb and a military strike by Israel. If the Mossad the Israeli Intelligence Agency gets wind that Iran is close and is just playing games with Obama expect a military strike. The Winds of War could return to Iraq by the end of the year.

UK Speaker OUT

BBC News: Reports on the downfall of the UK Speaker. UK Speaker out, good, time for reforming Speaker.

Washington Post Supports Obama over National Security

The Washington Post: In an Editorial the Elite Washington Post supports the Obama policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while still thinking that a Time Frame for leaving Iraq is a mistake. It seems that unlike the Extreme Liberal New York Times, the WP has learnt the lessons of Vietnam. Also Reporters on the whole supported Obama in the 08 Campaign for the Presidency. I find it odd that I oppose the AfPak Policy of Obama, I have argued so many times on this blog that its a mistake for present and past reasons, but in many respects Obama is lucky, the Liberal Press has no place to go, it wanted Obama they just didn't think it would be another LBJ. If Afghanistan goes down the toilet as I have postulated, expected the Liberals to go after Obama as they went after LBJ. Thus the main points for my solution is simple and complex, do a deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan, they get Afghanistan but keep their nose out of Pakistan, and also repel Al Qeada if they come back over the border. In Pakistan destroy the Taliban of Pakistan, help on the civic structure as stated, it will cost but it will cost less that a Taliban run Pakistan. In Iraq keep to the deal for withdrawal but do an extra deal for an American base in Iraq as in Germany and Japan after World War Two. As to the terrorists at Gitmo, well keep Gitom open but call it something else, re-brand the jail. A lot of blogs are critical but at least you get some solutions, not great but then most choices are the lesser evil.

Vietnam, Afghanistan Veteran Dies in Iraq

Telegraph: Reports on the death of Major Steven Hutchison a Vietnam Veteran who went back in the Army and served in Afghanistan but died in Iraq. Keep an eye on Iraq folks, if Israel attacks Iran this year expect Iran to hit Iraq, Obama might find that getting out of Iraq will be like Afghanistan, not easy and the USA will be there for years. Lets hope Israel does inform Obama if they do strike Iran, the USA would have to get its forces in to a fighting position. Iran could even invade Iraq.

Give us a PALESTSINE State and We are with YOU over Iran - Obama to Israel

The Sunday Times: Reports on the Linkage of a Palestine State to World Support for Israel to counter Iran. If Obama thinks Israel is going to allow a Palestinian State he really is reading his own press statements, Israel is not going to allow a direct threat to its heart. On the other hand Obama will need Israel to attack Iran within the year, Obama can not afford to allow Iran to become a nuclear power. One can postulate that Obama will have wished he had left the Middle East to his second term, both Clinton and Bush 43 left this issue till the last minute, one simple reason, you don't want to annoy the Israeli Lobby in the USA, they are very powerful on the Hill and in Florida.

William Shatner back as Captain Kirk ?

SciFiNow: Reports that William Shatner could be back as Captain Kirk in the new version of Star Trek. This is total geek question, what about the Temporal Prime Directive, is that mute, if so how many time lines are we talking about?

More Troops for Afghanistan - Obama

Fox News: Reports that President Obama has stated that more troops could be sent to Afghanistan. One gets the impression that Obama is going down the LBJ road, LBJ had Vietnam and Obama has Afghanistan. It does not matter how much troops or money you throw at Afghanistan, its the loss of good troops for nothing and money down the toilet, you cant change Afghanistan, from Alexander the Great down the people of Afghanistan have not taken to being invaded for their benefit or not, thus on the negative side you had the Soviet Union invasion, the West supported the mujahedeen then the West left, now its the USA and the UK in Afghanistan on the plus side, we are trying to help the people. The problem is folks the West does not have the attention span to stay in for ten or twenty years. After we are gone the Taliban or some other native group will take over and throw all the Western reform out, will Afghanistan become the new Iraq, the War god awful War that gets dusted under the carpet. At what about the poor Armed Forces, will their losses be remembered or will it become a close case.

The Second Front Starts in Waziristan

The Sunday Times: This is a follow on report from a recent Telegraph report on a second front. The Army of Pakistan is going counterinsurgency, it has to change its conventional warfare plans in to fighting the terrorists. On the other hand while the Army of Pakistan is fighting the Taliban/Terrorists while learning counterinsurgency from the USA and the UK, the West must help those displaced by this Internal War, the Government of Pakistan has to win the hearts and minds of the people, if all the Army of Pakistan does is use the heavy mob and does not follow up on the civic side it will lose the people to the Taliban/Terrorists. Thus the UK and the USA has to spends billions on the civic side, helping with the local economy, the civic structure, roads, schools, hospitals. The people have to be given hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The cost of not helping is for Western Troops to fight in the badlands of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, not sure the West could win that fight. Thus we need a strong Army and Government in Pakistan.

We are NOT AMUSED

The Daily Mail: Reports that the Queen has expressed her unhappiness at the MPs' expenses scandal to the UK PM Gordon Brown. All I can say is thank God for the Queen, wish she had the power to dismiss these scoundrel MPs'.

UK Speaker in Trouble

BBC News: Reports on the push to remove Michael Martin as the Speaker of the House of Commons. Politics is harsh, the MPs' expenses scandals requires the head of the Speaker, the general public needs someone to blame, the Speaker leads the House, he represents the House of Commons, thus his political head is the cost. Labour can use this move to place a Labour Candidate as Speaker, after the next election in 2010 the Conservatives would be able to choose one of their own. Thus cut bait as they say, Labour has to be ruthless and get their own man in the Chair.

Military Commissions for Terrorists - Obama

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama will carry on with the Bush Military Commissions for Terrorists, the change will be that the terrorists will have more rights. The NYT writes the following, " The decision, to be announced Friday, could set off more criticism from civil libertarian and liberal groups..". This is will help President Obama with moderates and Republicans, it helps a Democratic President when he is getting critical comments from the Liberal Left. One can postulate that the Liberal New York Times will have to have a quick drink after Friday, one wonders if they will have the nerve to be critical of Obama or are they still enchanted by Obama. Have you also noticed of late that Obama has been less critical of Bush 43.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of another British Soldier in Afghanistan. Those killed in combat or operational theatre operations is now 130. Those killed due to illness or accident or other incidents stands at 29. The death total for Afghanistan is now 159. When looking at the UK operations in Iraq, those killed in combat reached the level of 136, another 43 died due to accident, illness or other incidents. It can be argued that Afghanistan will cost the life's of more UK Armed Forces Personnel. The UK is on the way out of Iraq, thus the years in Afghanistan the death total will raise, and still no exit route, and no solution to Pakistan.

VP Cheney wanted to use Waterboarding in Iraq

Telegraph: Reports that former Vice - President Cheney wanted to use waterboarding on a Iraqi prisoner. It seems Darth Vader, VP Cheney really wanted to take the gloves off when it came to dealing with the enemies of the USA. My opinion on waterboarding is simple, is it the last resort and will it work, will the suspect give you the information. It harsh folks, we live in post 9/11 world, even President Obama has gotten that of late, with the blocking of the release of the pictures of detainees being mistreated and the expected news that Obama will use the Bush Military Commissions on terrorists. As it is stated, one campaigns in poetry but run government in prose.

Dont't Bomb before telling US, the USA - Obama

The Times: Reports that the CIA Director Leon Panetta was sent to Israel to warn them not to bomb Iran without telling the Obama Administration. If Iran gets the bomb and talks fail between President Obama and Iran then Israel will bomb. Its not what any one wants but it might be the least bad option. If Israel does attack Iran, Israel has to inform USA before hand, the USA would have to get its forces in to position to repel an attack from Iran. Iran after being attacked will see the USA as a friend of Israel and attack the USA in Iraq. Thus President Obama might find getting out of Iraq might just be as complicated as Afghanistan and Pakistan rolled in to one. Well Obama wanted the job, and the USA voters trusted him with their national security.

The Speaker 0 - CIA 1

BBC News: Reports on the feud between the Democratic House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi and the CIA. In the latest saga, Speaker Pelosi has accused the CIA of misleading her and other Congressional Leaders over the use of torture against terrorists. The Speaker has been caught in the net of her own making, the Democrats wanted investigations of the Bush Administration and its terror policies, what they seemed to have missed was the fact that due to the Church Senate Investigations of the 1970s, the CIA has learnt to cover its backside, thus they inform Congressional Leaders of all aspects of CIA operations under a National Security caveat of non disclosure. President Obama while finding a new US Supreme Court Justice might also have to find a new House Speaker who will not land him in hot water over National Security. I put my money on the CIA winning this war, they are after all the CIA, Obama does not want them to leak against him as they leaked against Bush 43.

Liberals attack Obama over Wars and Terror Policies

The New York Times: Reports that Liberals are not happy with the Obama Wars or Terror Policies. Liberals are surrender, French liking individuals, the War in Afghanistan will get a lot bloody, Iraq has gotten problematic, Pakistan has an internal war, and Obama has listened to his military and will not release the pictures of suspected terrorists getting mistreated. The problem that Liberals have in Congress is that they cant touch Obama, in blunt terms he owns them, he is the Party, and while he still has high approval ratings he can do what he wants, also if the Liberals base of the Democratic Party is annoyed with Obama over National Security that works for him with moderates and Republicans. Thus President Obama can do what he likes and if Liberal Leaders in Congress try to roll him they might find that they share the same fate as Hillary Clinton. Obama is not Richard Nixon, it was easy for Liberals to attack Nixon on so many levels, they cant attack their own leader, don't you love it when Liberals get their knickers in twist.

Guantanamo Bay by a New Name = Throwing Away the Key

WSJ: Reports that the Obama Administration will hold terrorists that cant be released or tried till they drop off their perch, that is forever. Thus these terrorists will be moved from Gitmo to US Soil and held for life, not sure the US Supreme Court will be happy about that, Liberal groups will go through the roof. At the end of the day, President Obama has been forced to follow the same route as Bush 43. The problem for Obama is that he is moving these terrorists to US soil, this could cost him a state in 2012. What if the mastermind of KSM is placed in California, what if terrorists hit the state as pay back, thus the spin of Obama might bite him on the backside down the line. This is why one should not play party political games with National Security, thus the decision not to release the pictures of detainees being mistreated, its easy to be critical of an Administration the Campaign trial once in power your are the system.

How Crooked ?

BBC News: Reports that the former Labour Labour Minister, Elliot Morley MP charged the Tax Payer for a mortgage that had been paid off, the grand total sixteen thousand pounds. I am sorry but if this was job public we would feel our collar being held by Scotland Yard. This is crooked, does not matter that the money has being paid back, would the money have been paid back if the MPs' expenses had not come out. I will make a prediction no one will get their collar felt for any bad expenses. Think of those on the dole, if they work just more than sixteen hours they lose their dole, our Honourable MPs' but Tony Soprano to shame, and he was a mob Chief.

Mr President Good Call - No Release of Detainee Mistreatment Pics

Fox News: Reports that President Obama will block the release of pictures of the mistreatment of Detainees. This is a wise move by the President, this blog has been very critical of Obama when it comes to Foreign Policy, but in this case a nod of the hat to the President. The release of these pics could have cost the deaths of USA and UK Armed Forces Personnel. Lets be very clear on this, those that mistreated detainees should be investigated and tried and then thrown in to a cell for a long time. But while the UK and the USA is still in Afghanistan and Iraq we don't need that level of bad publicity. If the US Supreme Court should force the issue the President should state that they will be released when the Justices turn up in the badlands of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and release the pics with no security. That should shut them up for a while, or longer.

Will the Army of Pakistan finish the Taliban, the End in sight for the Taliban

Telegraph: Reports that Army of Pakistan is to open a second front in Waziristan, the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This second front in the Tribal badlands could decide if Pakistan will remain a secular state. The past history of conflict between the Army and Tribal groups in the area is not good, this area have never been under Islamabad control. The USA and the UK should come up from the Afghanistan and then the Army of Pakistan should meet them on the border, the Taliban/Terrorists/Tribal fights should be killed in this crunch. Also the Obama Administration should have a heavy use of Killer Drones to attack the Taliban in this region. Also US Special Forces and the SAS should be in the region, getting the latest info and plotting targets to attack. If the Army of Pakistan fails in Swat and in the Tribal badlands the Taliban could take over Pakistan. On a lighter note, folks who recall the great film The Man Who would be King should recall that it was this region that was the background for the film.

Taliban Threat to Political Ellite of Pakistan

CNN News: Reports that the Taliban of the Swat Valley have threatened the Political leaders from the area, they want resignations or they will be arrested. This is should show the political elite of Pakistan, that what ever divisions there is between themselves, the biggest threat to them is the Taliban. The Taliban are quite bonkers but more important they are very dangerous, they have to culled or their poison could destroy Pakistan and Western Security.

The Battle for the Swat Valley Part Two

Fox News: Reports on the on going fight between the Army of Pakistan and the Taliban/Terrorists in the Swat Valley. This battle is taking to long, to many innocent people are either getting displaced or killed. The Army of Pakistan has to move its major force from the border between India and Pakistan and to the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The gradual approach could turn the civic population against the government, this is the time to go in mob handed, clear or kill the Taliban/Terrorists from Swat. Then take the gradual approach in the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US should already have special forces in Pakistan on the border, they have to prevent or cause problems to the Taliban in bringing support to those in the Swat Valley. If this Internal War takes to long it could place Pakistan in the hands of the Taliban/Terrorists. Also those displaced have to be taken care off, also those stuck in Swat have to gotten out, you don't get support if you launch missiles that kill the innocent. This is tricky folks.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports that another UK Soldier has died of his wounds inflicted in Afghanistan. Thus the death total of those killed in combat now stands 129. Another 29 have died due to accidents, illness or other indicants. Thus after a month of no deaths we have lost five soldiers, and we haven't even started on the run up to the Presidential Election of August yet, the Taliban/Terrorists are expected to cause havoc in that period. This is why an EXIT ROUTE is required in Afghanistan.

Al Qaeda in Pakistan

The New York Times: Reports on the move of the terrorists group Al Qaeda to Pakistan. This goes back to my previous post, if this terrorist group is out of Afghanistan, why is the USA and the UK still there, why no move to the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan, make a deal with the Taliban of Afghanistan, and eliminate the Taliban in Pakistan. This is outside the box thinking, but worth a thought, could a deal be made with the Taliban in Afghanistan, they get Afghanistan but keep their evil regime and ideas in Afghanistan. The deal would be based on the breaking of the link between the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, is this even in the ball park. How much forces it would it take to destroy the Taliban in Pakistan, could we ever win such a battle. The lesson of the Vietnam, always think outside the box, might be mad but always keep thinking.

The Battle for the Soul of Pakistan, its heart the Swat Valley

WSJ: Reports on the tough fight between the Army of Pakistan and the Taliban. It comes down to one word, counterinsurgency, the Army of Pakistan is a conventional Army, its fighting a War it does not understand, much the like the USA in Iraq between 2003 - 2006. The problem is the USA does not have the time to teach the Army of Pakistan the lessons the USA learnt the hard way in Iraq. Pakistan is a nuclear power, its Army is obsessed with fighting a conventional war with India. The ISI the Intelligence Agency of Pakistan is in bed with the Taliban, thus one has to wonder how much secret information the Taliban is getting from Islamabad. Thus if the the Army of Pakistan cant or wont cut it in the Swat Valley and in the border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan the USA might have to send in special forces in to do the job. In Iraq the USA could do deals with some of the terrorists, it has worked so far, there are problems but the Bush surge worked. The USA cant do a deal with the Taliban of Pakistan, two words, nuclear missiles, what if the the terrorists got hold of them or was given them by the Taliban. Thus down the road Obama might have to send in ground troops in to Pakistan.

What about the Nukes? - Pakistan

Bloomberg.com: Reports that Pakistan will not inform the USA of the location of all of its nuclear components. As Pakistan is fragile, the USA should demand this information before Pakistan gets a dime. It is important to think outside the box, what if the Taliban get control of a nuclear missile or can create a dirty bomb. It is up to Government of Pakistan to decide who they trust, but the USA and Pakistan need each other, thus in a two way street deal, the USA gets all the information on the nuclear missiles and warheads and Pakistan gets informed about the killer drones of the CIA.

Roxana Saberi - Free

BBC News: Reports that US-Iranian Reporter Roxana Saberi is free from custody. This shows that a deal with Iran could be on the cards over its nuclear development. But lets get real here, it could also be a clever PR stunt by Iran. This will allow President Obama to seek further talks with Iran, without the pressure of a US Reporter in jail. But Iran could be playing a double game, it frees reporter and starts talks with Obama, keeps those talks going on and on, like Korea and then on the last day announces to the world it has the bomb. The delay through talks would remove the threat of an attack from Israel, Israel will not attack Iran if the USA is from their point of view in serious talks with Iran. Also we have to look at the internal politics of Iran, could the arrest have been done by the hardliners to prevent any talks, and the moderates have the upper hand to get the reporter released. Is the Conservative President of Iran playing to the moderates to win election, what next the appearance of talks with Obama. Then after endless months of talks Iran will declare it has the bomb.

Summer of Violence - Afghanistan

Telegraph: Reports that UK Military Chiefs in Afghanistan expect an increase in Attacks in a lead up to the August Presidential Election in Afghanistan. If the Al Qeada is no longer in Afghanistan why are we still there, I thought in 2001 we went to War to get rid of Al Qeada, if they are gone to Pakistan and are no longer operational in Afghanistan why are we still fighting the Taliban. If it is the Taliban cant we make a deal and get out, this is thinking outside the box, if a deal could be made that they turn against Al Qeada and start to fight them, we give them Afghanistan. The one negative is Pakistan, we cant make a deal with the Taliban of Pakistan, one reason only, Pakistan has a nuclear weapons. Thus in fact are the UK and the USA nation building in both countries, we have to Pakistan but why Afghanistan, lets think outside the box folks. Lets be honest do we care a dot about Afghanistan if it cost the life's of our brave soldiers, if we could close down the Afghanistan front then it would only be Pakistan, if we could get a deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan, a deal that would stick, the Army of Pakistan and the USA and UK forces could wipe out the Taliban in the Swat Valley and the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

When is to Far - Torture ?

The Sunday Times: Reports on tough interrogations methods used by the Bush Administration, suspected terrorists held by the USA would not be allowed to sleep for eleven days, and only allowed to wear a nappy. I was shocked at first when reading this article, but have to be honest at the end of the day my only question was did it work. If it worked and information that could be used to prevent attacks then so let it be, never thought I would defend torture, but then there is pre - 9/11 and after, we are living in a 24 world folks.

Al Qaeda still in Afghanistan ?

Fox News: Reports that General Petraeus has stated that the terrorist group Al Qaeda is no longer in the Operational Theatre of Afghanistan. They have moved to Pakistan to cause havoc. I hope the General has better information than the News Networks, on this I would like to see on the ground intelligence, information from captured terrorists, signal information. It could be that Al Qaeda sees Pakistan as an easy target, weak government, the ISI the Intelligence Agency of Pakistan is in bed with the Taliban. The Army of Pakistan who see their main enemy as India, and will have to be trained to fight the terrorists. If the Army of Pakistan is successful in the Swat Valley and the badlands of the border between the Afghanistan and Pakistan, then Al Qaeda will back in Afghanistan.

Aide to Speaker knew about TORTURE

Washington Post: Reports that an Aide to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was informed that that the Bush Administration used torture on terrorists in 2003. President Obama must wish he had kept his mouth shut on this subject. One does not start investigations when one catches ones own party in the net. The idea of an Independent Investigation is over, Obama can not risk other Democrats getting caught in this net. Tip of the hat to the Bush White House, they made sure that the Democrats had the information, thus should they try to play ball with this issue they face going down the toilet with the Bush officials. Nice move Bush White House.

A Fool and his MONEY!

FT: Have you noticed of late that the Stock Markets in the UK and the USA has gone up, it seems we are over the recession. A article in the Financial Times should be read by all who are thinking of going back in to the market, in essence beware of Fools Gold. In essence has the market really tanked enough, are we seeing the last hangover before the fall, in other words keep your money under bed folks, give it time, the Market looks to good, if you buy you could be buying a fake. From an non investment view the Market seems to have recovered quite fast, one minute we are in the Great Depression Mark 11 then its back to the day before, be cautions investor. Read of the Day.

The New York Times vs The Speaker

The New York Times: Has a critical look at the role of Speaker Pelosi in the torture debate. From released information as to who knew what when, the Times states the following, " It appears to call into question the longstanding assertion of Speaker Nancy Pelosi that she was never told that waterboarding and other methods were actually used...." That the problem when you open a can of worms, Obama thought this would be easy when he closed down Gitmo and released the torture memos. The reverse has happened, from report on Fox News it seems that now that Obama will carry on with the Military Commissions on US soil and that the release of the torture memos has raised more questions about Democrats than Republicans. There is an old lesson in politics let sleeping dogs lie, and who in Congress knew what is a mystery that should have been left in the past. It would be unfair to go after the CIA only, or just Bush Administration officials, the Republicans would drag in Democratic Congressional Leadership, how ironic if Speaker Pelosi was to lose her job because of a Campaign she started, the irony.

U - Turn by Obama on Military Commissions

Fox News: Reports that President Obama will carry on with the Bush Era Military Commissions on USA soil, the sop to the left is that the Terrorists will given more rights. The Left, New York Times, NBC News and the rest of the elite media will not be happy, it will be curious how they report the story, will they be critical or find ways to back Obama. Its easy when your on the Campaign you can be critical you don't have to govern, once in Government the rules are different. In simple terms folks, if Obama was to allow a terrorists lose and another 9/11 was to happen on his watch his Presidency would be over, no more health care, spending on domestic programmes. Thus this pure politics, lets recall Obama is from Chicago, they do trench warfare out there, and second is not an option in Chicago.

Roxana Saberi Appeal Sunday

BBC News: Reports that the a Roxana Saberi appeal against spying charges will be held Sunday. This is a test case for Iran, if there is a chance of talks with Iran without the use of military force to destroy their nuclear plants the Saberi case is the benchmark. If the moderates have some power in Iran, and by Moderates I mean very Conservative to the moderate West, then they will get Ms Saberi out of Jail and out of Iran. On the other hand if the extreme Conservatives, not quite Taliban but close, are really running the show then Ms Saberi will be spending a lot of time in Jail. Its that simple folks, this is the test case, the benchmark for Iran.

Not my Bag! - Gordon Brown on the Expenses Scandal of Cabinet Ministers

Telegraph: Reports that UK PM Gordon Brown has hung his Cabinet out to dry, they will have to explain their own expenses. Well the PM did pay his brother six grand for a cleaning job, when he had the Chancellors Pad next door to No 10 Downing Street, also when he changed living space with the then PM Tony Blair he had a flat at No 10 Downing Street.

Security for Labour Minister, Iraq ( No ), Afghanistan ( No ) - London 25 Grand!

The Times: Reports that Tourism Minister Barbara Follett charged over twenty five grand for the security of her flat. This is appalling, if she was our Minister in Iraq or Afghanistan then it could be argued that security was needed. Although London is not the safest place on earth, the rest of us don't charge the tax payer 25 grand when we are there. Think of the kit this money could have bought our Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a Disgrace.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of another three UK Soldiers. The total of those killed in Combat is now 128. Those that have died in either accident or illness or other incidents is 29. In total the death toll is now 157. The death toll is reaching Iraqi levels, and we will be in Afghanistan for years. One simple question what is the EXIT route out of Afghanistan, are our Forces getting the best equipment, from some of the news stories one gets the impression that we are back in World War One, Trench Warfare, lack of efficient kit. Lets support our Armed Forces by getting them out, but if they have to be there, lets make sure they have the best kit, we should not lose people because of a few pounds. If MP's can get money for their Second Houses, when they are supposed to live in No 11 Downing Street, then the UK Government can spend money on decent kit for our Armed Forces Personnel.

North Korea - 2nd Nuclear Test

Telegraph: Reports that North Korea is going to try a second nuclear test. North Korea is a growing problem for President Obama, he has to deal with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. The problem is as the Times of London has reported, it is suspected that North Korea can place small warheads on missiles. Thus North Korea is part of the nuclear club, in other words Obama has a weak hand, its a matter of what it will take to buy North Korea off for a time. Also Obama has to worry that Japan will go nuclear, if Japan thinks its National Security is at risk it will go nuclear. This will not go down with another friend of the USA, China. Thus if China does not want to get in to arms race with Japan it should consider putting the pressure on North Korea. The question is what does the loony government of North Korea want, and can Obama afford to deal at their price.

Double Standards from Speaker

The Washington Post: Reports that the Democratic House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi was informed in 2002 that the Bush Administration was using tough interrogation methods on terrorists. In other words the Speaker knew that the Bush Administration was using torture. The lack of memory of such a meeting does recall what President Richard Nixon told his Lawyer John Dean on how not to tell truth, the best way being not to recall such meetings, as with Nixon there is hard evidence that either the Speaker has a very bad memory or she is economical with the truth. Obama can use this incident to close down calls for an investigation, the Democrats do not want to catch their own Speaker in a net before the Mid Term Congressional Elections of 2010.

No Terrorists to be released in the USA

Fox News: Reports that the US Attorney General has stated than no terrorists from Guantanamo Bay will be released in to the United States after Guantanamo Bay is closed. The simple reason for this statement is nothing to do with the Law, its the political fact that if a terrorist is released and a attack was to happen on the US soil due to a release the Obama Administration would be finished. Thus I can almost promise you that how ever Liberal Obama is no terrorists will be released as long as Obama is in the Oval Office.

T - Day ( Taliban Day )

BBC News: Reports that PM of Pakistan has announced that the Taliban threat is going to confronted and removed. The Taliban is a real threat to the security of Pakistan and to the West in Afghanistan. After the Taliban is destroyed, the US and the UK will have to help the civic structure of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and in the Swat Valley. The West has to get the people of these areas to support the Government of Pakistan, in other words win the minds and hearts of these people. This can be done with economic help, allow for job prospects, help with the building of roads, schools, hospitals. Allow the people to see that the future is in a secular Pakistan not in an Islamic Fundamentalist State.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of another UK Soldier in combat. The total of those killed in combat operations is 125, another 29 have died due to illness, accident or other incidents. Thus in the Afghanistan Operational Theatre the UK has lost 154 UK Personnel from the Armed Forces. This is why Pakistan is in important, as long as the Taliban/Terrorists have a safe heaven on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan and in the Swat Valley the UK will lose more soldiers. It is important that the Army of Pakistan with its military operations in the Swat Valley, Buner, Low Dir District finishes the Taliban as a threat to Pakistan and Western Troops in Afghanistan.

Outside the Box - Pakistan

Chicago Tribune: Has an article on the crisis in Pakistan, looking outside the box, asking are we seeing the the whole truth. Is it really a major crisis, the article ask is Pakistan another Iraq. Read of the Day.