The Man who shot Reagan = Free ?

CNN: Reports that John W. Hinckley Jr the man that nearly killed President Ronald Reagan in March of 1981 could soon be free from a mental hospital. The Obama Administration should make sure that this does not happen, its not fair that Hinckley should go free while those that took bullets on that day still have the wounds, an example being Reagan’s Press Secretary. It is just that Hinckley should have the benefits of being free while Reagan’s Press Secretary has to battle each day. This would be national shame if Hinckley was to be freed, why not send him to Cuba, nice prison there from reports.

Arming the Libyan Rebels - Heated Debate in the US

The New York Times: Reports that a heated debate has developed within the Obama Administration about the arming of the Easter Libyan rebels. Well folks this could be very academic if Gaddafi forces destroy the rebels over the next few days, this is not some dusty academic debate, there might not be that much time for President Obama to make a decision or to be marched in to making the right decision by those like Hillary Clinton and his UN Ambassador Susan Rice. One can postulate that there is not enough time to transfer the arms, that revolt in Libya needs boots on the ground, otherwise what is the point. The UK and France might have to decide at the end of the day to get on the ground, this will force POTUS to chose, between supporting his Allies or allowing Gaddafi to stay in power, it can be that simple and brutal folks.

Gaddafi Forces threaten Ajdabiya

Guardian: Reports that Gaddafi forces have reversed the recent success of the Eastern Libyans and are now on the road to Ajdabiya. Thus if the Gaddafi forces take Ajdabiya, the recent Allied attacks in Libyan would have been pointless and worse a waste of money. Lets be clear the Gaddafi forces are second rate if not third rate, but they do have a structure, the rebels are just rebels, it will take months to train them, to create a command structure, thus the argument for troops on the ground, this would end the matter, the Gaddafi forces would get the fact that its OVER, the UK and France would never allow their troops on the ground to lose, even Obama would have no choice, he would have support his Allies, the UK and France, he could not be on the same page as Gaddafi and get re-elected next year. Thus time for the UK and France to call the Obama bluff, even he would not be able to defend not supporting the UK and France on the ground, its brutal politics at the end of the day. The UN resolution 1973 does not prevent a limited boots on the ground operation, the Allies of the willing should send in troops and clear this mess up fast. Otherwise Gaddafi wins and Obama is out in 2012.

The Libyan Front

Telegraph: Reports that the Eastern Libyan rebels have been pushed out of the oil town of Ras Lanuf. This is what you get when you have a limited strategy folks, if not serious and deadly it would be a farce, the rebels advancing and then on the retreat. The Oval Office and No. 10 will have to look at the domestic consequences of this action, while the UK is going through the biggest cuts since World War 2 it is in a second war that has no end. The US is fourteen trillion in debt and is in three Wars, Afghanistan, Iraq and of late Libya. Thus can the Obama, Cameron afford a long war, how can they justify cuts at home if they are spending million every week on Libya, to fight a farcical war in many respects. This blog is calling for limited small scale boots on the ground operation, lets finish off Colonel Gaddafi and allow the Libyan people to elect who they want, its called democracy. Otherwise as Bush 43, Blair and Brown found foreign wars can damage you while in office and be drag on your reputation after you leave office. Lets WIN this if we are going to WIN this WAR.

56% Disapproval Rating for POTUS - Rasmussen

Rasmussen Reports: Has the latest on its daily tracking poll, if your in the Oval don’t look, POTUS has a 56% disapproval rating, while 43% approve of Obama’s job performance. If this trends in to next year or just more milder then POTUS is finished, no way back, the Democrats by mid way through next year will see how its going, if Obama has a chance, they will want him to visit their districts and states, if no chance then Obama will have a very lonely time in the White House, US politics is brutal folks, if Obama is a goner in election terms the Democrats will run for the Hills. At the end of it all POTUS could end up with a nice picture and a big pension and not much else, that’s Democracy folks.

48% Disapproval Rating for POTUS - Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its latest daily tracking poll for the job performance of President Obama, its not good news for the Oval folks, President Obama has a 48% disapproval rating, while 45% approve of the job performance of President Obama. Thus we are heading in to the election cycle for next year folks, on the Presidential Desk at the moment folks there is Libya, Afghanistan till 2014, Iraq till end of the year, then the constant threat from terrorism. Also on the domestic front ObamaCare is under threat from being thrown out by the US Supreme Court. At its most basic folks POTUS has lost that independent vote that got him elected, he needs some or all of them back or he is another Jimmy Carter. The economy has an unemployment rate of 8.9%, those working part time or under employed has the rate at around 16% or more, it can be argued that Wall Street has come back also the banks, but Main Street is in the gutter or just on life support. The problem the President has is simple folks, when he pushed through heath care reform against the will of the US voter he lost their trust, he has not gotten it back yet, the question is can he ever get it back, this blog has its doubts.

Amateur Army vs. the Gaddafi Professional Security Forces

Guardian: Reports that the advancing rebels in Libya have been forced back by the Gaddafi Security forces at the town of Bin Jawad. This is when it gets complicated for the Allies folks, the rebels are now in Gaddafi supporting areas of Libya. The UN resolution called for the protection of the Libyan people from attacks from Colonel Gaddafi, but the rebels have to take the Sirte the birthplace of Colonel Gaddafi before they can support Misrata, the people of Sirte from reports support the Gaddafi regime, thus the rebels are hitting Sirte with weapons that will cause damage and could cause death to the people of Sirte. Thus what do the Allies do, back to boots on the ground folks, a professional Army could go around Sirte and support the rebels in Misrata, this operation could last just a few days if the Allies are willing to go in hard, really hard folks and view the UN Resolution at it’s most liberal. Otherwise this could take weeks, even months, and Gaddafi could regroup and attack the East again, are the Allies going to wait months, modern warfare as shown in Iraq is no support to political leaders. Thus the need for a Max Strategy and to WIN.

Misrata under more ATTACKS

Telegraph: Reports on comments by the UK Coalition PM David Cameron at the Libyan Conference in London, the PM stated that Misrata is under attack form the land and sea. The case of Misrata is why Gaddafi cant be allowed to stay in power, the man is a second division Hitler or Stalin, take your pick. The people of Libya would never be safe with Gaddafi still in power, it can be argued that Gaddafi is waiting the Allies out, he is hoping to get in to an American election cycle, also that the Sovereign debt crisis of Europe will divert the Allies from Libya. Thus Gaddafi has to be taken out, one way or another, in box would be nice.

Arming the Libya Rebels - Libya

Read an alarming report from ABC News that the US might arm the Libyan rebels, the source was the US UN’s Ambassador Susan Rice. This would be a major mistake, the historical case study that it brings to mind is the following, Afghanistan = Cold War = Taliban/Al Qaeda. Lets be clear not against arming the rebels on the whole, but it should be old low grade stuff, nothing that can be turned on a Western Army in the future. The rebels have to be trained and armed, they are not going to overthrow Colonel Gaddafi on their own. The Libyan War is a Civil War, lets make sure that those replace Gaddafi are secular democrats, not religious nuts as occurred in Iran in 1979. If Air power on its own cant take down the Mad Dog then the Allies will have to look again at ground troops, nothing big, but a small professional forces made up of Special Forces from the US, UK and France, they should be used to help the rebels in the Gaddafi supporting areas of Libya. Otherwise folks this conflict could last well in to next year, and next year is a Presidential Election year.

Tripoli under ATTACK - Libya

Mail on Sunday: Reports that Tripoli the capital of Libya is facing another night of Allied Attacks. One can assume that Colonel Gaddafi is working on a plan to hold the West of Libya while the rebels hold the East, but there is a flaw in that plan, the Allies allowing Gaddafi to stay would be seen as a defeat, also there would be the chance that the Mad Dog would return to terrorism and would over time try to get the East back under his control. Thus Gaddafi has to go, one way or another folks, dead would be the perfect end for Gaddafi.

The Bombing of Sirte - Gaddafi’s Birthplace

Telegraph: Reports that the Allies have started to bomb Sirte, the birthplace of Colonel Gaddafi. One gets the impression that the Allies are not interested in a long war, they are rolling up the Gaddafi security forces, thus this blog’s prediction that this War could last days not weeks. The East of Libya is in the hands of the rebels, reports from the rolling news is that Gaddafi is removing his tanks back to the Capital of Tripoli, lets hope this is not a honey trap for the rebels. The nightmare for the Allies would be for this desert war to turn in to a urban war, the Allies would have limited ability to use their planes. But on the whole the strategy of air power is working faster than this blog thought.

The Death of Geraldine Ferraro

This blog was sad to hear the news that Geraldine Ferraro the first woman to run on a National ticket has died. Politics on the national level is still a man’s world, to think that only in 1984 and 2008 have women been on the ticket as the VP nominee, in both cases they lost. In 1984 Geraldine Ferraro was on the ticket with former Carter VP Walter Mondale, the result was not the fault of having a woman on the ticket, the rest was that Reagan/Bush ticket won 49 States and 59% of the vote. A big win folks. To think that it took in till 2008 for a woman to have a serious chance of winning of one of the Parties nomination in the shape of Hillary Clinton. Also it was the Republicans that had a woman VP nominee. One has to respect Geraldine Ferraro for pushing that door open, it has allowed women to think that they can be President. The White House released the following from President Obama, “ Michelle and I were saddened to learn about the passing of Geraldine Ferraro. Geraldine will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers for women, and Americans of all backgrounds and walks of life. Whether it was as a public school teacher, assistant district attorney, Member of Congress, or candidate for Vice President, Geraldine fought to uphold America's founding ideals of equality, justice, and opportunity for all. And as our Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission, she stood up for those ideals around the world. Sasha and Malia will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, John Zaccaro, her children and grandchildren, and their entire family. ” Our thoughts are with the Ferraro family. 　

The Weekend in Libya

The weekend has seen fast moving developments in Libya folks, the rebels have taken Ajdabiya, Brega and Ras Lanf, the air campaign against the Gaddafi forces has been very effective, from the rolling news of BBC and SKY it seems that the rebels have not fired a shot in anger since moving in to Ajdabiya, the question that can be asked is Colonel Gaddafi wanting to lure the rebels to Tripoli, move the combat from the open desert to a urban location. In a urban location the rebels could not count on the support of the Allies, the Allies will not risk the deaths of innocent bystanders, thus it will be down to hand to hand combat on the streets of Tripoli. Of course this would not happen should the Mad Dog Colonel Gaddafi call it a day and leave for exile, or he gets taken out by someone in his regime. The War in Libya if things keep going well, and that’s a big IF, could end in days folks. A net positive for President Obama, NATO and the UN.

The White House on Syria

If not for Japan, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, the protests in Syria would be front page news, but with so many crisis's, the story at best gets second or third level coverage on the TV news, here is the White House angel on Syria by the Press Secretary Jay Carney, “ We strongly condemn the Syrian government’s attempts to repress and intimidate demonstrators, and we are calling for an immediate cease to the violence and killings of civilians at the hands of the Syrian security forces. It’s the same position we’ve taken throughout the region, and we condemn it strongly. We have obviously, as we always do, consulted with our allies in the region. And we urge upon the Syrian government that they pursue a non-violent path, that they pursue political dialogue, because the future of this region depends upon -- the stability and future of this region depends upon the decision by governments to listen to their people, to act on their legitimate aspirations, and to open up their systems so that the people of these countries can have a greater stake in the future of their country and their own futures. So we take the same position with Syria as we’ve taken with others. We also -- you know, we’re also deeply troubled by the arbitrary arrests of human rights activists in Syria, and we urge them to cease that practice, as well. ”. This is all the White House can do, its not going to use its military forces on Syria, even if the Oval was that mad it would drag in Iran a close ally of Syria. Thus expect hundred if not thousands of good Syrians to get killed by the hands of their own government. Its sad but there is nothing the West can do, so sorry to the protesting people of Syria.

Congress and POTUS = Libya

The US Congressional leadership had its face time with POTUS on Libya, its after the event but it should keep the House and Senate happy, the White House readout of the meeting is as follows, “ On March 25, President Obama briefed a bipartisan, bicameral group of Members of Congress on the situation in Libya. The President and his team provided an update on accomplishments to date, including the full transfer of enforcement of the no-fly zone to NATO, and yesterday’s unanimous agreement among NATO allies to direct planning for NATO to assume command and control of the civilian protection component in accordance with UNSCR 1973. Following the briefing, the President answered multiple questions from the Members of Congress. The discussion lasted approximately one hour and took place in the White House Situation Room. ”. The agreed plan by NATO is for NATO countries to do the no fly zone, but for the Allies of the willing, the US, UK and France to bomb the Gaddafi tanks etc, thus the US is still the major player in this conflict whatever the Oval states. As stated this blog supports the action by POTUS, he has the authority as the Commander in Chief, he does not need the nod from Congress, even if they think he does due to the War Powers Act. The question is how does the Libyan War end, thus this my argument for a Max Strategy due to the fact that you win faster, otherwise a limited strategy will takes weeks if not moths, due to training of the rebels in the East. Does Obama still want Gaddafi in power in an election year or for the Libyan conflict to be still going on, Libya just might hand the Oval to the Republicans.

No Message from President Obama = Libya

Guardian: Has an interesting comment piece in the Guardian, as the Guardian is left wing, or liberal in US terms, this comment piece is interesting as it attacks POTUS for his lack of talking to the US voter about the recent US military action in Libya, the commentary as a very stinging end, “ But when you send soldiers off to fight, you have to tell the American people why. I'm just flabbergasted. ”. And folks this is from the left, this blog does not have a problem with POTUS taking action, it was late but he got there at the end, but when you send the US armed forces in to combat you have to get your face on the TV, in first years in office POTUS could not help himself but be on TV everyday, this is the time for a chat from the Oval Office. When Reagan sent in the US Armed Forces in to action in 1983 he didn’t bother with Congress, he had the authority and took action, and Reagan was lucky, when the US returned US citizens to the US, one of them kissed the floor, the Democrats just stopped. In 1984 Reagan won 49 States, and 525 Electoral votes, the highest ever, if Obama wants to re-election he needs as stated in this blog a better PR section of the White House, the elite liberal media will carry him but the US voter does not trust the liberal news media, thus POTUS needs to talk to them, he is behind the curve on this, and voters don’t vote on the academic curve.

RAF and Ajdabiya

Telegraph: Reports on the RAF strikes of Gaddafi Security Forces in the Eastern Libyan town of Ajdabiya. This is helping the rebels, but the real problem is with the urban fighting on the ground, what are the Allies going to do about the snipers and ground troops that Gaddafi has sent in to Ajdabiya and Misrata in the West of Libya. An Air War cant not remove Gaddafi, the Allies and in this case we are talking about the UK and France will have to plan for small scale boots on the ground operation, the Allies cant wait for the rebels in the East to form a proper Army, and to be quite frank this blog could care less what the Arab League thinks about such an operation, in less they will also give troops. In the past the US could have pushed Egypt to take action but that country has it own internal mess to deal with, thus the Allies cant wait forever for the rebels to win, they might not want boots on the ground but they might just have to swallow that harsh pill. This would be small scale operation, no long term occupation, in and out in military terms, get Gaddafi and leave the Libyans to decide their own future. The Allies, the UK and France should not count on POTUS, he is not a real War Leader, he is no JFK or Reagan.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has released the names of the two UK Soldiers that died on Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were “ Major Matthew James Collins and Lance Sergeant Mark Terence Burgan from 1st Battalion Irish Guards ”. Our thoughts are with the families of Major Collins and Lance Sergeant Burgan.

Obama Message - Libya

The Oval needs to look at its process of PR, when the US military is in action it does not need the White House Press Secretary to say something like this about the US action in Libya, “ It is a time-limited, scope-limited military action, in concert with our international partners, with the objective of protecting civilian life in Libya from Muammar Qaddafi and his forces. ”. It sounds like something written by a lawyer, the Oval has to understand its not back at Harvard Law, its in Oval Office, the US voter when it sees the US in action wants a clear message of winning, or securing US objectives, it does not want political correct message when the Armed Forces of the US are in action. If POTUS wants to win in 2012 he needs to fire his Communication Department, have a press secretary that can be original but also have a clear message that might just annoy the NYT.

Portugal = Next to Fall ?

Guardian: Reports that Portugal is expected to ask for economic bailout following in the footsteps of Greece and Ireland. Thus the PIGS are falling folks, the next on the cards and the most troubling is Spain, the EU fund can take care of Portugal but Spain is another matter, at what point does the defence of the Euro become MAD, a political con that no one has the courage to bury, the Euro is killing the weaker economic countries of the EU. If Spain falls then it should be allowed to fall, the UK should not at any cost bailout any more countries. The debt cancer is killing any chance of recovery, sooner or later the cancer has to be seen its whole, and it might be that the UK should allow it to kill the economies of the weaker EU counties, thus the EU could then restart, fresh, this way it’s a death of thousand cuts, good money down the toilet.

NATO at the Helm for Libya

Telegraph Live - Libya: Reports that NATO will take military control of the Libyan operation within forty eight hours. This will take the pressure off the Oval, it can say it is transferring the Command helm to NATO, of course the US is NATO in many respects, thus expect a US Commander to run the operation. Lets hope Libya does not turn in to another Afghanistan, endless with no clear result. It seems that the West is going for a limited strategy when it comes to Libya, thus expect the West to construct an Army in the East of Libya and create a command structure, this will allow the rebels to march on Gaddafi in the West, lets hope the Allies doe not lose any of its Armed Forces due to this plan.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that Two UK Soldiers were killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were from the “ 1st Battalion Irish Guards ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 362 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 318 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

When the WORLD is going to HELL = Give me MY Mad Men Fix!

The New York Times: Reports that the best drama on TV, Mad Men might not come back till 2012. This is not FAIR, its unjust, all men when they grow up want to be Don Draper, all want to date his ex wife Betty, this is not on, it seems it down to that evil thing called MONEY. The World is going to hell in the Middle East, and we loyal fans have to wait till 2012, that’s an election year for God sake, not on, one very unhappy Blog!

46% Disapproval for POTUS - Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its latest job performance poll for President Obama, the Oval has 46% disapproval rating, while 44% approve of the job performance of President Obama. One can argue that with Afghanistan, Iraq, the US voter is very wary of another War, three Wars going on at the same time. The present crisis in Libya has been compared to the first Gulf War, in that War Bush 41 got a UN Resolution but also went back to the US Congress to get them to okay the War, it was close run thing folks. The ghost of Vietnam was used by those against the War. The point is that Bush 41 did get the US Congress to pass a resolution, President Obama just did it off his own back, with some courtesy calls to Congress. The hard left and this is real folks, want to Impeach President Obama, yes there are some mad funny left wingers out there, but lets get back reality, should the US and the UK have to send in ground troops then POTUS will have to go back Congress, but so far on the political front the Oval is safe, at the end of the day the Oval is the Commander in Chief, lets hope the Strategy works folks.

Allies Strike Gaddafi Forces in Misurata - Libya

Telegraph: Reports that the Allies have hit the Western Gaddafi targets near Misurata in the West of Libya. This is good news folks, but what about the Gaddafi security forces in Misurata itself, the Telegraph reports that Gaddafi has snipers killing the innocent people of Misurata, the UN cant win if Gaddafi is still in charge, thus my argument for a Max Strategy when it comes to Libya, the Gaddafi regime is playing out the clock, it wants to get lucky and shoot down a US plane, thus place pressure on the Obama Administration. The Libyan No Fly Zone cant be another Iraq, that lasted over a decade and it took ground troops to get rid of the Iraqi Regime.

Cutting Petrol TAX - 1p & Throwing out Labour TAX Hikes

This is a good news day folks, the hard pressed driver gets a break, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr George Osborne has taken 1p of the cost of petrol, also he has suspended the Labour Escalator till 2015, thus an expected 5p hike has seen a tax cut for the hard pressed driver. Lets be honest folks, the price of petrol is driven by international events, if Saudi Arabia goes up in smoke then expect a mighty hike in petrol prices, but so far this is a good move by the Coalition Government. Grade 10/10 for wise economic moves and political effect, Labour under Ed Miliband didn’t really have a answer, things are looking up for the Coalition.

What about Misrata ?- Libya

Guardian: Reports on the attack on Misrata in the West of Libya by forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi. This is why we need a limited boots on the ground policy folks, the Gaddafi tanks have gotten in to Mistrata and are causing havoc, they could be taken out by Special Forces with the less loss of life to the people of Misrata, this kind of wanton destruction can not be allowed to go on day after day. The Air Attacks by planes or drones should take out the Gaddafi tanks, what is the point of the UN if does not save lives.

The FOG of War - Libya

Telegraph: Reports that while recovering US pilots whose plane went down in Libya due to mechanical failure the US shot innocent bystanders in the process. That is the problem with the War in Libya, and it’s a War folks, the Gaddafi or Rebel side don’t wear Western uniforms, so when your plane is shot down over Libya your not going to be sure who turns up, the Rebels to help you or the Gaddafi forces to beat you up and parade you on TV aka Iraq. This is why we need a Max Strategy folks, quick win, or we will have more of these cases. In the fog war it is about survival at the end of the day.

Maximum Strategy and Limited Strategy - Libya

Thus folks we have had a few days of Air bombing of Gaddafi’s security structure, it seems on the whole that the rebels have control of Benghazi but there have been reports that the Gaddafi security forces have not been totally removed. The question is what are the Allies going to about Misrata and Zintan in the West of Libya, these locations have come under attack from the security forces of Gaddafi, so far no reports that the Allies have taken out tanks and heavy artillery in these locations. The question that has to be asked what is the PLAN, a maximum plan would see the removal of Colonel Gaddafi, with air and limited boots on the ground, a much limited plan would see the break up of Libya, the West would come under the control of Gaddafi while the East would be in the hands of the rebels. If this is the plan its going to take time, the rebels are not an Army, they will have to be trained and a command structure created, who is going to train them, Egypt has its own mess at the moment, thus will it be the UK and France. Do the voters in these countries with the present economic crisis want to spend money on a Civil War in many respects. Thus after the new Libyan Army is trained they will be sent in to combat against Gaddafi, they will need air cover from the Allies, thus another long and bloody War. Thus one has to asked what is better Max Strategy or Limited Strategy, it can be argued that a MAX strategy is the best option, air power combined with troops on the ground, quick win and good PR, all WARS these days is about PR in some respects. Lets recall as the UK Defence Secretary stated this morning that the UK is in Afghanistan, we have around ten thousand troops in action, thus it can be argued the UK should go in for a quick win, a limited war could be more costly in the long run. Quite interesting have not mentioned the US, interesting days folks.

Spinning Clinton vs. Obama

The New York Times: Has an interesting article how POTUS was pushed in to supporting tougher action on Libya, Secretary Clinton was a prime mover in the operation. This is a good article if your Secretary Clinton, not so good if your POTUS, it gives the impression that Secretary Clinton was hawkish and that she had to lead President Obama to see the light. If your in the Obama Court you will see this article as a swipe at a weak leader, who had to be lead to War, rather than a leader that takes command from the start. Lets recall there is a direct historical case study when it comes to Libya, that is Reagan, liberals want to see Obama as a Liberal Reagan, but Reagan was real leader, while POTUS gives the impression that he has to be marched in to doing the right thing by the UK, France and Hillary Clinton, does not help in 2012 folks.

The End for Colonel Gaddafi ?

Guardian: Has an interesting analytical piece on how the crisis is Libya has become personal between Western Leaders and Colonel Gaddafi, the article states the following, “ The US and its allies will not relent until they "get Gaddafi" and their nemesis is captured, jailed or dead. ”. This folks has to be the result, POTUS cant go in to an election year with Gaddafi still in Libya, the Republicans would say that he was weak and that he had to be forced in to taking action by the French of all people, the US voter does not re-elected weak leaders, go ask Jimmy Carter how he feels without having to justify his one term in office since 1981. As this military action has been approved by the UN, it’s the best chance to get Gaddafi, it has from the left point a view the holy writ of the UN Security Council, not something Iraq had in 2003. Thus for President Obama, PM Cameron etc this is personal, this shows them as world leaders, also it gets the French off the hook off being not trusted by either the US or the UK in a time of crisis. The Air operation should be given a few days, even weeks but if it does not work then the SAS, SBS, US Special Forces have to be sent it, behind the lines to destroy the Gaddafi armed forces. This is a fight to the death folks, and it can only be the head of Colonel Gaddafi on a pike.

Libyan Front Line

Telegraph Live: Reports that the US has stated that the Allied Air attacks on Libya have stopped the military advance of Colonel Gaddafi on Benghazi. It seems from BBC reports via the newswires that the people of Benghazi as still being killed and other towns and cities in under rebel control are coming under attack from the security forces of Gaddafi. This blog is happy about the US, UK, France, and other Allies have finally got going but at the end of the day there will have to be ground troops, the Gaddafi forces are nothing when compared to those of NATO, thus it can not be allowed to take weeks or months, in less the Air power gets a lucky shot and takes out Gaddafi the military planners will have to get ready a plan for a small scale troops on the ground operation. This is the next logical step folks, in less Gaddafi does a runner, and the air power does not get lucky, the Gaddafi regime can not be allowed to stay in power, the UN would take a hit and the political leaders would look like they took half measures, lets finish this folks.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the British Soldier that died on Friday in the UK of wounds sustained in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Private Daniel Steven Prior, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Private Prior.

New Labour Campbell on Cameron

Alastair Campbell ‘s Blog: The most hated man in the UK ( self described on Question Time ) has some nice words for Coalition PM David Cameron, “ …it seems fair to point out how well he has done with regard to Libya in the last few days. ”. When it comes to Libya this blog had Libya as the line in the sand for this Coalition Government, this blog has defend the Coalition on many fronts, but if the Coalition had not taken its tough stand this blog would have deserted the Coalition and the Conservative Party under David Cameron. It made this blog proud to be from the UK to see PM Cameron pushing for a no fly zone weeks before the UN resolution, also the Coalition achieved what Tony Blair failed to do, it got the UN to in essence sanction regime change, the Allies have to get Gaddafi out. Lets be clear this blog supported the Iraq War, but since the failure in post war planning for Iraq and the UK getting chucked out of Basra for a second time this blog had move to being critical of Tony Blair when it comes to Iraq and his spin chief the above Alastair Campbell. The UK it seem has one of the leadership roles with France when it comes to Libya, thus Gaddafi should be leave or be buried in Libya, after his removal the people of Libya should have the right to develop their own system of government. Good luck to the RAF.

Obama on Libya = Terms NOT Negotiable

Guardian: Reports that President Obama has stated tough terms for Libya, and that they are not negotiable. The hardest demand for Libya is that Gaddafi’s forces removes themselves from the rebel towns, in other words give up control of most of the major cities of Libya. This statement from President Obama was tough, his lack of wanting to leadership was worrying, does not help with the Presidential Image, and its an election year next year. Lets be clear at the end of this crisis Colonel Gaddafi can not still be the leader of Libya, that outcome would undermine the UN and the West. Thus its time for Obama, Cameron etc to finish this nut once and for all, finish what Reagan started in the mid 80s.

What Ceasefire - Libya

Telegraph: Reports that the security forces of Colonel Gaddafi are stilling using violence against the opposition in the West and East of Libya. The Allies this time have to finish it in Libya, one can postulate that Gaddafi will play PR games, declare a ceasefire then carry on with the violence, the Allies should just ignore the nut, the airpower of the Allies with special forces should be enough to finish off the Gaddafi regime within a week, destroy Gaddafi’s tanks, also prevent Gaddafi from using his planes and helicopters, make it clear that Gaddafi has a choice, leave Libya or be buried there, that should be the only choice, no if, buts or any wiggle room.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier has died today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 360 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 316 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

The UN vs. Colonel Gaddafi

Thus on Thursday night the UN showed it was not another League of Nations by passing UN Resolution 1973, this will allow the West with its Arab allies to protect the people of West and East Libya from the security forces of Colonel Gaddafi, it will be interesting in the hours and days ahead to see what the Allies, in this case the US, UK, France do about Gaddafi, the Oval has talked to London and Paris, the Allies as stated by the White House want the following, “ …The leaders agreed that Libya must immediately comply with all terms of the resolution and that violence against the civilian population of Libya must cease. The leaders agreed to coordinate closely on next steps, and to continue working with Arab and other international partners to ensure the enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions on Libya. ” This in pure political terms in the best time to get rid of Colonel Gaddafi, not to play about him, no more talks, just give him a deadline to get his backside out of Libya or face the combined air power of the Allies and the destruction of the Gaddafi Regime. It seems Obama has gone beyond his ego, one could argue that he has been forced to by the UK and France, if POTUS plays he his cards right he can make sure that he gets re-elected in 2012 by taking the political scalp of the mad dog himself, Colonel Gaddafi.

Two Words = Leave Tokyo

The Daily Mail: Reports that the UK Foreign Office is advising UK Subjects to leave Tokyo. One has been watching the TV news from Japan and getting more depressed by the day, between the Earthquake, Tsunami and now the from various reports of the failure to contain the nuclear accident at Fukushima one has to ask how much more can Japan take, if its true that the Government of Japan has been less than candid with its people and the other powers then one has to expect the worse, could Tokyo become a no go zone, think about this folks, lets be brutal here, we are not talking about a third world power, we are talking about an economic superpower, if Japan goes down the drain the world will follow. One can only hope that the West is overreacting and that the Tokyo has been totally honest, one’s prays are with the people of Japan at this moment of great grief. Poor Japan.

Bahrain cracks down on Protests

Guardian: Reports that the security forces of Bahrain have set about to finish the weeks of protest in the Kingdom by the Shiite majority. Lets be honest here folks, lets hope they do it quick and hard, this blog’s main concern is US and UK interest, its not in the interest of the West for Iran to have a satellite country on the border with Saudi Arabia. This might sound odd considering this blog’s argument for a No Fly Zone over Libya. But there is a fundamental difference folks, the good people of Libya want freedom, thus on the whole not against UK and US interests, on the other hand the majority of Shiites in Bahrain might want freedom but the cost would be a even more powerful Iran. A threat to the borders of Saudi Arabia is a threat to the Western economy, lets recall the 1970s oil crisis, do you want to wait in line for oil due to an embargo from Iran. Thus folks International Politics is a harsh business, you have to live with the consequences, thus a free Libya YES, but a Western supportive country in Bahrain is what is in the interests of the West. Harsh and simple folks, this blog never hides from the harsh truth of the world.

The Death Agony of Benghazi ?

Telegraph: Reports that the Gaddafi Regime has predicted that Benghazi will be under its control in 48 hours. Thus lets see folks who gets to Benghazi first, will the security forces of Colonel Gaddafi break the revolution or will the UN pass a No Fly Zone over Libya. The rebels are fighting for freedom, and the UN is having endless discussions, where is the most powerful man in the world, it seems that President Obama is playing Golf these days. If and it’s a BIG IF folks the UN does pass the resolution who is going to fly the planes, will it be left to the UK and France, or will the political pressure in the US force Obama to act, one can almost predict that the UN will pass a no fly zone but it will be to late, the Gaddafi forces will be in Benghazi and it will be Bosnia all over again, Clinton and now Obama, why are Democratic Presidents so weak and feeble. One has to feel sorry for the poor people of Benghazi, all they wanted was freedom, and all they got was death due to the weakness of the West in the shape of the UN and the US.

When WORDS mean NOTHING - President Obama and Libya

President Obama’s National Security Team has discussed the crisis in Libya, the White House statement states the following, “ …the President and his national security team reviewed the situation in Libya and options to increase pressure on Gaddafi. In particular, the conversation focused on efforts at the United Nations and potential UN Security Council actions, as well as ongoing consultations with Arab and European partners. The President instructed his team to continue to fully engage in the discussions at the United Nations, NATO and with partners and organizations in the region. ” In the Obama Administration we are seeing another Jimmy Carter, the lack of real military response to the violence does recall the miserable period of the Carter years. In President Obama we see a President who thinks that the US is a yesterday Superpower. That can be the only reason that POTUS has not take action, in this case we can look at a previous President and his action towards Libya, in this case its Ronald Reagan, when Libya was found to have supported terrorism that effected the US, Reagan sent in the airplanes to hit Gaddafi hard, it did the trick for a while, the only mistake that Reagan made was not to send in a second wave of planes to take Gaddafi out. It says something that the leaders for a new tough UN resolution against Libya is the UK and France, old Europe is seeking back its Crown, while the US is looking at its post imperial decline in many respects, a weak leader in President Obama, a War in Afghanistan that can never be won, a debt of 14 trillion. The question is will the US find another Reagan or will President Obama get re-elected in 2012.

The Last Stand in Libya = Benghazi

Guardian: Reports that Colonel Gaddafi has an open road to the rebel HQ of Benghazi. If President Obama loses next year folks it will be down to Libya, Democrats never do well in National Security but the Republicans will make POTUS live and breath Libya. It can be postulated that the Colonel Gaddafi will use his air power and heavy military equipment to route the opposition and then slaughter all those that took arms against him, the blood for the forthcoming massacre will be on the hands of one man, that is President Obama, he has allowed his ego to decide Foreign Policy, just because for a short time he was bought up a Muslim country does not make him expert on the issue, quite the reverse in some respects, cant see beyond his own liberal point of view. One can see the UN passing a No Fly Zone after the slaughter of the people of Benghazi. This was a great chance in Libya for the West to support freedom but Obama built his career on being opposed to Iraq, thus he was fighting the wrong war and the good people are going to die for the ego of a President.

Bahrain on the Brink - Civil War?

Telegraph: Reports that the King of Bahrain after requesting military aid from Saudi Arabia has declared a three month national emergency. The internal conflict in Bahrain is a proxy war between the more powerful Saudi Arabia which is Sunni while its adversary Iran is Persian and Shia. In the last few years Iran has built up its power base in the Middle East, this is seen as a threat by SA. As Bahrain is majority Shia while the Monarchy is Sunni the Government of SA does not want a satellite of Iran on his border, also that border on the SA side is the location of the minority SA Shias. Thus while the world is looking at Japan, SA and Libya and taking military actions that would be leading the TV news and newspaper coverage. The Oval in its heart of hearts must hope that protesters are suppressed quick in Bahrain and that the news coverage is limited, its awkward for POTUS, how can he be strong on Libya if a close ally is following in his footsteps.

New UN Resolution in Libya?

Guardian: Reports that the UK, France and Lebanon will try to get a No Fly Zone resolution passed by the UN Security Council. Lets see what Russia and China do folks, if they veto then what, do nothing and see Gaddafi win or take action and have some on the left up in arms over the lack of a UN resolution. This is the ultimate test for the UN folks in the 21 Century, a World body that can do some good or a hot air talking shop.

Obama Re-Elect of 2012

Rasmussen Reports: Has its latest daily tracking poll of likely voters, the numbers are not great for the Obama White House, President Obama has a 44% Approval rating, while 56% disapprove of the President’s job performance. This is not good for POTUS, the Obama White House has the following problems, the sluggish economy, with an unemployment rate of around 8.9% but double that if you think of those working part time or in jobs that are well below the educational level of the worker. On the international front you have the following problems, Afghanistan will be an open sore in till the planned exit of 2014, Iraq has an agreement for 2011 leaving date, lets see if that happens, the terror landscape seems on a low burner, but that can change in a second. The present real problem is Libya, the freedom surge in the North Africa and the Middle East could fail in Libya. The brutal use of his armed forces by Colonel Gaddafi will show to other dictators in the area that the West will not react should governments start to kill their own people. Given the crisis in Japan, the near civil war in Libya, the Kingdom of Bahrain has requested military assistance from its Sunni neighbour Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Bahrain is population wise is split between Sunni and Shia, the Shia are the majority, but they don’t have any political power, with the recent demands of freedom in the region the Kingdom has seen a break out of violence between the Government and Shia groups, lets recall the US 5th Fleet is stationed in Bahrain, thus the US wants to keep the place calm, thus the request by Bahrain for Saudi Arabia to send in troops will cause some unease in the Oval but after Libya POTUS cant be seen to throw an ally under the bus when he has been slow over Libya. The one positive for the West, and in this case Western interests is that the media is all over Japan, thus the Kingdom can take some brutal action and there will be no TV cameras to report the story. Thus both Libya and Bahrain are in some respects a news blackout.

Libya and Japan - TV Coverage

There is one person that is happy about the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and the affects on the nuclear facilities, that one person is Colonel Gaddafi, while the TV coverage has moved from the battlefront of East Libya to Japan, the security forces of Colonel Gaddafi have gone in for the kill. The Obama Administration has sent the USS Reagan down to Japan to help with the crisis, while it has dithered about Libya. The 24/7 news cycle cant cope with two major stories, at least in Japan no one is shooting at the reporters or bombing them, a War Zone is risky, this has been shown by the rough treatment of Reports by the Gaddafi regime. While the World looks at the crisis in Japan the Gaddafi Regime is taking its chance to act, the UN is a busted flush, China or Russia will veto any No Fly Zone, so much for a restart between the relationship between the US and Russia. Thus as the days and weeks go past and the TV news looks back at Libya it will find a country under the rule of Colonel Gaddafi and the slaughter of the rebels, and those that comment on news will ask why did the West let it happen again?

Crisis Point - Libya

Telegraph: Reports that UK Foreign Secretary Mr William Hague has stated that the World community has reached the point of decision when it comes to the crisis is Libya, do they support the rebels or allow Gaddafi to win. In less President Obama has a change of heart one has to feel sorry for the rebels in the East of Libya, in less they are supplied with weapons and a No Fly Zone they are dead, its that brutal folks. It is easy to send the 7th Fleet to Japan, that is the natural thing to do in such a crisis, but in the case of Libya it takes Presidential leadership, to take a political risk, Obama ego seems to matter more that the lives of the rebels in the East. God help the rebels in East Libya, the Nobel Prize winning President wont save your lives, he is no Reagan.

No Fly Zone and the Obama Administration

Well folks the Gaddafi Regime is going to win, they have the planes, artillery, soldiers and tanks, thus far after the Arab League called for a No Fly Zone, here is the very short statement from the cowardly Obama Administration, “ We welcome this important step by the Arab League, which strengthens the international pressure on Gaddafi and support for the Libyan people. The international community is unified in sending a clear message that the violence in Libya must stop, and that the Gaddafi regime must be held accountable. The United States will continue to advance our efforts to pressure Gaddafi, to support the Libyan opposition, and to prepare for all contingencies, in close coordination with our international partners. ” The Obama Administration cant even bring itself to say No Fly Zone, many innocent people are going to get slaughtered in the East of Libya after a Gaddafi victory. Lets hope the West has the decency to help those that want to leave or planes or ships, that the least NATO can do, will the Germans or EU veto that, they would not want to upset the Mad Dog himself Colonel Gaddafi.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that was killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lance Corporal McKee from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Lance Corporal McKee.

Appeasement and the EU

Guardian: Reports on the failure of the EU to support a UK and French plan for a No Fly Zone in Libya, the article states the following on the EU meeting, “… ghosts from the 1990s of division, appeasement, and impotence when Europe failed to halt the fighting in former Yugoslavia. ”. It seems EU leaders never learn from history, the people of Libya want freedom and they will be killed for wanting such a right, the UK and France should show up these weak appeasers, use their own military might in enforece a No Fly Zone, make EU look weak, really show up Germany as toothles, at this rate Gaddafi will win and Iran will get the bomb and the world will be in a lot more dangerous place, Israel will see from a weak EU and White House that for its own defence it will have to strike the nuclear facilites of Iran, the rest of the world has learned nohting from the tradgegy of Bosnia in the 1990s. In one way it’s the fault of former UK PM Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush, the world is afraid to take action after the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but at least these leaders stood up, the Coalition PM David Cameron has tried but he has been let down by a weak Obama Administration and toothless EU.

The US Secret Service and Ronald Reagan

Telegraph: Reports that the US Secret Service Radio communicatoin at the time of the Ronald Reagan assassination attempt has been released after thirty years. This is an important piece of historical material folks, 1981 was the year of assassination attempts, in Egypt, Rome and Washington. Its one of the great Ifs of history if Reagan had died that March day in 1981 would the USSR still be around, would Eastern Europe still be under the control of Moscow, would the US have won the Cold War. One can argue and this blog does argue that without Reagan the world would have been a very different place, there would have been no President Gorbachev, the selection of Gorbachev as General Secretary was based on the need to counter Reagan, thus with no Reagan and Gorbachev no end of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall would still be up, Eastern Europe would be under the control of Moscow, the freedom of 1989 would have been a dream. Thus thank God that Reagan survived, the world owes much to this great President.

The Force of Mother Nature - Japan

The formidable power of mother nature was shown today in Japan, the destructive power that man has yet to master, the US through President Obama has stated the following, “ "Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan, particularly those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake and tsunamis. The United States stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of great trial. The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakeable, and only strengthens our resolve to stand with the people of Japan as they overcome this tragedy. We will continue to closely monitor tsunamis around Japan and the Pacific going forward and we are asking all our citizens in the affected region to listen to their state and local officials as I have instructed FEMA to be ready to assist Hawaii and the rest of the US states and territories that could be affected." The messages of sympathy have also come from the UK and around the World. Lets us pray for Japan in its our of need, lets consider those that died today, those who have survived but lost everything, lets us be awed by the power of nature herself.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 359 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 315 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Iran and Afghanistan

Guardian: Reports that UK Special Forces have prevented Iran from supplying the Taliban of Afghanistan with long range rockets. Lets be clear here folks, Iran is a major national security threat, the Regime in Tehran wants to divert attention from its own protests by causing military problems for the US and the UK in Afghanistan. The Taliban have an end date for the US and UK to leave, they want the appearance they beat the West in the shape of the US and the UK, thus NATO can expect even more heavy attacks on soldiers over the next few years. Its time to remind Tehran that the UK can hit back hard, time to send in the SAS and the SBS to inflict heavy damage on the economy of Iran, blow up oil wells etc, just to get them to back off, or expect something more serious should they give more weapons to the Taliban.

Liberal NYT turns on Obama

The New York Times: The liberal bastion is turning on President Obama, in a blistering Editorial the NYT states the following on Obama and Libya, “…throwing out so many conflicting messages….that they are blunting any potential pressure..…. and weakening American credibility. ……..public hand-wringing has made it even worse. ”. When the old liberal giant in the shape of the New York Times is coming out against the Oval its time for President Obama to look beyond his own ego. The NYT understands that a Democratic President Jimmy Carter was bought drown by the appereance of weakness over the Iran hostages crisis. As with President Obama, Carter faced a bad economy but its was the impotence of a Super Power when faced by a crisis in the Middle East that bought down the Carter Administration and the election of Ronald Reagan. The talk out of the White House is that President thinks he is an expert on Foreign Policy, that delusion normally takes place in the second term, Obama thinks that he understands Revolutions and he is an expert on the Middle East. The President was a Law Instructor folks not a Professor, last time this blog looked he didn’t do Foreign Policy while a community organizer, Obama is allowing his own arrogance to lead his Administration over a cliff. As this blog warned once you allow Gaddafi to settle things down the chance to get rid of this mad dog terrorists would be lost, he has now using airplanes, tanks, and from reports heavy artillery to wipe out the opposition in Zawiyah in Western Libya and might have pushed the rebels out of Ras Lanuf in the East ( reports wary on control of these towns ). The West in the shape of US and UK has shown NO backbone when dealing with Gaddafi and his killing of his own people. Lets be clear, and honest here folks, the US and UK could take out Gaddafi in a week or less, air power and special forces could cut the throat of the Gaddafi regime, its just needs for the word to be given, the lack of that order shows how unfit POTUS is to be Commandering in Chief of the US Armed Forces, as with the case with Coalition PM David Cameron, he has had strong rhetoric but could not be matched by real action, the UN is pointless. Thus the West has learnt nothing from Bosnia in the 1990s, how many good Libyans will die due to the arrogance of Obama and the inexperiecne of Cameron.

Gaddafi to FIGHT No Fly Zone

Telegraph: Reports that Colonel Gaddafi has stated he will fight any No Fly Zone over Libya. At this rate he will died in his bed of old age before the West takes action, it time to for POTUS and PM Cameron to put up or shut up when it comes to Libya. Either show leadership or show cowardly weakness in the face of the enemy.

Obama, Cameron on Libya

Thus far President Obama and PM David Cameron seem to have gone to the same school as UK PM Neville Chamberlain, they are giving the impression of Appeasement when it comes to the Libyan revolt, they have allowed the Mad Dog Colonel Gaddafi back in to the game, the Gaddafi game is to call the bluff of the West, the last time he got it wrong was with Ronald Reagan, it was a costly mistake. The White House has released a read out of the conversation between POTUS and the PM, the leaders agree that, “ the common objective in Libya must be an immediate end to brutality and violence; the departure of Qadhafi from power as quickly as possible; and a transition that meets the Libyan peoples’ aspirations for freedom, dignity, and a representative government. The President and the Prime Minister agreed to press forward with planning, including at NATO, on the full spectrum of possible responses, including surveillance, humanitarian assistance, enforcement of the arms embargo, and a no fly zone. ”, thus far all we have had from the Oval and 10 Downing Street is hot air and no action and people are getting killed in the West and East of Libya. In the UK one is hearing the typical Foreign Office, that it’s a slippery slope to take action in the internal affairs of other countries, that time is needed, in other words by the time the FCO gets off its backside Gaddafi will have won and thousands of people will been slaughtered. This is the 1st real test for Obama, he did not inherit Libya, he cant blame Bush 43, if it goes wrong its down to him, no else, his ego cant match the battles on the ground. In the case of David Cameron he is getting that Blair itch to take action, even after being critical of Blair Foreign Policy. The West does not have all the time in the world, if Gaddafi with his planes, helicopters, and security forces can suppress this revolt it will be down to the feeble and cowardly inaction of the Oval and 10 Downing Street. Doing the right thing is hard, the UN is a busted flush, China and Russia will never agree to a No Fly Zone, it could be used on them later! Thus time for the successor to Ronald Reagan and Lady Thatcher to learn from these leaders and take action, history will judge them harshly should they fail.

No Fly Zone and NATO

Guardian: Reports that the UK and France have produced a draft UN Resolution that would place No Fly Zone over Libya, the resolution faces a veto from Russia and China. This is the central problem of the UN, its nice place for a talking shop but the last time it was of any use was during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, and that was a PR stunt by the Kennedy Administration. At the end of the day the decision is down to the Oval Office, does President Obama have the stomach to be the leader of the last Super Power. Thus far with many thousands being killed in Libya the Oval has had tough words but it could just be hot air without any real action, thus will Obama give the word and have a No Fly Zone, if yes he gets re-elected in 2012, if no it could be another Bush 44 as in Jeb Bush.

The Destruction of Zawiyah by Gaddafi Forces

Telegraph: Reports on the destruction of the Libyan City of Zawiyah by Security Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi, the Gaddafi Forces have used tanks, airplanes to fight the lightly armed rebels. One has to tip the hat to the brave rebels in Zawiyah, they are holding out against brutal power, the use of tanks and air power against one’s own people is a war crime, lets hope the images from Zawiyah force the UN to grant a No Fly Zone and NATO approves a No Road Zone to protect the rebels, otherwise the rebels face being wiped out. This is a battle to the death, there can only be one winner, the loser gets killed.

Terror Trials and the Obama Administration

Well folks it has taken two and half years but President Obama is to return to the Bush 43 policy of holding terrorism trials at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The President in a written statement has stated the following, “ From the beginning of my Administration, the United States has worked to bring terrorists to justice consistent with our commitment to protect the American people and uphold our values. Today, I am announcing several steps that broaden our ability to bring terrorists to justice, provide oversight for our actions, and ensure the humane treatment of detainees. I strongly believe that the American system of justice is a key part of our arsenal in the war against al Qaeda and its affiliates, and we will continue to draw on all aspects of our justice system – including Article III Courts – to ensure that our security and our values are strengthened. Going forward, all branches of government have a responsibility to come together to forge a strong and durable approach to defend our nation and the values that define who we are as a nation ”. The liberal left wing will go bonkers, will be curious to see how the Liberal New York Times deals with the story and the other left wing media in the US. Lets get these trials going, get these people convicted and executed.

Surveillance Flights over Libya

CNN: Reports that NATO is to fly surveillance flights 24/7 over Libya. Is the Oval being tricky, will the surveillance flights be by planes or from space by Spy satellites, if by planes it’s a ruse, its an attempt by NATO to get forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi to shoot at these planes and then for these planes to fire back if they are being locked on by radar, very Iraq. Why cant President Obama just say that he is placing a No Fly Zone or a No Road Zone in Libya and force Gaddafi out that way, this is just a game of chicken. It will take time and people are getting killed right NOW. The Harvard Law Professor needs to get the fact that International Politics is not a Harvard Law Seminar, it’s a lot more tricky than the Law.

Obama asks for Weapons for Libya = Saudi Arabia

Daily Mail: Reports that the Obama Administration has requested that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supply rebels in Libya with weapons as to fight Colonel Gaddafi. This is an interesting move by President Obama, if SA agrees then Obama will owe SA in major favour, also it will place SA off limits to US critical comments on its lack of reforms. This is a major request by the Oval, lets hope Obama has seen the major flaws in this policy. The reformers in SA will claim that the Oval is in the pocket of SA. It will be a story used by Colonel Gaddafi as to show that the West in behind the revolt, and it could all go wrong, the Mad Dog could suppress the revolt, SA could have major protesters and Obama would face a major negative reaction from the Middle East.

Political Pressure on Obama = Libya

Guardian: Reports on the political pressure in the US for President Obama to take military action in Libya to overthrow Colonel Gaddafi. In pure political terms this could be a major win for the Oval, take out Colonel Gaddafi, show the World that President Obama has some backbone and almost make sure that the Obama re-election committee has a easy job in 2012. It comes down to this folks, if President Obama takes action over Libya he wins in 2012, if he does not he is another Jimmy Carter. That is the brutal political choice folks, the US voter wants a strong President, a President that will take action even if the Russians are not happy, in fact if the Russians are not happy that is a major bonus, if you add the French its get the drinks out time, its Party time, the election is a formality. Lets take if for granted that the CIA has some knowledge of the location of Colonel Gaddafi, well all POTUS has to do is do a Reagan, send in waves of planes to take the Mad Dog OUT.

NATO Military Options = Libya

Telegraph: Reports on recent comments by President Obama that NATO is looking at military options when it comes to the revolt in Libya. At last tough words from the Oval, it has taken its time but the threat to Colonel Gaddafi is clear, the problem is that the Mad Dog of Libya is going to call the bluff of the Obama White House, the next question is what will President Obama do, will he really be a Bush 43 like President and take action that is not given the green light by the UN. Lets wait and see folks, finally a good start but can President Obama follow through.

53% Disapproval for POTUS - Rasmussen

Rasmussen Reports: Here is the latest daily tracking poll from Rasmussen folks, it should be noted that the Rasmussen poll is based on likely voters. In the poll POTUS has a 53% disapproval rating for his job performance, while 46% approve of President Obama’s job performance. If your running the re-election Campaign this is not good news, but its early, lets look at the negatives that the President faces, the unemployment rate as of today is 8.9, this is down which helps the Obama push for re-election, but its still high folks, also the President has the problem of ObamaCare, he unlike Bill Clinton will have to defend it through 2012, also up coming we have the following international problems, Libya, Afghanistan and Iran, any of the above could sink Obama in 2012. All the hot rhetoric out of President Obama on Libya has not been backed up by action, thus he is seen as weak by Colonel Gaddafi and the regime in Tehran. The War in Afghanistan is not going well, more like World War One and the Trenches, no great push seems to work, as to Iran, that is the hot issue, if and when Iran goes nuclear the game changes in the Middle East, Israel could take military action, that could lead to a regional War. Thus there are many factors that could lead to Obama losing in 2012, its not a sure bet he will lose but this blog still keeps to its prediction that Obama will lose by 48/49 States.

Zawiyah LAST STAND

Guardian: Reports on a last stand by rebels in the City of Zawiyah. If these brave rebels get wiped out it’s the fault of the West, in the shape of the US and the UK, a lot of harsh words out of President Obama and PM Cameron but no action, does recall the example followed by Bush 41 in Southern Iraq after the first Gulf War. This is the time for the Oval and 10 Downing Street to show that words have meaning, that the West will not allow a terrorist such as Gaddafi to kill his own people.

Deaths in Zawiyah - Libyan Revolt

Telegraph: Reports that Security Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi have killed thirty rebels in the City of Zawiyah. The Gaddafi security forces range from tanks ,artillery to fixed wing planes, they will kill hundred even thousands on top of the thousands killed already if the West does not take action, can President Obama afford to be seen as weak, the actions of POTUS are being looked at by the regime in Tehran, they think Obama is weak already, he cant afford for Iran to believe he is an Chamberlain Appeaser. At what point will Obama get the fact that the UN is a busted flush, it’s a talking shop, nothing more, if Obama does not learnt that fact he will be seen as worse that Jimmy Carter, he will be seen as Chamberlain Mark 2.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the British Soldier that was killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker, from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Lance Corporal Tasker.

Gharyan, Sabratha retaken by Colonel Gaddafi

Daily Mail: Reports that Security Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi have retaken the towns of Gharyan, Sabratha, these towns are close to the Capitol of Tripoli. The more time that Colonel Gaddafi can hang on the more time he gets to get back in to the game, the Opposition are starting to call for a No Fly Zone, but they also need food and weapons, how can the opposition fight Colonel Gaddafi if he using fixed wing planes. The US and the UK cant wait to long, otherwise they might find that the Colonel has used chemical weapons on his people, and the opposition has been destroyed. Wake UP West.

US Warships Close to Libya

Telegraph: Reports that two US warships, the USS Kearsarge and the USS Ponce are now close to Libya, the articles states that these ships are carrying marines and equipment. They could be carrying King Kong, its what they do with this force that counts, will the US announce in partnership with the UK a No Fly Zone and a No Road Zone, otherwise its ALL talk and good people will be killed in Libya. It time for action from the West or to shut up and leave Libya to its fate. What will it be President Obama and PM Cameron. ? Do you have the leadership abilities of President Reagan and Lady Thatcher or are you two the modern Neville Chamberlains.

Counter Attack by Gaddafi Forces - Eastern Libya

BBC News: Reports on a counter attack by Security Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi, it seems from conflicting reports that the Forces had taken the Eastern town of Brega, but later pushed out of the town by the opposition. This is the problem faced by the West in the shape of the Obama Administration and the UK PM David Cameron, they cant allow Colonel Gaddafi to get back in to the game, it would be a political disaster of Category 1 standard for Colonel Gaddafi to have the ability to crush the rebellion in the East, the UN, EU, President Obama and PM David Cameron would look weak and pathetic, they would have lost the chance to get rid of a major rogue leader and terrorist. The message to Iran would be simple, you can KILL your own people and the West is weak, it wont take action, hot words and nothing else, this could in many ways break the UN, another League of Nations.

Gaddafi’s Forces Thwarted = Zawiya

Daily Mail: Reports that Rebels in the City of Zawiya have thwarted a counter attack by the military forces of Colonel Gaddafi. As with discussion on a No Fly Zone the West should look at a No Road Zone, in other words, the military forces of Colonel Gaddafi should be frozen under a threat that they will be attacked if they start any military attacks on Cities held by the opposition. At the end of the day the US and the UK without UN approval might have to send in ground troops and throw Gaddafi out, otherwise this crisis could last weeks or even months and would allow Colonel Gaddafi back in to the game, that would be a disaster for Libya, it could cost the lives of many of the Citizens of Libya, its time for the West to do the right thing, and take action.

Protecting the Libyan People and the Coalition Government

Telegraph: Reports on the planning of a No Fly Zone by the UK Coalition PM David Cameron. It seems that the UN is a dud when it comes to getting a No Fly Zone resolution, thus as with the Iraq it will have to be those of the willing. Lets hope the UK, US can protect the Cities held by the opposition in the West and East of Libya and prevent ground counter attacks by the Mad Dog himself Colonel Gaddafi. The rebels don’t have the fire power by themselves to overthrow the Colonel, the West in the shape of the UK and the US will have to add their elbows to the final push, lets hope Libya does not turn in to another Afghanistan.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ Royal Army Veterinary Corps ”. Thus since 2001 the UK as lost 358 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 314 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.