Blair and Iraq

The Times: Reports that former UK PM Tony Blair will be a witness at the public inquiry in to the Iraq War. In less those giving evidence are under oath its a waste of time, its not about guilt but you want the truth, no evidence under oath is just spin for that individual. Also in less you have Bush 43 in the room its a waste of time, at the end of the day it was the decision of President of the United States, and that was George W. Bush. If you cant call Bush 43 whats the point, the UK never learns from history, Afghanistan spring to mind.

Even the LIBERAL NYT smells the Coffee when it comes to Obama's Health Care Reform!

The New York Times: Reports that Obama is having problems in selling his health care reform, the Obama spin is, " eroding as opponents aggressively portray his overhaul plan as a government takeover.. ". As the Liberal New York Times supports Obama the rest of the article could be a press release for the Obama Administration, it seems even the NYT has to point out that Obama was losing the voter, but after that it falls back to its default position of total support for all thing Obama. How great newspapers fall !!

Iran Tweets

Latest Tweets OUT of Iran. As before no ID given to protect those giving information. ( My Views)



A) Tehran, Iran: many many people coming out of homes, everyone is outside. ( This has been confirmed by the BBC )



B) Gatherings have been confirmed in Isfahan, Shiraz, Tehran, and forming in Tabriz. ( Tehran confirmed )



C) Torturer of the 1990's "serial murders" is assigned to take the confessions.



D) Police shooting people in Iran..30.July.09 ( No actual reports of live bullets being used, based on current reports )


BBC News: Reports on the latest demonstrations in Iran, the flash point has been the memorial to Neda Agha Soltan, a young woman killed by the Government. The defeated opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi was prevented from attending the event with other mourners. The Government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is not winning the spin war, in fact it is making quite hard for the Obama Administration to start talks with Iran. The decline in the Presidential Approval ratings for Obama means that he is weak abroad, he cant push Israel to sing a peace deal with Syria, the Heath Care Reform Bill will hit older voters, a lot of older Americans of the Jewish faith live in Florida, a swing state in the Presidential Election. Thus Obama cant be seen as attacking the health care of the elderly and attacking the security of Israel at the same time. Thus if Israel plays it cards right it wont have to give much up to Obama, at the end of the day Congress will support Israel no matter what is Obama's Foreign Policy. On Iran Obama might find that he has hurt his ratings so much with health care and cap and trade that he will be to weak to say no when Israel hits Iran at the end of the year. All politics is local, if your in Florida it can come down to your heath care and if your Jewish to the protect of Israel.

Obama's Health Care Reform Strategy

Fox News: Reports that the Obama White House has had to change its Health Care Reform Strategy, it has to move from the idea selling the idea of cutting the cost of medical insurance, to the protection of those that use the medical services. Costs are abstract, while making sure the system does not hurt you is more of a two-way conversation. The question is can President Obama sell better customer care when he wants to cut medical care for older people. In addition, if the Bill is passed, the voter will not be allowed to change Doctors; it will no longer be a free market. If your young you will get that costly medical operation, as you will live longer, the cost is paid back as you pay tax when you work, thus a long term plus. If you are old, the Obama Health Care Reform Bill will look at your age and see if you are worth saving, in pure economics, if your old you will not pay back via taxes as you will have stopped working, thus you are a negative in economic terms, thus no operation. This is the brutal truth that the Obama White House does not want anyone to ask questions about, thus the rush to pass Health Care Reform.

Obama, Health Care and the VOTERS

Rasmussen Report: Reports on the latest downward trend of President Obama's approval ratings, in the latest daily tracking poll, President Obama's Job Approval stands at 48%, while his negative rating is 51%. The Health Care Reform Bill is doing damage to the Obama standing among voters, and more important it is hurting him with voters that got him elected in 2008, these are Independents. If Obama is to get a net plus out of the Health Reform Bill he needs to connect his vision to the daily medical needs of those independents who are open to his reform bill, but also he needs to make sure that those that are not keen on the reform will feel that they will not lose out in the long term. Thus we shall see if he has the magic of LBJ and Ronald Reagan.

Health Care Reform = 900 Billion Dollars ?

The New York Times: Reports that the Senate version of the Health Care Reform Bill will cost 900 billion dollars. One word, rubbish, and the one area you can guarantee that costs will go up is health, its just a given, costs go up from the production of new drugs, better drugs for older conditions, the costs of Doctors and Nurses. The NHS costs billions, if a politicians tells you it will just cost 900 billion throw them in the stacks, it is not the truth. If your economy is going great then it is a great idea to make sure you have universal health care, but when you in a recession and your adding taxes then expect the worse. The one thing that is good from this health care bill is that the Democrats will lose Congress in 2010 and Obama will not be re-elected in 2012.

A Deal on Health Care Reform ?

CNN News: Reports that a deal has been reached by the Blue Dog Democrats and the Liberal Congressional Leadership over a Health Care Reform Bill, the one catch there will be no vote in till after the recess. This could be a get of jail card for the Blue Dog Democrats, they agree to deal, then go home, get a ear full from their voters and return with more demands. Lets see, a week is along time in politics.

DOES A BLUE DOG BITE ?

Fox News: Reports that the Blue Dog Democrats are standing firm over the Obama Health Care Reform package, they want a more conservative package to reform health care, they don't want small business to take a financial hit, also they want to keep a private sector as an option. If a Government creates a programme that has unlimited funding from the tax payer this will force out the private sector, or create a sector that only the rich have access to over the long term. As with the UK the NHS looks after you up to a point, there are limits, there is a rationing, there has to be, more new drugs are created, people live longer, thus its follows a cycle. What I have heard of the Obama health care reform package if your old then your will not get the drugs that can keep you going, they will go to the young. Thus if you live in Florida you can forget getting your medical drugs that keep you going past a 100. The Obama policy seems to think that if your old you should just fall of your perch so the Government does not have to look after you, thus the need for the private sector. As to protect small business, you either want them to insure their workers or hire new workers, its one or the other, so if your old, conservative, or want a job, oppose the Obama Heath Care Reform.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has released the names of the two soldiers killed on Monday, the MOD names them as " Trooper Phillip Lawrence from The Light Dragoons and Warrant Officer Class 2 Sean Upton from 5th Regiment Royal Artillery ". Our prays are with their families.

Boling Point in Iran

BBC News: Reports that the Government of President Ahmadinejad of Iran has blocked a planned memorial to those killed after the contested President Election. This shows that the Government is still afraid that demonstrators could take on the security forces of the state. What is interesting about Iran of late is that President Ahmadinejad seems to be going out of his way to offend the clerical elite in Iran, he was forced to fire his new Vice - President because he was seen as a moderate over Israel, but then the President hired him as a Presidential Aide. One has to wonder who is running Iran, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei got his way over the Vice - President but Ahmadinejad defied the Supreme Leader by keeping his aide. This could be the chance to split Ahmadinejad away from the Conservatives Clerics and make him an enemy of the clerics and the reformers. It will be interesting to see over the next few days, weeks, months who really holds the keys of power in Iran. The Obama Administration cant wait in till hell freezes over for Iran to make it mind up of its nuclear plans, Israel will hit Iran if Iran does not give up its nuclear plans. A developing Story folks.

The Doctor KISSING Captain Jack!! - Viewer Discretion

The Sun: Reports on the Dr Who Team at a fan convention in the good old USA. Our Doctor, David Tennant doing like his predecessor, the Wolf Pack One, kissing his Co - Star goodbye, the one and only Mr John Barrowman, of course Captain Jack, what will Ianto say!!. I will need therapy again!!, why could he not have kissed Billie Piper ( Rose ) or Freema Agyeman (Martha) and Catherine Tate (Donna) But I guess it kind of works, there is only one Captain Jack and of course Mr Barrowman is a national treasure, lets hope we have a new series of Torchwood soon, how about the human Doctor and Rose coming over to help Torchwood, they could Time Travel then, and we could keep David Tennant as the Doctor ( Blue Suit ) and we also get a new series of Dr Who. I cant wait for next year!!.

Heath Care Deal in the Senate

The New York Times: Reports on the US Senate version of Health Care Reform, the NYT writes the following, " it will have to be more conservative than the measures proposed by the House or the left-leaning Senate health committee. " If the Senate can produce a Health Care Reform Bill that has the support of the Republicans, does not bankrupt the country, and allows those that do not have Health Care Insurance to get medical treatment that is good it can be argued. The NYT will hate the Bill, the paper so left wing it would tax 100% of all profits it could get any support. If the Senate Bill is more conservative this will force President Obama and the Liberal Congressional Leadership in the House to choose, get a Health Care that has political support of the majority of Congress or push their version that will only have Democratic support and could lose in Congress. Lets see if Obama is new LBJ and Reagan.

Reinforcements required in Afghanistan

The Times: Reports more that more UK troops will be need to mount further attacks on the Taliban/Terrorists and to hold ground won in Operation Panther’s Claw. Thus more troops will have to be sent to Afghanistan, we can not afford to lose in Afghanistan, the UK was seen as weak in Iraq thus our pullout, the USA had to take over with the assistance of the Iraqi Army. An interesting aspect of the Times report is my suspicion yesterday that the UK Foreign Secretary had not cleared the speech with PM Gordon Brown, thus as stated the UK Foreign Secretary Mr David Miliband, it can be argued is looking at a post General Election bid for the Labour Leadership, his idea of talking to moderate Taliban will go down with the left wing of the Labour Party. Thus it can be argued that Mr Miliband expects Labour to lose the General Election in 2010 and for Mr Brown to make way for a new leader. Even in War there is politics.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that two British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan due to combat operations; one soldier was part of Operation Panther's Claw, while the other soldier was on another combat operation. The Soldiers came from the " Light Dragoons and the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery " Thus in total the UK has lost 160 of its Armed Forces Personnel in combat operations and 31 due to accidents, illness or other incidents. In total, we have lost 191 of our brave Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan News Part Two

MOD: Has named the soldier killed on Saturday, the soldier was " Bombardier Craig Hopson from 40th Regiment Royal Artillery (The Lowland Gunners) " Lets hope this is the last death this month, lets hope its the last death of the War in Afghanistan.

Talking to the Taliban ?

The Times: Reports that the UK Foreign Secretary Mr David Miliband has stated that NATO should talking to moderate Taliban, and try to turn them to support the Government system in Afghanistan. Just as the MOD has announced the name of the 20th soldier to die in Afghanistan at the hands of the Taliban/Terrorists it seems odd that Mr Miliband is suggesting talking to his killers. Afghanistan is not Northern Ireland or Iraq, what worked there might not work in country, of course you can buy a local war lord, that is almost a custom in Afghanistan, the local tribal clans are always changing sides, but they tend to come together to fight from their point of view an invader. The Taliban/Terrorists want us out, that is out of the question, we can not leave Afghanistan in the hands of bunch of thugs, the Terrorists of 9/11 and 7/7 would have their old base back, a base they would use to attack the West. Also the Obama Administration thinks of Afghanistan as JUST WAR, if you leave Afghanistan in the hands of Islamic thugs, who don't believe in rights of women the left in the USA will go bonkers again with Obama. This call for talks smells of thinking for a post election leadership struggle, one has to wonder if PM Brown gave the nod for this speech, Mr Brown of late has to fight the impression that our troops don't have enough helicopters and enough troops to hunt down the Taliban/Terrorists. Also sounds like Labour is getting cold feet over Afghanistan.

Israel on Iran

Fox News: Reports on a clear warning from Israel to Iran an enemy and to the USA a friend, that Israel will protect itself against a nuclear Iran, even at the cost of using force. This is in some respects a clear warning to President Obama, Israel will allow Obama to try for a diplomatic solution to the problem for a nuclear Iran but not at the cost of the security of Israel. The Government of Israel knows that US Congress will always back Israel, Blue Dog Democrats even more so when it comes to the security of Israel. One can understand why President Obama is very concerned about an Israeli hit on Iran, Iran would hit US forces in Iraq. Obama has the hot war in Afghanistan, more of a cold war in Iraq, North Korea is playing poker with the whole of Korea, the economy is still a mess, and he wants to be LBJ in the domestic field. If Israel hits Iran this could blow up any domestic agenda by Obama, lets recall the war in Vietnam finished the Great Society of LBJ. The clock is ticking for Obama, can he get his health care reform through before his polls really go South, can he get a deal with Iran over its nuclear plans before Israel just bombs the plants in Iran. Time will tell if Obama is lucky in Foreign Policy!

Afghanistan Front News

BBC News: Reports that the first stage of Operation Panther's Claw has come to an End. Of the twenty soldiers killed this month, 9 have been killed due to the operation, another 11 died in other combat operations. The Operation it has been stated has secured security for between eighty and hundred thousand people. When the military and politicians come out with such positive news from Afghanistan, a red flag goes up in my mind. How many Taliban/Terrorists just threw their weapons away, and returned to the general population. The question can our Soldiers keep the land they have taken, or will the Taliban hit back with more savage insurgent attacks. Thus just keep a red flat in your mind folks when you hear such good news out of Afghanistan. Lets be clear, if it works that is great, if we have smashed the Taliban/Terrorists that is fantastic, lets just not start a Street Party yet, I still see that Red Flag.

Obama needs Republican VOTES for Health Care Reform

Fox News: Reports that in the US Senate President Obama will need Republican votes to pass his Health Care Reform. Even if the the Liberal Leadership in House of Representatives can push the Blue Dog Democrats in the House to vote for the Obama Plan, in the Senate its a different matter. In the Senate Obama needs 60 votes, in theory he has the votes but in fact Senators from Conservative states are not going to vote for a bill that costs a Trillion Dollars and has no Republican support. Thus Obama now needs show that he has the political skills of LBJ and Reagan, he needs Republicans, its that simple, no Republicans no Heath Care, no Second Term Presidency. Lets see how good a political operator Obama is, can he make deals, it should be noted that LBJ got his civil right bills through Congress not with total Democratic support but with Republicans putting him over the top, House members from the South could not afford to vote for the LBJ Bill. Ronald Reagan got Democratic support for his economic budget, he rolled the Democratic Leadership. Thus lets see what Obama has learned from Chicago politics.

Tough Talk on Iran and North Korea - Hillary Clinton

Politico: Reports on the appearance of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the Sunday Talk Show, Meet the Press. The Secretary had tough words for Iran and North Korea, on Iran Secretary Clinton stated that Iran would not be allowed to go nuclear, North Korea would not be allowed to blackmail the International System. This is a very canny move by Hillary Clinton, it places pressure on Iran and North Korea but also places pressure on Obama, one thing Hillary Clinton is not going to be is a Neville Chamberlain for Obama, thus he more hawkish Secretary Clinton is the harder it is for Obama. President Obama understands it can be argued that he can be quite Liberal at home, Health Care Reform, environment issues, but the American voter draws the line at another Jimmy Carter. Lets be honest here, Obama is a politician, all politicians want to be loved by the voter, some need the love more, but its part of the package of all politicians. Also when it comes to Foreign Policy he is limited in what he can do, should Israel bomb Iran the Congress will support Israel, no matter what Obama wants or feels. Thus he can plead with Israel, threaten Israel up to a point, the Congress would always override any action to punish Israel. Obama's main worry has to be that should Israel hit Iran, Iran would then hit US Forces in Iraq, thus Obama would have another War on his hands, the Liberal left would of course go bonkers. Thus Obama should follow the JFK and Reagan line on Foreign Policy, talk but first have a hawkish Defence policy, his winning personality will not work with President Ahmadinejad.

India vs Pakistan

BBC News: Reports that that India has launched its first nuclear submarine. This news will go down like a lead balloon in Pakistan, while they are fighting the Taliban/Terrorists on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan for the Obama Administration, the old enemy has developed a new method in their perception to attack Pakistan. One has to wonder what the Obama Administration has being doing, they need Pakistan as an friend in the region to attack the Taliban/Terrorists, the Army of Pakistan sees India as the main threat, thus did President Obama know about this new development, did he try to talk India out of this move, did he place pressure on Russia not to help India. Lets hope the Elite Media gets around to asking these important questions, Professor Gates and Health are important but not as important as the War on the border between Pakistan and the Taliban/Terrorists and the constant threat of a war between India and Pakistan.

Obama on Race

Rasmussen Report: Reports on how the USA feels President Obama has dealt with the Gates case, not good news, only 26% approve of the way Obama has handled the issue, on the negative side 46% give him a negative grade. The Gates case shows that even a good politician and Obama just might be up there with JFK and Reagan can make a mistake, Obama should have side stepped the issue, he won in Iowa in 2008 because he was not Hillary Clinton and he was seen as the first African - American to be post racial, looking forward not looking back to the 1960s. Then when a African - American Harvard Professor is arrested is in a odd case, the President jumps and blames the white police officer. As stated this might go down well with the Liberal Base and African Americans, it can cause those that supported and voted for him to think that they had been conned. As the statement was made in a press conference about Health Reform it become the major issue not health care, thus the President after seeing the polls came out and said both men had overreacted and invited them to the White House for a beer. Thus Obama has to get the fact, don't get involved in local issues when it comes to race, that is what a Congressman or Senator is for, he is POTUS. The President these days has to cope with a 24/7 news cycle, he can not afford to get caught up in a issue that has nothing to do with him and hurts him on the Hill. A Blue Dog Congressman or woman might think after seeing the Polls that Obama would hurt him or her in the Mid Term Congressional Elections, thus better to vote against his Health Reform Package. The Obama West Wing has to manage the media but make sure their man does not go off message, thus the discipline of the Campaign has to come back to the Obama West Wing.

The Last Veteran of WW1 still battling on, Mr Claude Choules - 108 Not Out

The Times: Reports on the last living World World 1 veteran, Mr Claude Choules formerly of the Royal Navy. Read of the Day.

The Death of the Last WW1 Soldier

BBC News: Reports on the death of Mr Harry Patch, the last surviving UK soldier of World War One. The War to End all Wars didn't end Warfare, today as the Nation remembers Mr Patch we also recall the latest death in Afghanistan, two deaths, two wars, in August it will be ninety five years since the start of WW1, how long will the War in Afghanistan last, lets remember all those that haven't come back from fighting to defend our rights.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that another soldier has died in combat operations in Afghanistan, the soldier was from the " 40th Regiment Royal Artillery ( The Lowland Gunners ), attached to the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland " Thus the UK has lost 158 of its Armed Forces Personnel in combat and another 31 due to accidents, illness or other incidents. In all since 2001 the UK has lost 189 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan. As the Chief of the Defence Staff said yesterday we are going to lose more troops, Afghanistan will get worse before the UK can leave, Afghanistan kills troops, leaves so many sad families.

Afghanistan Front News

Telegraph: Reports that Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff in the UK; his equal would be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in the USA; has stated that the UK will lose more of its Armed Forces in Afghanistan. Lets hope that our Forces have the right kit, from helicopters to enough troops to make sure if we lose troops they didn't die in vain, if we win ground we have to keep it, thus more troops. Lets hope Downing Street has its ears open when the Defence Department sends over its requests.

By - Passing the Blue Dog Democrats

Fox News: Reports that the House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi could by pass the Conservative Blue Dog Democrats and bring a health care reform bill up for a vote without agreeing to their demands. Lets hope the Conservative Blue Dog Democrats stick together and defeat this bill, the bill will cost a Trillion Dollars and wont help any one in the end, it just shows how narrow minded liberals really are, they are not interested in compromise they want to pander to their supporters. Lets hope the Country comes first for Conservative Democrats.

The Liberal Media and the Obama Health Care Reform

The New York Times: Reports on how voters have taken a negative reaction to the Obama Health Care Reform, it seems the Liberal New York Times is still an avid fan of Obama, the extreme Liberal NYT writes the following, " Recent polls have detected a modest slippage in public support....." That is like saying the Titanic had a minor problem on the way to New York. As last post, Rasmussen Report has Obama under 50% in approval ratings, what are these polls going to be like if unemployment goes up and his economic package is seen as not working, the Health Care Reform Bill could define the the Domestic Agenda of the Obama Presidency and more important for Democrats if they lose control the House after 2010. If the House goes on Holiday it will be interesting to see what the voters say about the Bill, the Bill could be dead and buried when Congress comes back, the voters could have sent a clear message that this is one thing Obama cant sell and if the Democratic Congress pass this bill they could be out of office in 2010.

The Obama Magic on the Fade ?

Rasmussen Report: The respected pollster runs a daily tracking poll on the job approval for President Obama, the President has fallen below 50%. The result for today shows that 51% of likely voters disapprove of the Presidents performance, while 49% approve of the Obama Presidency. Thus the push by President Obama on health reform could well make him a lame duck president after just six months in office. As a sidebar the President should not allow himself to get dragged in to race questions, he won the Iowa on the presumption that he was Post - Racial Candidate, in less Obama is present at a questionable arrest of a friend he should keep his mouth shut, it might make the Liberal base happy but it can lose you Iowa. Obama should leave local issues at the local level, now every time a racial charge question comes up Obama will have to avoid the impression that his first reaction is the blame the White guy, the President is seems was listening in his Church over twenty years.

Review of Presidential Press Conference

White House Blog: Transcript of the Presidential Press Conference Last Night. President Obama held a press conference last night to push for his health care reform, one simple verdict, rubbish. The President it seems does not understand what the term Press Conference means, he takes questions, he took 11 last night in a hour. The Press allowed Obama to waffle, and I mean waffle, after an hour in less you had PhD in the subject you would not have understood what an earth Obama was waffling about, and his spin was not that great, never start a press a conference with assertions that can be challenged if you had a tougher reporters, the President stated the following, " we passed a Recovery Act that has already saved jobs and created new ones....And the Recovery Act will continue to save and create more jobs over the next two years -- just like it was designed to do. " It seems that President Obama has missed the fact that unemployment has nearly reached 10% and in some states its 15%. The Recovery Act so far, has not worked, why does the President think his polls have started to go South. If your pass a massive economic package to jump start the economy and it has not worked, don't be surprised if the Congress and the Voters start to think you have lost the plot. I did think Obama was a Liberal Reagan, not so sure now, Health Care just might to use a TV phrase show that Obama has jumped the shark, and Obama is no Reagan or the Fonz from Happy Days.

That Mistake - Blunt the Spy

The Times: Reports that the memoirs of Anthony Blunt, the Soviet Spy have been released to the public. It hard to understand when those that have it all, wealth and social connections betray their country, to betray the Crown for Stalin, beyond my understanding or forgiveness.

The Obama Odyssey on Health Care Reform in the USA

The New York Times: Reports that the US Senate will not vote on Health Care Reform, the NYT writes the following, ".....Democratic leaders faced a barrage of questions from the news media about whether they would lose momentum for the broad health.. " Its simple folks the Liberal Leadership in Congress don't have the votes to pass Health Care Reform, there are Mid Term Congressional Elections in the USA next year, the entire House is up for re-election. Blue Dog Conservative Democrats can not get elected they if pass the Liberal Obama Plan for heath care, it costs a trillion, that a trillion dollars, the President himself does not know whats in his own bill. Also the idea that you would tax those earning more that a million dollars in a recession is just barmy, its some 1980s Liberal University Seminar Group, yes the Obama mind set! Lets hope with a holiday that Congress can get back to reality, that the voter will remind the Congress that what can get elected can also lose. It time Obama learned the lesson all Presidents learn, you can roll the Congress most of the time, but you are lame duck sooner or later, just didn't think Obama would be lame duck after six months.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has named the soldier killed yesterday in Afghanistan, the soldier was " Guardsman Christopher King, of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards " The War in Afghanistan has a long way to go, there will more deaths, what will be the result ?

Afghanistan Front News - US Death Toll for July

CBS News: Reports so far this month the US has lost thirty four of its Armed Forces Personnel. In total the USA has lost 119 of its Armed Forces Personnel this year as reported by iCasualties.org. In all iCasulties.org reports that since 2001 the USA has lost 749 personnel in Afghanistan. This shows in brutal terms that the USA is taking a heavy loss in the War in Afghanistan, the question is how long can President Obama keep his liberal base on side, the Liberal Leadership in Congress has already stated they will pull the plug after a year if Afghanistan does not turn around, it will take more than a year, also the War in Afghanistan is tied to how successful the Army of Pakistan is in fighting the terrorists on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, its going to take more than a year. The War in Afghanistan is the War President Obama wanted to fight, well its his war now, the Obama surge is down to him. Afghanistan can go three ways, a) The West has a clear win ( don't hold your breath for that ), b) The Taliban/Terrorists win, ( Obama and Brown can not afford that, thus expect more troops if need be to win or keep the place steady ), c) No win for either side, just a raising death toll and now way out, ( I hate to say this but that looks like the real end of this War, the Just War that you cant get rid off, the War that will define the USA and UK for years.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that another soldier has died in Afghanistan due to combat operations, the soldier was from the " 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, attached to 1st Battalion Welsh Guards " Thus this month alone the UK has lost nineteen soldiers in Afghanistan, of that total 18 have died in combat operations and 1 due to an accident. In all since 2001 the UK has lost 188 of its Armed Forces Personnel, this breaks down to 157 due to combat operations and 31 due to accidents, illness or other incidents. The month of July 2009 has been deadliest month since the UK went back in to Afghanistan since the First and Second Afghan Wars of the 19th Century.

Blue Dog Democrats vs Obama

The New York Times: Reports on the wall that that Blue Dog Democrats have to started to build between themselves and President Obama over Health Care Reform, the NYT writes the following, " Fiscally conservative House Democrats forced leaders of their party on Tuesday to slow the pace of work on major health care legislation.. " The irony of this is quite fun if your a Conservative Republican, to win the House of Representatives back the Democrats had to chose Conservative Candidates in Republican Districts, they had to be more Conservative that the Republican candidate, thus the present problems for the Liberal Democratic Leadership, these Blue Dog Democrats can not sell health reform that costs a trillion dollars, prevents people taking up new Health Care insurance after the bill passed and as Fox News showed this morning, the President when talking to bloggers didn't now whats in his own bill. The President has his chance to push Congress with his economic package, well that has not worked, thus Congress will not be pushed this time. Lets see if Obama is a good political operator in the mold of LBJ and Reagan, if Obama fails with health care the re-election of 2012 will be in doubt. KEEP YOUR NERVE CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS, YOUR SAVING THE ECONOMY AND YOUR COUNTRY.

Nuclear Iran and the Obama Adminstration

Fox News: Reports that Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State has stated that the Obama Administration would defend its Allies in the Gulf should Iran go nuclear. The day Iran goes nuclear is the day that Israel will have a military strike on Iran. The idea of defending the Allies of the USA in the Gulf is a good idea, it should work on two levels, it will make a point to Iran, that should they threaten the friends of the USA they will face a military strike that will wipe them out, and it prevents the Gulf States from also going nuclear. Let see if this forces Iran in to talks, have my doubts, after the Presidential Election in Iran we are not dealing with a clerical government but a Totalitarian regime that needs the nuclear card to stay in power.

The Politics of Afghanistan

The Times: Reports on the latest political problems that Afghanistan is causing for UK PM Gordon Brown, its helicopters again and the lack of UK helicopters in theatre to transport our troops. Its simple folks, PM Brown when he was UK Chancellor of the Exchequer cut spending of helicopters, Brown is not a military leader, he is no Churchill or Thatcher, he does not have a clue when it comes to military affairs, one can argue his economic record is worse, he was Chancellor when the origins of the present economic crisis started, thus on the two most important issues facing the UK, the economy and Afghanistan we have a PM out of his comfort zone, the UK has another eight months of a weak government and even worse a weak PM.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has named the soldier kill on Monday, the Soldier was " Captain Daniel Shepherd from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps " Captain Shepherd will not be the last casualty, the War in Afghanistan is going to long and bloody. The UK should always support our Armed Forces in combat operations, thus always salute if you see a parade and bow your head if you see a military funeral. But our Forces need the right kit, thus they need more helicopters, buy or steal as stated by the Conservative Opposition Leader in the House of Commons. Also we need to send more troops, we need to keep the ground that has cost the blood of our troops, we have a long and bloody history in Afghanistan. Let this be the Third and final Afghan War for the UK.

Obama's Health Care Reform - STALLED ?

The New York Times: Reports that Congressional Leaders are getting cold feet with the Obama Health Care Reform package, the Liberal NYT writes the following on the Congressional Leadership, " on Monday suggested scaling back a plan to tax top earners to pay for the sweeping legislation and signaled a retreat from their ambitious timetable. " It is simple politics folks, Conservative Democrats could not go home with something that costs a trillion dollars, might no cut the costs of health, and punishes those that want to be rich. That the problem when Obama handed over the writing of the health care package to Liberal Congressional Leaders. These Congressional Leaders and the Liberal New York Times breath the same air, they have an elites view of what the great unwashed want and that rich should pay for their agenda. The problem is that the common folks might not want their agenda, Ronald Reagan was loved not because of his policies but because of them, that the part Liberals never get, even in the hallowed offices of the Liberal New York Times. Thus a reform package in stages is needed but not a total revolution when your economic conditions are in the toilet. Lets hope the Conservative Democrats keep their nerve and bring the Obama White House to the real world not some 1980s Liberal Seminar on Health.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a soldier from " The Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group " was killed on Monday. Thus this month alone the UK Army has lost 18 soldiers, in total the UK Armed Forces have lost 156 of its personnel in combat action. Due to accidents, illness or other incidents the UK has lost 31 personnel. In total the UK has lost 187 Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan. It hard to know what to say any more, our prays are with their families.

Afghanistan Front News

BBC News: Reports that the MOD has named the soldier killed on Sunday as Corporal Joseph Etchells. It so sad to see another death in Afghanistan, but even more when you think of the ages of the soldiers that are dying, the are so young, it has been reported that the average age of those that have died is 27, Corporal Joseph Etchells was 22, he had young family. I guess when soldiers sign up they have to expect that they can die in action but it is still sad to see another soldier coming back dead from Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prays are with the family of Corporal Etchells.

Obama's Health Reform Latest

The New York Times: Reports on the problems for Obama plan to reform the Health service in the USA, the NYT writes the following, " Democrats in Congress have grown increasingly nervous about the cost of health-care reform, estimated at $1 trillion over ten years. " Its not the reforming that is the problem, it can be argued that the Health System in the USA needs reform due to costs and the increase over the years, also the need to cover those that can not afford health insurance, that is a morale question, no the question is how to pay for the reform. The Liberal Leadership in the Congress want to tax the rich, in a good economic climate that can be argued is a morale choice, that those that are rich should pay for those that are not well off, but this is not a good economic climate, also the Congressional Budget Office has stated that even with the reform the costs will go up. Thus you have an election promise for health care reform when you are faced with an economy in the toilet, two wars, Afghanistan and Iraq and the threat of a war with Iran by the end of the year. Thus what do you do, you need health reform but you need it in stages, thus it can be argued that the Obama White House should do health reform in stages. Thus on the morale side, cover those that can not afford heath insurance first, thus you need to means test individuals, those earning less that ten thousand dollars a year should get free health care, then when the economy has gotten back on its feet you deal with the middle group, if they want help the government should help, then we come to the Uber rich, they should pay all their own costs and pay a surcharge on profits, but only when the economy is great, the boom years. Also these reforms should be revisable in bad years. That's my answer to the health care problem in the USA.

President Khatami - Referendum Call

The New York Times: Reports on the latest split within the political elite of Iran, the NYT writes the following on the opinion of ex President Khatami, " called Sunday for a referendum on the legitimacy of the government in the wake of last month’s disputed presidential election.." What is interesting as stated by the NYT is there are splits within the ruling conservative block, President Ahmadinejad in forming his new government is placing individuals in his cabinet that don't have the support of the Clerics. That is the point of the election result, the Clerics are no longer the power in Iran, its a totalitarian regime of Ahmadinejad, the Clerics are like the old Prussian Elite in Pre - Nazi Germany who thought they could control Hitler, they didn't understand that once he was in power they has lost power. The Clerics are now there by the grace of Ahmadinejad, he has the backing of the security structure, the Clerics might find that they will be sharing a jail cell with the reformers if they try push President Ahmadinejad out of power. In a odd way the reformers might be the last chance for the clerics to keep power, the leaders of the reformers such as Khatami want to keep the system, Ahmadinejad wants the power and does not want to share, thus the Clerics might be the final victims of the Islamic Republic Iran.

Soldier Kidnapped by Taliban - Private Bowe Bergdahl

Daily Mail: Reports on the latest news of the kidnapped GI in Afghanistan, Private Bowe Bergdahl. The West Wing of the White House has to make sure that the keep the President as far away as possible from this incident, the President can not allow himself to get to engaged in to the fate of this one soldier, lets recall that hostages in Iran bought down the Carter Presidency and led to the election of Ronald Reagan. Reagan in turn allowed himself to get involved in the hostages held in Lebanon, thus the Iran - Contra scandal. The Obama West Wing should allow the Defence Department under Secretary Gates to take the political heat for this incident. Obama in this case should only be informed of major developments, he should not be in the loop for ever turn of the story. That the best advice the Obama White House is going to get from this blogger.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that another Soldier has died in combat, the Soldier was from the " The 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers " Thus the UK has now lost 155 soldiers in combat and 31 due to accidents, illness or other incidents. In total the UK has lost 186 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan. The MOD has also named the soldier that was killed on 16/7/09, the soldier was " Rifleman Aminiasi Toge, of 2nd Battalion The Rifles ". This month has been quite bloody for the UK Army, it has lost seventeen of its soldiers, the longer we are in Afghanistan the more deaths this blog will report. What is so hard to see is our brave soldiers doing the best job they can but not having the right kit, e.g Helicopters and land transport that can not be damaged by IED's, but also the Army's request for more troops has not been approved by the Brown Government. It has been argued by this blog and others that PM Gordon Brown wants to fight the War in Afghanistan on the cheap, thus his recent argument that Afghanistan itself supply more troops, good idea but have they been trained to the right standard. PM Gordon Brown has shown himself not to be a War Leader, he no David Lloyd George or Winston Churchill. If we are staying in Afghanistan the Armed Forces need the supplies they want, if Afghanistan matters that much to the security of the UK the Brown Government will have to dig deep in to its pockets to supply the Armed Forces.

Iran News and NYT Update

Some Tweets from Iran, the same as before, no ID as to protect those that twitter. Also as these are individual tweets its hard for a second confirmation. ( My Comments )

1) Protests continuous in many places in central, west, east and north of Tehran ( Lets hope the people of Iran have the courage of their convictions take down this evil regime )

2) Rafsanjani didn't mention the supreme leader in his speech even once ( I presume an English version is out there somewhere )

3) Human rights activist Shadi Sadr violently arrested this morning in Tehran on her way to Friday prayers ( There is confirmation for this report )

4) The Iranian government is one of the few countries that attack & fire tear gas at worshipers during Friday prayers. ( There is also confirmation for this story, it seems the Government of Iran is mob handed on religious days. )

5) "The crowd, was so thick and compact that security forces could do nothing but stand by passively on the sidelines." (witness) ( Lets hope that one day that the Security Forces change sides and support the reformers, it could prevent a war in the middle east. )

6) This movement has just started. People have shed their fear and pour onto the street at every opportunity.Bad news for mullas. ( Lets hope the people keep their backbone, this could be their last chance for freedom )

7) latest frmTehrn: AllahuAkbar volume ultra-high tonight! (northTehran) mixd wth "Death2USSR"+"Death2Khamenei" ( One thing, the USSR has gone, thank God, )

8) During Friday prayers ppl asked to chant Death 2 US & Death 2 Israel but instead they chanted Death 2 Russia & China ( Nice change from the USA and the UK, its time for the people of Iran to get on the streets and finish this once and for all, its your freedom, DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE FREE ? )

IF YOUR SENDING INF OUT OF IRAN, AS IN PICS, VIDEO OR TEXT INFO, MAKE SURE YOU STATE TIME, DATE AND LOCATION ( GENERAL ) BUT MAKE SURE YOU DON'T REVEL YOUR ID. DON'T HELP THE SOB'S WHO RUN IRAN TO FIND YOU, SO BE CAREFUL OUT THERE GOOD PEOPLE OF IRAN.

President Rafsanjani - No Trust in Government of Iran

The New York Times: Reports on the critical comments of a former President of Iran, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. The NYT writes that Rafsanjani has stated the following on the Government of Iran , " lost the trust of many Iranians and calling for the release of hundreds of protesters and democracy advocates arrested in recent weeks. " Speeches are great but that wont over turn the government in Iran, think Hitler, he would not be moved by speeches, there has to be a real resistance, there was a German resistance to Hitler and they tried to remove him a few times with no luck. At leas they tried in Germany to remove a madman. The question is have the people of the Iran the will and the backbone to really take on the Government of another mad man in the making President Ahmadinejad. The regime headed by Ahmadinejad has gone to far now to allow another free election, they have arrested and killed the innocent. What is quite surprising is that the Clerics Iran cant see that they have lost power, they are now seen as in the pocked of the regime. Thus what ever morale authority they had in Iran is suspect. Lets hope we have a peaceful revolution in Iran but fear it will be bloody and tragic.

The Prison Obama built around HIMSELF

CNN News: Reports on the problems President Obam is having is closing down Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The main problem is those terrorists that the USA can not release, but can not but on trial either, its the ultimate political problem for Obama. If Obama keeps these terrorists in prison with no trial the American Left will go bonkers, if the terrorists are released and they attack the USA the Obama Presidency is over, no re-election in 2012. Obama does not want to be another Jimmy Carter. Thus Obama might need to re - brand Gitmo, call it the Ultimate Holiday resort or something for terrorists, then he can get on to deal with his other problems, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and the US Economy. Obama wanted the Job!

Brown OUTFOXED by the UK Army

The Times: Reports that General Dannatt the head of the British Army has outfoxed UK PM Gordon Brown again, he has got his boss, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup to deliver a to do list for Afghanistan. One thing they teach in the Army is Strategy, General Dannat has played a blinder, he knows Gordon Brown is weak when it comes to Afghanistan, thus with the recent deaths in military theatre he knows he can get the supply the Operation in Afghanistan needs, from helicopters to troops. UK PM Gordon Brown has placed himself in a hole, in 2004 as Chancellor of the Exchequer he cut Defence spending on helicopters, know that has come to haunt him. Unlike other problems Brown cant use his usual attack dogs on the Army, lets be honest he would not win a trust contest on his Afghanistan policy while the Army would, they are bleeding in Afghanistan, they also have a weak PM. Lets hope Brown will consider that the life's of our soldiers have the same weight as throwing money at the banks, lets hope our Armed Forces get the helicopters and troops they need on the ground and in the air.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of another British Soldier in combat, the Soldier was from the " 2nd Battalion The Rifles " Thus the UK has now 154 soldiers in combat and another 31 due to accidents, illness or other incidents. In total the UK has lost 185 Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan. The Forces face tough fighting in the summer months in Afghanistan, this year it will be harder, there is a Presidential Election in August in Afghanistan, the Western Forces main aim is to allow the people of Afghanistan to have a voice, that's called nation building in my book. There will more deaths, the question is our brave soldiers will die for what, at the end of the day, after its all over does any think Afghanistan is going to change, it would better to hire a hard nosed SOB to run Afghanistan, who will make sure the Taliban/Terrorists don't come back and thus become a threat to the West, no more 9/11, 7,7.

Conservative Democrats and Obama's Health Reform

CNN News: Reports that Conservative Democrats in the House could block the Obama's Health Reform. The simple reason is that these House Representatives come from Conservative districts, a major concern for more conservatives areas of the USA is the money that Obama is spending, the health reform package has been estimate to cost over a trillion dollars, yes TRILLION. The failure of the Hillary Clinton health care reform in the 1990s cost the Democrats the House of Representatives, thus Obama is looking at 2012 and his re-election, he needs a major policy success, the economic plan that Obama pushed through Congress does not seem to be working, thus any new big ideas are looked at with suspicion. If the Republicans can keep together and the Blue Dog Democrats bolt the Obama plan will fail. Looking at the morale side it can be argued that the USA needs a health reform bill, it is not morale that people cannot get health care, the problem is the cost, as with the NHS in the UK, it gulps money, and thus any plan in the USA is going to cost. Taxing the rich during a recession/depression is not a good idea, thus Obama might find that he has to cut programmes that Democrats normally support. Obama cannot cut Defence, the War in Afghanistan is hotting up, and the USA is still in Iraq. In addition, Obama faces the problem of North Korea and Iraq. Thus Obama might find that his promise not to tax those that earn less that two hundred fifty thousand will have to be thrown out of the window. Thus one way or another Obama will lose the 2012 election, he will fail to pass health care reform, thus seen as a domestic failure or he will break his word on tax and be seen as another Bush 41.

Hundreds Killed in Iran

Guardian: Reports that hundreds of people in Iran could have killed after the stolen election protests. On the whole this is not a great surprise, the Government of Iran had to act brutally to stay in Office. It would explain why the Demonstrations have had less people in attendance. The Government of Iran is following the model of Nazi Germany and the USSR under Stalin. The Government in Tehran has to repress the people, they have crossed a bridge that they cant come back from, they have killed innocent people. This is the start of the process that will lead to a bloody revolution in Iran, those that are repressing the people will be the first against the wall when the revolution comes to Iran.

H1N1 ( Swine Flue )

The Times: Reports that the wife of the former UK PM Tony Blair, Cherie Blair has come down with H1N1, the swine flue. Lets hope she gets well soon, but it shows that any body can get H1N1. Also it should be noted that the Spanish Flue of 1918 was more severe in the second round. Thus the UK should expect more people to go down with H1N1, also one should expect the death toll to go up, it is reported that it has reached 29. If the H1N1 turns in to the version of the 1918 flue it can be argued that we have been let down by the UK Government. At the start of the H1N1 problem in Mexico we should have closed down the UK, yes the economy would have been hurt, the civil rights groups would have gone up the wall, but we might have prevent the disease coming in the UK. Thus if we have lost 29 individuals due to the H1N1 there should be a public inquiry in the action of the UK Government under PM Gordon Brown.

Obama's Health Care Reform

The New York Times: Reports that the US Senate Committee that deals with Health has produced a bill that would reform the health service in the USA, the article notes that the Majority Democrats " had no intention at this point of pushing health care legislation on their own. " The Democrats have the votes, but then if it wrecks the economy and with a price tag of one trillion that is a great chance the Democrats would own health and not in a good way. Lets see if the Blue Dog Democrats in the House support this bill, they face re-election in 2010, can they take this home and sell it to their conservative voters. Lets recall the Democratic Leadership is Liberal, they don't have to sell it to their voters. I think Obama might have problems in the House even the Senate, if on the Republican side I would let it pass if it works then Republicans will get some of the praise, on the other hand it if fails and wrecks the economy the Democrats will be out of power for decades.

Two Words - More Troops

Telegraph: Reports that Sir Richard Dannatt the head of the British Army has stated that more troops are needed in Afghanistan. Sir Richard Dannatt has being diplomatic by stating that the troops could be from the UK,USA or Afghanistan but it was reported in the UK Times that the UK Army Chiefs asked for two thousand troops for Afghanistan. New Labour under Gordon Brown went for the cheap option and sent out seven hundred troops to cover for the Presidential Election in Afghanistan in August; this is not enough; if we are going to stay and lose more troops in Afghanistan we need to send out more troops and buy some new helicopters form the USA if need be, recent UK military operations in Afghanistan as stated by the Times needed the USA to transport our troops. As stated this is national disgrace, yes they are allies but we are Great Britain not Switzerland. Thus its time PM Gordon Brown grew a backbone, send more troops, send or buy new helicopters for Afghanistan, also make sure our land transport can survive IED's from the enemy. LET SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

Another Disgrace, UK Army Chief has to " borrow " USA Helicopter in Afghanistan

The Times: Reports that General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the British Army had to borrow a helicopter from the USA to inspect our troops in country. This shows how New Labour has let down our brave Armed Forces; if we are staying in Afghanistan; our soldiers need the kit to fight the enemy, from secure land to air transport. The USA and the UK are allies but the UK is still a Sovereign Nation the last time I looked, thus when it comes down to our own Defence we need to make sure we spend the money, the NHS and Defence should be protected from any future spending cuts, the governments spend money on worthless policies all the time, we need to protect the our Armed Forces, otherwise we could lose more troops in the future.

The Past and Present in Afghanistan

Am reading a book on Great Britain’s Imperial role in Afghanistan in the 19th Century, the book by Peter Hopkirk; The Great Game, On Secret Service in High Asia; looks at the Afghan Wars that drew Britain in to Afghanistan. In looking at the present War in Afghanistan am looking to see if we in the UK have learned any lessons from our Imperial Campaigns. Will report back to see if we have made any of the same mistakes!

Brown Demands more Troops from Afghanistan

Guardian: Reports that UK PM Gordon Brown has requested that Afghan Troops take more of active role in the present combat in Afghanistan. In other words Brown is shifting the blame to Afghanistan, this is pure spin by Downing Street, when will UK PM Gordon Brown grow a backbone and admit he has been wrong in military affairs. One thing is for certain PM Brown is no Winston Churchill or Lady Thatcher when it comes to being a War Leader.

Brown's Cheap Option for Afghanistan

The Times: Reports that UK PM Gordon Brown rejected a request from the UK Military for an extra two thousand troops for Afghanistan, and went for the cheap option of just sending seven hundred troops. This shows why UK PM Gordon Brown is unfit to be the UK PM, your brave soldiers are fighting a tough War in the hell hole that is Afghanistan, and you would rather bail out the banks than support the military. Thus on two separate occasions PM Brown has shown that he does not understand military affairs, while Chancellor of the Exchequer he cut spending on helicopters that could have saved life's in Afghanistan, and now we learn he would not support the military. When will New Labour have the backbone to send PM Brown on gardening leave and place in No 10 a real leader, at this moment would take Tony Blair back at PM.

Guantánamo Problem for Obama

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama might have a problem is closing down Guantanamo Bay Detention Centre due to long process in the classification of different inmates. The NYT writes the following, " the Obama administration is struggling with legal, political and logistical problems.." The major problem for the Obama White House is the fear that they release a terrorist and there is a major terrorist event in the USA, or they transfer a terrorist to the USA and his friends decided to hit the state to demand his release. The Obama West Wing might get lucky, the Bush Administration might have finished off the terrorists as a major threat, thus no come back on the Administration with the plan to close Gitmo, but what IF something happens and a terrorists that was released by the Obama White House launches a major attack on the USA. Thus Obama Administration if they are clever will take all the time they need, they should not have a political deadline as the final answer to a National Security problem. Lets hope Obama is lucky, Gitmo can be closed down, and Bush 43 has finished off the Terrorists as a major threat to the USA.

Obama's Health Reform ?

ABC News: Reports that Republican Senate Minority Whip Senator Jon Kyl has stated that the Obama plan for health reform will not be passed before the Senate goes in to recess. On the whole support the idea of universal health care for Americans, even if those in the higher tax bracket have to pay for it, but the proviso is that it cant damage the American Economy. The US economy is in recession/depression, thus hiking taxes on the rich might not be the greatest idea in history. On the other hand there is the morale aspect, people have the right to health care, so lets hope the Senate can produce a reform package that is tax neutral; does not hike taxes; covers all Americans, does not harm the economy in the long term. Lets recall the failure to pass health care reform in the Bill Clinton's first term lead to the Democrats losing the House in 1994.

The 1970s WITCH HUNT of the CIA all over again by the Obama Administration

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama faces pressure to investigate CIA under Bush 43, the NYT writes the following, " ( Obama ) facing new pressure to reverse himself and to ramp up investigations into the Bush-era security programs,..." As NYT states there could be political costs, the 1970s Church Committee investigation came after the USA was out of Vietnam after Watergate, the USA is still in Afghanistan and Iraq and is fighting terrorism around the world. The question does Obama think he can win a fight with the CIA, also what are the political costs of saying no or allowing the witch hunt. On the pro side, the Liberal New York Times would love the move, another chance to attack Bush 43 and VP Cheney, on the negative side, the investigations could come back to haunt Obama. The Republicans in Congress could go scorched earth policy when it comes to the Obama Domestic Agenda. Also they could counter with open hearings on the Obama policy to use drones in Pakistan, lets see how that tarnishes the Obama image. Also the Democrats should recall what was the outcome of the Church hearings, the CIA could not react, thus the Invasion of Afghanistan by the USSR in 1979, the overthrow of the pro Western Government in Iran. But on the Democrats on side who's reputation was dragged through the mud, yes it was JFK and his affairs. Also the CIA could leak right through the Obama Administration, if Obama wants a second term, he will have to reign his own Attorney General and the Democratic Leadership on the Hill who are covering for the House Speaker, as the Republican will make sure the Democratic Speaker would have to answer questions on what she knew and when she didn't know about the torture of terrorists.

Support for the War in Afghanistan!

BBC News: Reports that support for the War in Afghanistan has increased, but the UK is split on the War itself, half support the War and half oppose. The military on the ground think we have reached a tipping point in our favour, thus it can be argued that we should give the War a chance. There is a proviso to this argument, our troops need more support, thus we need more troops on the ground, also our troops need more kit, in other words helicopters. Lets see how the next few days, weeks and months play out in Afghanistan.

Recent List of the Fallen in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the fallen in Afghanistan, " Rifleman Daniel Hume of 4th Battalion The Rifles was killed in a contact explosion whilst on a foot patrol near Nad e-Ali, Helmand province on 9 July 2009....Private John Brackpool, serving as a rifleman with the Prince of Wales' Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was killed whilst on operations near Char-e-Anjir, just outside Lashkar Gah, in Helmand Province on 9 July 2009...Corporal Lee Scott of The 2nd Royal Tank Regiment was killed during an explosion just north of Nad Ali, Helmand Province, on the morning of Friday 10 July 2009...Corporal Jonathan Horne, Rifleman William Aldridge, Rifleman James Backhouse, Rifleman Joseph Murphy and Rifleman Daniel Simpson, all of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, were killed in action near Forward Operating Base Wishtan, Sangin on Friday 10 July 2009. " Thus 15 soldiers killed in 10 Days, lets us remember our our heroic soldiers in the years to come, lets make sure their deaths meant something in Afghanistan. Lets look after their families. Also lets make sure our Armed Forces in Afghanistan have enough troops and kit to do the job. If we are not going to supply them with more soldiers and better kit we should plan for a withdrawal within a short period.

Tipping Point in Afghanistan?

Telegraph: Reports from the front line, and the view that UK surge is working, and that the Taliban/Terrorists are being push out of Helmand. The Taliban/Terrorists could be using the Viet Cong strategic method, they might be losing on the ground but want to sap the will of the UK population to fight the War in Afghanistan. If we are winning on the ground, and by winning we are taking ground and keeping the Taliban from coming back then we have to give time to the Army. Also we need to send out more troops with better kit, that goes from personal amour to helicopters, if we are staying in Afghanistan lets win in the bloody place. Thus lets see if the US and UK can keep the ground they take and win the hearts of minds of the locals. If we can take the population away from the Taliban, then we are half way to victory. The question is what kind of victory are we looking for, if we expect a Liberal Democracy then we are going to be disappointed, what we need a semi functional government that can control most of the country and repel the Taliban/Terrorists. If this can be done with having a semi Democratic Government with rights for women that would be great but that is by product not the objective. Thus if takes a Military Rule by a Strong General with no rights for women so be it, as long as we can get out, and our National Security is not under constant threat.

Deaths in Afghanistan

Courtesy of the BBC

MOD: Reports on the death of five British Soldiers, the soldiers came from the "The 2nd Battalion The Rifles". The total of UK Armed Forces Personnel lost in Afghanistan has now reached 184. The breakdown of those losses is as follows, in combat the UK has lost 153, while it has lost 31 due to accidents, illness or other incidents. The summer months in Afghanistan are the frighting season, thus more deaths are expected, also there is the Presidential Election in August, the Taliban/Terrorists want to cause havoc in the lead up to the vote. Thus more heavy fighting in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan and Iraq, The Death Toll

Afghanistan Death Total = 179, Combat 148, other 31 - There will be more.

Iraq Death Total = 179, Combat 136, other 43. UK out of Iraq.

Death in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports that another British Soldier has died in Afghanistan. The Soldier was from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. In total from the MOD, the UK Armed Forces have lost 179 personnel. In combat the UK has lost 148, through accidents, illness or other incidents the total is 31. Thus the UK has lost ten soldiers in ten days. Why do I have this nasty feeling when we look back, when we are out of Afghanistan, we will say WHY, Afghanistan is the War Obama wants to fight, well let him, the UK has done its bit, time to get out and rebuild our Forces.

No Tax Cuts !!

The New York Times: Has an article by the Nobel Prize winning economist, Paul Krugman, Mr Krugman states the following on the Obama Economy and future spending, " including, quite possibly, another round of stimulus — may be necessary. " I have read the article twice, but in less I missed it, Mr Krugman does not mention tax cuts, the one sure way to get the economy going out of a recession. If you spend money more money when the first stimulus did not work you invite inflation. The Obama Economic Plan has not worked, Obama should follow the path of Ronald Reagan, cut taxes, cut government spending with the exception of Defence and not try to create a NHS in the USA. Please read this article and if you see tax cuts mentioned please reply to this post. Why are Liberals afraid to give money back to the tax payer, it seems they are more interested in backgrupting the USA, can I get Nobel Prize in Economics, my following the Reagan plan would work for the USA.

Nuclear Iran within Year

TJP: Reports that Iran could go nuclear with a year. If Iran goes nuclear and it has the ability to place nuclear warheads on its missiles the region could get very hot. Lets recall it has a very close relationship with the Stalinist North Korea. The Times of London has reported that North Korea can already place miniature warheads on its missiles, thus its a nuclear power. As the UN has placed sanctions on North Korea that prevents it sending missiles outside North Korea the Stalinist Government could try to get money by selling information to Iran on how to develop its nuclear and missile abilities. Also the Foreign Policy in Iran will be effected by the stolen election, the Government of Iran has already stated that the protesters are being lead by the West, thus to divert attention from internal problems Iran could push its nuclear progress, thus develop the bomb and missile abilities. This would force the Obama Administration to allow Israel to hit Iran, this from Tehran might not be a bad result, the Government in Iran would ask for unity, it would get support, it would divert attention to the West, thus as an politician once stated, all politics is local.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that two British Soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, one soldier was from the " 4th Battalion The Rifles " and the other soldier was from the " The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment attached to 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. " In total the UK has lost 178 Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, the break down is as follows, of that 178, 147 have died in combat, while 31 have died of illness, accidents or other incidents. This is the ninth death is nine days, at what point does this level of attrition of our troops become a military problem. The UK will be in Afghanistan for years, how many more good men and women will be lost in War we cant win. That simple and brutal folks.

More Iran News

Some interesting Tweets out of Iran, the info looks real, thus info but with No ID for tweets, to protect tweeter users. ( My Comments )

1) Helicopters all over Tehran, Iran ( Would make sense for the Security Forces to be in the Air, better overview )

2) In some sections of Tehran the security forces have been pushed back ( depends really on the level of security in individual sections of Tehran )

3) Reports that people have been killed ( requires a second source for this story )

4) Demos not just in Tehran ( This would make sense but we need more reports from other cities. ( If your in Iran, send video out, remember to set date, time and location. BUT MORE IMPORTANT MAKE SURE YOU KEEP YOUR OWN ID OUT OF THE NEWS. NO POINT GETTING ARRESTED, ENDS NEWS FROM IRAN. )

5) If your going on demos, have groups ( If there are hundreds, thousands, all the better, the Security Forces will have second thoughts, Good Luck Folks )

New Demonstrations in Iran

Fox News: Reports new demonstrations in Iran, although new protests the numbers don't seem to match early demonstrations after the Presidential Election was stolen by President Ahmadinejad. I wish the protesters well but you cant fight a bullet with a Korean in your hand. The Government of Iran is a new Nazi Germany or Russia under Stalin. They have crossed a bridge that they can never come back from, they are repressing and killing their own. Thus if the reformers want their rights they have to fight fire with fire. In other words its time to get armed to the hilt. The Government of Iran is a fraud, that not from the West its from senior clerics in Iran. Also check out the New York Times Update Page, very comprehensive on the revolt in Iran.

Appeasement at the G8

The New York Times: Reports on the weak response by the G8 to the threat of a Nuclear Iran, the G8 have decided that Iran has till September to come in to line, but as the NYT writes on the G8, " but remain vague and divided over what consequences they might try to impose should Tehran continue to defy them. " One can smell the appeasement coming from the G8, lets be honest and direct here, Obama has a weak hand when it comes to Iran, the USA has troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, the North Koreans are making dangerous noises in Asia, the US economy is in the toilet, a major recession if not depression. The USA can not afford another Middle East War, but on the other hand it might have no choice, Russia has a close relationship with Iran, through military deals and Russian interests in the region, thus Russia will only go so far when it comes to Iran, the Obama charm does not work on Putin, the Russian bear has a sore head and wants to keep it thank you very much Mr President. The EU is just weak, the UK also in Afghanistan can not help military over Iran. Thus it comes down to Israel, at the end of the day Obama might have to turn a blind eye to an attack by Israel, not the options any one wants but this is the real deal time, there might not be any other options. Thus expect the price of oil to go up, it going to get bloody in Iran and the Middle East. If Israel hits Iran, expect Iran to hit the USA in Iraq, thus a War, also Iran might try to cut off oil from the region, a War helps Iran, it diverts attention from a stolen election.

News from the Afghanistan Front

MOD: Has named the British Soldier killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Soldier was " Trooper Christopher Whiteside, of The Light Dragoons, was killed in Afghanistan on 7 July 2009. " The MOD states the following on those killed in Afghanistan, of the 176 Armed Forces Personnel killed in Afghanistan, 145 have died in combat and another 31 have died due to illness, accidents or other incidents. These will not be the last deaths in Afghanistan, our prayers are with their loved ones, the WAR in some respects will never end for them, thus the duty held by the UK Government to make sure our Armed Forces Personnel have the right kit and enough troops levels in Afghanistan. Our Armed Forces have done a great job; the same cannot be said of the UK Government.

Torchwood Tonight 9pm

In this world of doom and gloom we all need a break, recharge the old mental battery, well here is the show for you, Torchwood the spin off from Dr Who. The show has been transferred to BBC 1 and is on for five nights. The first two nights have been great, Captain Jack and the Team are on the run. The Government wants to kill them, No Captain Jack has not tried to chat up the PM!! The aliens 456 are on the way, how come the the team was not asked to deal with them, they better be more scary that the Daleks and Cybermen. Have to admit my favourite is Gwen Cooper, player by Eve Myles, intelligent, attractive and can shoot two guns at the same time, what more can a man ask for, we all know what Captain Jack would ask for, but beyond the scope of this page!! On a more culture side, what is fantastic about Captain Jack Harkness as played by the one and only John Barrowman is that through Dr Who and Torchwood it has changed this Bloggers view about gay issues. As with Willow in Buffy, Jack has allowed old culture Conservatives like me to change my previous views on different cultural issues, like gay marriage, now in favour. It is through good story telling not been told that its PC to change one views, that cultural opinion can be changed, so thank god for Willow and Jack, could we ever get a crossover between Buffy and Torchwood.

National Disgrace - UK had to borrow Air Transport from the USA

The Times: Reports that UK military has to borrow ten helicopters from the USA for Operation Panther’s Claw, the UK surge action in Afghanistan. This is WW1 and WW2 again, it come to something when the UK can not afford to transport its own troops, lets be honest and direct here, the economy is in the toilet, we don't have the money, but what ever it takes we need to protect our troops, we cant defend them against IED, and now we cant transport them in safety without the Americans. If we are going to have a Defence Review, lets review if we should be in Afghanistan. The War in Afghanistan is going to take years, and in that process at the end of the day we might be in the same position as we are now, a weak government that can only rule Kabul, the rest of the country under different Tribal and Military Chiefs, the Taliban/Terrorists in the mountains waiting for us to leave. In that time we will have lost many good Armed Forces Personnel and spent billions, and at the end of the day it will have been for nothing, our troops deserve better than, lets review of Afghanistan and get out, lets fund a group in within Afghanistan that will defend UK interests, in other words stop any terrorists attacking the UK.

UK Defence Secretary Defends UK role in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on a speech by the new UK Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, Mr Ainsworth has rejected the comparison of Afghanistan to the Vietnam War. Mr Ainsworth thus needs the sack, lets be honest, we don't have the troops, our troops are the best in the business, but they need more support and the kit sent to our troops is based on a economic agenda. The UK Treasury hates to spend money on vehicles that cant be destroyed by an IED. Our brave troops in some actions are back in the Trenches, this is the 21 Century and we are fighting in the Trenches as in World War One. The Taliban have stated that they wont stand and fight, they would lose such a direct fight, they are going to use insurgent methods. The War in Afghanistan broke the USSR, lets hope it does not do the same to the UK.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports on the death of another British Soldier in Combat, the Soldier is from the " The Light Dragoons ". Also the MOD named the British Soldier killed by accident in Afghanistan, " Captain Ben Babington-Browne from 22 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Monday 6 July 2009. " Thus in total 146 UK Armed Forces Personnel have killed in combat and thirty have died of accidents, illness or other incidents. In total the UK has lost 176 Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, in Iraq the UK lost 179. The War in Afghanistan will take years and will cost more deaths and treasure. WHAT IS THE EXIT ROUTE ?

Vietnam and Afghanistan & Iraq - The Left Start the Same GAME!

The New York Times: Has an article on the death of former Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara, the man that lead the USA in to the Vietnam War under JFK and LBJ. As expected the Liberal Left has started after Iraq to compare Afghanistan to Vietnam, the article states the following, " None of these wars had clearly articulated goals or endgames. " Thus as stated in this blog, the Liberal Left will start to cause problems for President Obama next year, they want out of Afghanistan, when ever a war is not over in a hundred hours the Liberal Left show a yellow streak a mile away. The operation in Afghanistan will take more than year, it will take years, the Obama and UK surge has just started, the Army of Pakistan is fighting the Taliban/Terrorists on many fronts, this war is going to take years. Obama will have to show backbone, this is the war he wanted to fight, well he might he find that he has to fight own base first before taking winning over the Taliban/Terrorists.

No Green Light to Israel - Obama on Israel and Iran

TJP: Reports that President Obama has stated that he has not give the green light for Israel to attack the nuclear facilities of Iran. Thus we seem to have a conflict in the Obama White house between the President and the Vice - President. A confusing signals does not help with policy. The President has stated that Iran has till the end of the year to start to talks, well so far that looks like a long shot. The Government of Iran has stolen an election, repressed the people through violence and fear. They have created a PR strategy that the protests after the Presidential Election was the fault of the UK. Thus at the end of the day Israel will have to protect its security, Obama might want to the follow the Neville Chamberlain route to Peace, Israel has see the result of appeasement, thus if Iran does not want meaningful talks with Obama, Israel will have to strike Iran, for the security of Israel and the West.