NEVER TRUST the Russian Bear - Ukraine Crisis

Telegraph: Reports " Fears of massacre after accusations Russians reneged on safe passage for rebels..Ukrainian forces said pro-Putin forces went back on a promise to allow them to leave encircled town "

Lets Get Real:

There is a high chance that there will be a full scale war between the Ukraine and Russia, this is of course what Russia wants,  any fight between the two will be a one sided affair, a total Russia invasion would see Kiev under Moscow control with a few hours or days.   That is not the question, the question is what will the West do then, it will have to increase NATO troops in the Baltics and Poland, it will have to see that  a new Cold War has broken out, the New World Order after the fall of the USSR would have come to an end,  that Russia would be seen as a major threat to Western and Eastern Europe.    If the West wants to STOP this it has to draw a line in the Ukraine and mean it, that the security of Western Ukraine has to come under the protection of NATO.    Otherwise we entered a New Cold War 2. 

EU and Russia - Ukraine Crisis

Guardian: Reports " Fears are growing that the confrontation on the EU's eastern borders could engulf the whole continent after Russia sent troops to back a new offensive by pro-Kremlin rebels in south-east Ukraine. "

Lets Get Real:

It seems that modern Western leaders DO NOT READ HISTORY, the League of Nations failed in the 1930s because it could not enforce collective security, what is the point of being in the EU for the Baltic States and Poland IF Russia should take action there and the EU does nothing.  Lets be very direct here reader, can you see the EU coping with a full Russian invasion of the Baltic States or Poland.  Of course not, it would be down to NATO, the last thing Obama wants in WW3 or a small scale version on his legacy.   Thus the more Putin pushes the more chance of a strategic mistake by either the West or Russia.     The West should say it will arm the Kiev Government with latest up to do date arms, also it should state that West Ukraine is a no go area for Russian troops, back that up with clear red line, place NATO troops on that line, its drastic, risky, and Putin might not think that the West or Obama are serious,  that is not the point, he would have to think very hard, also it would change who rules of the game.   The above is DRASTIC, its better than waiting for Russian forces to be on the Polish border. 

Amerli Siege Broken - Iraq Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Iraqi forces have reached the besieged town of Amerli in northern Iraq, where thousands have been trapped by jihadists, military officials say. "

Lets Get Real:

One has to assume while the US airpower hit IS terrorist targets the Iraqi Government and Kurdish Forces had ground help from the US Special Forces and the SAS.   Ever since the US started to strike IS forces have been pushed back, thus one can see why the UK upgraded its security level, the leadership of IS might think that since they can not take on the West in Iraq it might start to hit Western targets, as a way to show they can still hit back.   IS is a threat to the Middle East and the West, it can not be contained, thus Obama sooner or later will have to give the green light for the US planes to hit IS targets in Syria, the Oval did not help itself by stating that the US didn't have a strategic plan when it came to IS in Syria.   This is the kind of thing that worries voters. as the Pentagon stated it has plans for everything, it is just waiting the go order from the Oval.   IS will be a long term fight, they have 2 billion in cash, through robbing banks and criminal schemes through the areas they control.    They will strike back, depends when and where?  Western intelligence needs its eyes and ears open, time to bug everyone if that what it takes to protect Western security. 

Into the Dalek - Doctor Who Review

Doctor Who News: Reports on the overnight ratings for the good Doctor, " 5.2 million watched episode two of the new series, Doctor Who: Into the Dalek, a share of24.7% of the total TV audience according to unofficial overnight viewing figures.  "

Lets Get Real:

This was an interesting episode, the teaching colleague of Clara, Danny Pink is an interesting intro, is he the future boyfriend for Clara, how will the Doctor react to that and that Pink is a ex Soldier, this anti Army thing has to be handled with care by the BBC.   The UK still in Afghanistan and are doing flights over Iraq, also lets recall the Doctor served with Unit in the 1970's, so will Clara call him out on that and also he destroyed his home planet, he was lucky he got a 2nd chance with that issue.   The episode had some classic moments, the Doctor and Clara being ( spoiler ) in to the Dalek, the slap that Clara gave the Doctor because he would not give the Dalek the chance to change.  Who? keeps saving those that would have died because of the direct action of the Doctor, tea is always good!! The ending was dark, the new good Dalek saying that the Doctor was a good Dalek.    Is the Doctor a good man?, does it matter, he tries to do good, it would be a boring 12 weeks if he just drank tea, would get in to a fight with the teapot after a while!!  This Doctor is developing, building the character, makes Saturday fun again, but also makes you think, that not bad for 45 minutes. 

US, Ukraine and Greater Russia - Ukraine Crisis Part 3

Telegraph: Reports " President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine is pressing the EU for tough new sanctions against Russia, warning that Moscow's acts of aggression require a stronger response from the west "

Lets Get Real: 

At the end of the day its the Oval Office that will decide what happens in the Ukraine and the Middle East, the question is can President Obama do what it takes, can he get over his ego and place ground troops in Syria and Iraq to push back IS, will he arm the Kiev Government as to allow it to defend itself.     One has to say at present the answer is NO to both ideas, the Oval is stuck back in 2003 and the invasion of Iraq, the reason POTUS was elected for his first term in 2008 was down to his opposition to the Iraq War, now the game has changed and the President is stuck in the past, he can not see the real world as it conflicts with his ego, an ego that can never be wrong, he does not want to be Bush 43, at this rate he will make Neville Chamberlain look good, that is a club that Obama does not want to be part off, time for him to read up on THE HISTORIES of President Kennedy and Reagan, they knew when to talk and when to be tough, time for Obama to find his inner Camelot and hold a big stick against the enemies of the US. 

EU and the Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis Part 2

BBC News: Reports " In Brussels, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso warned Russia that the EU was ready to "stand by its principles" and called for a political solution before the crisis reached a "point of no return". "

Lets Get Real: 

This is the TIME for the EU to show if it has ambition to be  a REAL STATE, what happens when Russia turns it eyes on Poland, and other former Soviet Satellites, either the EU can ACT as one when it comes to the defence of its interests or it is NOTHING.  TALKING will get you know were with Putin, he stated a few days ago that Russia was a nuclear armed power, not the most subtle warning.    Thus the elites in the EU have to grown up and defend its interests, this is the TEST for the EU, either you want to be a State or you are a talking shop for windbags.  TIME TO CHOSE EU. 

Russian invades Ukraine FOR REAL - Ukraine Crisis

Guardian: Reports " Russia has up to 100 battle tanks fighting in Ukraine, UK believes..Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant tells UN there are more than 1,000 Russian troops helping separatists in eastern Ukraine "

Lets Get Real:

It is time for NATO members to support Ukraine with arms that will allow them to fight Russia and its small scale invasion, a full Russian invasion would see the Ukraine fall within days, this would bring Russia close to Poland a NATO member, the last thing NATO or the EU needs is Putin breathing down its neck, thus better to arm Kiev and keep the Russian Bear contained on the other side of the Ukraine border.    The lack of leadership of POTUS and the EU has allowed Russia to take the Crimea and if the West is not careful they will take the Ukraine.   Putin wants a Greater Russia,  this threat will not go away, time for the West to find its backbone and fast. 

Obama and Assad - The Odd Couple - 2nd Term Blues

The New York Times: Reports how striking IS helps the Assad Regime, the article notes the following,  " ..a mounting concern for the White House is how to target the Sunni extremists without helping President Bashar al-Assad. "

Lets Get Real:

Odd bed fellows are no that unusual when it comes to WAR, in World War One, you had Republican France and Tsarist Russia as allies against Germany, then in World War 2 there was the alliance between Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia before Germany invaded Russia.   Then Russia become an ally of the Democratic West, e.g the US and the British.   What ever rhetoric that is used by the Oval any attacks by the US on IS will help Assad in Syria.   One would presume there are back channels to Assad, the Oval would not want Assad's air defences to shoot down a US plane when it is attacking IS.   Of course the back channel will be secret, nothing formal for a Congressional Committee to request an investigation.    Wars are a dirty business, not  just the fighting, your allies can be a mixed bag of relationships, even if you do not want them, the US could do a twin strike, hitting IS and Assad, that would be a brave and bold decision by the Oval. 

Obama and Syria Part 3 - 2nd Term Blues

Telegraph: Reports " As Islamic State militants continue to tighten their grip on Syria, senior US officials say the White House is now actively weighing options for expanding airstrikes into Syria "

Lets Get Real:

All politics is local as a famous Democrat Speaker once said, thus how will any US strikes effect US politics in the short and long term, the left of the Democratic Party will go nuts, the Oval should have the support of Republicans and moderates, the US voter on the other hand is WAR WEARY, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya now Syria, it never seems to end, endless War, also if there is blowback the Mid Terms could be a disaster for the Oval, liberal and left wing voters might not go out to vote, thus helping Republicans gain the Senate.   The political name calling has already started, Senator Paul has called Secretary Clinton a WAR HAWK, yes a Republican calling a Democrat that, that should help in the military States.    If the Wars are still going badly in 2016 and the Republican nominee is for less or no American action he could win, being called a War Hawk might not go down well with weary voters.   That is for the future, we shall see what develops. 

Obama and Syria Part 2- 2nd Term Blues

The Guardian: Reports " US launches reconnaissance flights over Syria..Drones and unmanned flights lay groundwork for extending US air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq "

Lets Get Real:

The politics of the Middle East is murky, just look at Iran - Contra scandal during the 2nd term of the Reagan Administration, arming US enemies in this case Iran with arms while using funds from the sale to arm the Contra freedom fighters.   As the article notes a year ago the Oval wanted to bomb Assad but didn't, now it might end up bombing the enemies of Assad and helping the evil Assad Regime.   If your British you smile at the irony!! If your the Oval you are not smiling, history will record that Obama was the Hamlet of the Oval, one minute he wants the US and the UK to attack Syria and bring down the Assad Regime,  then he saves the Assad Regime by taking out IS or limiting its power to threaten.   IS will of course strike back, mission creep anyone!   

Obama and Syria - 2nd Term Blues

Daily Mail: Reports " Barack Obama has paved the way for airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria after spy planes started operating in the country on his command, according to U.S officials.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Obama Oval is sending out mix signals, as this blog tweeted yesterday the Obama White House is trying to scale back the rhetoric on IS, but as any one with a brain cell could see that if the Oval sees IS as a major threat to the Middle East and the US it has to take out IS in Syria.   There have been conflicting reporting on this issue by the papers, the liberal New York Times in a article quoted Middle East experts who stated that IS just wants to increase its presence in Iraq and Syria and is not a threat to the US, the future is a different issue.   Thus we have this article that sets up the Oval for strikes on Syria, it seems with President Obama we have a President who can not make up his mind, if he does not strike Syria this will be the second time he has bottled the issue.   The future of the Obama legacy after 2017 might depend on what action POTUS takes on Syria. 

Libya and Obama's 2nd Term Blues

BBC News: Reports " US officials say Egypt and the UAE were behind air strikes in Libya last week that targeted Islamist militia. "

Lets Get Real:

The most shocking thing about this attack as noted by the article is the FACT that neither Egypt or the UAE told the Oval, it shows how much a lame duck the Obama Presidency is to the rest of the World.   This might give others ideas, Israel will be looking to see how the Oval reacts to this news, does it place sanctions on these two Countries or more likely DO NOTHING, one could postulate that Oval will do nothing, the US State Department will issue a stern Statement then let it go, the Oval needs these ALL the friends it can get in the Middle East, thus more of passive policy by the Oval. 

Deep Breath - Doctor Who Review

Doctor Who News: Reports on the overnight ratings for Doctor Who, " Doctor Who: Deep Breath has an audience on BBC One of 6.8 million viewers. It had a 32.5% share of the total TV audience. ...The audience rose slowly through the episode, peaking at 7.0 million towards the end.  "

Lets Get Real: 

Deep Breath was a fantastic intro to the 12/13.1 Doctor, even while the Doctor slept he was translating the words of the SPOILER, the relationship between the Doctor and Clara had to change due to the new Doctor being older, well if your have been around for two thousand years you might get old a bit, but that did not stop his interest in everything new, he would rather get out of a house through the window than through a door, that would be boring.   Thus we have a new DOCTOR in Peter Capaldi, the Doctor is in secure hands, edgy, wiser, willing to confront his past, always the DOCTOR, brave, more talking than fighting, but also somewhat cynical, but fun.   In many respects it was really joint intro, Clara played by Jenna Coleman, reacted as any would react if someone they liked suddenly changed, it took time for her get used to the new Doctor, I look forward to their bickering, like father and daughter.   Lets hope we have many years of Capaldi and Coleman, but with the Doctor you never know. 

Will POTUS Strike Syria ? - Syria Crisis

CNN - Politics: Reports " After three years of avoiding it, President Barack Obama finds himself being pushed toward military action in Syria. "

Lets Get Real:

President Obama will get a 2nd chance to correct a mistake when he didn't bomb Syria when the Assad Regime used WMD on its people, this time it will not be Assad that gets bombed it will be IS.   The Oval can not bottle a 2nd chance to strike Syria, yes the action will have risks, but the lack of action will help IS.    The downside for the US and the poor Syria people is that by bombing IS it will help the Assad Regime, there is no way around that, all choices when it comes to Iraq and Syria are lesser evil choices.   If POTUS had armed the secular rebels at the start then it can be argued that IS might  not be the threat it is now, but that debate is for the history books, the Oval has to ACT and soon, IS is to much of a threat to the Middle East and the West. 

Iraq and Syria - Middle East Crisis

Guardian: Reports " US 'set to launch air strikes' on senior Isis terror chiefs in Syria..White House will 'take action' against threats as Turkey comes under pressure to halt flow of jihadists across its border  "

Lets Get Real:

The Oval approved hits in Iraq after a threat to the Kurdish Capital, THE US strikes have carried on, the birth place of IS is Syria, the Capital for the terrorist group is in Syria, the Oval lost its bottle to strike Syria early on, strikes that would have helped the secular rebels against Assad, the new strikes would help President Assad, he could use the US strikes to take down those rebels that are supported by the West.    The politics of the Middle East is murky, does the West really want to help Assad, the Oval has two enemies in Syria, Assad and IS.    By going after IS the West is falling in to the PR trap of the Assad Regime, their message is simple, either Assad or IS.    The West should try to take out both threats.  They are both evil and without a soul. 

UN and Iraq - Iraq Crisis

BBC News: Reports " The UN has called for action to prevent what it says may be a possible massacre in the northern Iraqi town of Amerli. "

Lets Get Real:

Thus we come to another problem for the Oval, it can hardly allow thousands of people to be killed in Amerli, the US will have to hit IS around the sieged City, this will of course make the US more of target for Al Qaeda and IS, the threat of IS like when Lenin came to power in Russia, the West didn't have the staying power to take out the Communists, think of ALL the millions that could have been saved if Lenin, Stalin had been destroyed at the start, IS is the modern version of Communism, it has to be destroyed and its ashes thrown to the sands of Iraq.   The West, in this case the US, UK and France have to send ground troops to Iraq to finish this threat before it gets its hands of WMD.   Time is of the essence. 

Democrats seek Distance from POTUS - 2nd Term Blues

The New York Times: Reports on how Capital Hill Dems feel about POTUS, the article notes the following, " In interviews, nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers and senior congressional aides suggested that Mr. Obama’s approach has left him with few loyalists to effectively manage the issues erupting abroad and at home and could imperil his efforts to leave a legacy in his final stretch in office. "

Lets Get Real:

This means that Capital Hill Dems are looking past Obama to Hillary and also the uber liberal NYT wants to make sure that it keep its readership, and also gets favour by the Clintons.   The cool Obama is now seen as distant, he was never a political player such as LBJ and Bill Clinton, while Ronald Reagan could charm he could could also deal.   Thus the three former Presidents had better relationship with the Hill, they had people who fought for their agenda, but once Obama leaves office in 2017 there will be nobody, the only interest Obama has is Obama not the Democratic Party.    That is what you get when you elect a charming Jimmy Carter type President, both seen as distant by the Hill, who did not see their election as part of the politics as usual, they were outsiders, both had a foreign Policy that was bad for the US, thus lets hope the Republicans choose another Reagan type character,  a POTUS who is President of ALL, but can play the political game. 

Hillary Clinton and 2016 - Part 2

CNN - Politics: Reports on the role of Hillary Clinton in the Mid terms of 2014, the article notes the following,  " Clinton, the former secretary of state and frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016, has committed to play a sizable role in fundraising for the party ahead of the 2014 elections,.. "

Lets Get Real:

This is about showing that the Clintons can be friends for those that support them, they will raise money, its also a way just in case there is a fight in the Primary process to get hold of Super Delegates, the lack of Super Delegates in 2008 cost Clinton the nomination.   The downside will getting back in to the political process is two fold, you make statements that can back to haunt you and you are seen as just another political hack trying to get votes.   The Republicans will watch Hillary in case she slips up and says something that can be used against her in 2016.   Thus the 2016 Democratic race has began, any challenge to Hillary will come from the extreme left of the Democratic Party, or VP Biden, sorry that was a joke, will not be Biden for dog catcher!!  Thus Clintons will be shaking as many hands as they have too, there is one objective, get a Hillary back in the Oval and Bill back in to the White House. 

Kurdish & US VICTORY at Mosul Dam - Iraq Crisis

Guardian: Reports " US hails recapture of Mosul dam as symbol of united battle against Isis..Iraqi and Kurdish co-operation with Pentagon allows site to be retaken and shows how to defeat extremists, says Obama "

Lets Get Real:

This is one battle, an impportant battle but only the first, there will be other victories and defeats, the Kurds and Baghdad have to form a strategic plan for the whole of Iraq, also the US will have a lot of bombing missions, also when it comes to combat in the Cities the Kurds might be very wary, the new Iraqi Army will take time to form, thus US & UK Special Forces will have to take the lead in street fighting.   This is going to be a long WAR, lets hold the celebrations in till Iraq and the West defeat IS and put in in the bin of other failed terror groups. 

Hillary Clinton and 2016

CNN - Politics: Reports " Hillary Clinton will headline Sen. Tom Harkin's Iowa Steak Fry, a Democratic source familiar with the event tells CNN, a move the steps up Clinton's political activity ahead of the 2016 presidential race. "

Lets Get Real:

If is official in a unofficial way that Hillary Clinton is running for 2016, all the moves, the distance from President Obama, this speech in Iowa is a clear signal that Clinton is running,  the Clinton Camp has to make sure that Hillary spends more time in Iowa, she came 3rd in Iowa in the last run in 2008.    Thus after the book tour the Clintons should move to Iowa, well rent a place, the people of the first States to vote in the nomination process like to get to know the candidates, they have seen candidates come and go, they like to see the real person behind the Campaign, also Hillary has to be careful of a challenge from her left, she has moved centre right on Foreign Policy, that was her mistake in 2008, the Democratic Base is very left wing, so in the primary process she can not ditch Obama to early but after in the General she can move hard right on Foreign Policy and centre on domestic policy.   Lets hope the Republicans chose a wise candidate, and not Senator Paul, if he is the choice of the Republicans this blog will support Hillary Clinton. 

Ukraine Update - Ukraine Crisis

Telegraph: Reports " Fighter jet shot down over Luhansk region, rebels say, as Russian aid convoy arrives at border checkpoint and foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France meet in Berlin to discuss crisis "

Lets Get Real:

Ukraine has to careful that Russia does not add arms to the rebels in East Ukraine, it looks like Kiev has the rebels on the run, the rebels have been successful is shooting down aircraft of the Ukraine air force, they have also been accused of shooting down MH17.     The Kiev Government needs to block any Russian military help to the rebels, Moscow could be using the aid convoy as a rouse to allow them to give more arms, men and missiles to the rebels, or as a reason to invade, NEVER TRUST THE RUSSIAN BEAR, it always up to something, it does not matter if its Tsarist Russia, the USSR or Great Russia that Putin is trying to create. The Russian Bear always has it claws out! 

Kurds Partial Victory over IS - Iraq Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Kurdish forces have recaptured the eastern part of the Mosul dam in Iraq from the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, Kurdish officials say. "

Lets Get Real:

This is a good first step, but lets get real, this fight against IS will take months if not years, the US and its allies can be the air force for the Kurds and the Baghdad Government but they have to fight IS on the ground.   Thus the US/EU will have to arm the Kurds, this will not go down well with Turkey, they have their own Kurdish problem.   The problem develops if the West creates a Kurdish State by accident, the threat to Ibril, the Capital of the Kurds shows how much the Kurds need the West to give it air cover, the US/EU by creating a structure to fight the IS will help create a civic, economic, military State for the Kurds, that is a long term problem, the main issue NOW is IS, they have to be taken down, destroyed at birth before they become a threat to the Middle East and the West. 

Obama's Lament - 2nd Term Blues

The New York Times: Reports on recent comments by President Obama, he lamented that the US does not control the world, the article notes the following, " While as a statement of fact Mr. Obama’s assertion may be self-evident, it was seen by adversaries as a cop-out and even by more sympathetic analysts as a revealing moment for a president whiplashed by international instability... "

 

Lets Get Real:

This is what happens when you elect someone who has NEVER run even a Coffee stand as President of the United States, it has been on the job training since the first day, the important lesson is that President Obama has not the ability to understand when he is wrong, his ego is more important that the facts on the ground, he wants to please the LIBERAL base of his party at the expense of US national security.   Thus if your a fair person ask yourself, would Syria, Iraq  and the Ukraine be better off IF there was a different man or woman in the Oval.   The answer has to be YES, from recent comments by Hillary Clinton it is clear that she would have armed the secular rebels in Syria, now that chance is lost, the main fighters in Syria now is IS.   The Oval must not allow IS to control Syria and Iraq, this is a matter of US and Western national security, lets hope POTUS learns to get past his ego, and takes REAL action in the Middle East, that means ground troops, air power alone will not cut it, one is not holding one's breath that POTUS has learned that lesson. 

Ukraine Update - Ukraine Crisis

BBC News: Reports " A rebel leader in eastern Ukraine has said a convoy of military hardware is on its way to the region from Russia. "

Lets Get Real:

Either the Russian Rebels are part of a plan or the rebels are making up stories to keep their troops happy, also with the report that the Ukrainian Army had destroyed part of a Russian incursion it is becoming hard to see the truth through the fog of PR by both sides.   The Russians would be taking a massive risk should they try to take the WHOLE of the Ukraine, the Obama Oval would be forced to increase the NATO presence in Poland and the Baltic States.   EVEN Putin would not be as stupid as to try his luck with Poland and the Baltic States, that would mean WAR with the West, the Russian rich would not be very happy, thus it is a matter of waiting to see what comes over the next few hours and days. 

Iraq Update - Iraq Crisis

Telegraph: Reports " Latest US-led military strikes on Islamic State at Mosul dam follow reports Islamic State insurgents "massacred" 80 Yazidis minority in a village in northern Iraq "

Lets Get Real:

The American voter must think they are the Godfather Part 3, " I was out but they drag me back in " when it comes to Iraq, the Obama Oval can not afford to allow IS to remain a power in the region, thus US will have to protect Ibril and Baghdad while using Special Forces  to target IS weapons and personnel.   It has been estimated that the IS Forces is only between ten to fifteen thousand terrorists, thus the UK and US special forces should find it easy to find targets for the US to hit.   The new Baghdad Government needs time to build up the Iraqi Army with troops that are loyal.   The Iraqi operation will take months of air strikes, through fighter jets and drones.   IS has to be destroyed. 

No Russian invasion of East Ukraine - Russia

CNN - Politics: Reports that Russia has denied sending forces into East Ukraine. 

Lets Get Real:

EITHER the Russian bear is not telling the truth or its the Ukraine, this blogger would not trust the Russian bear with taking my late beloved dog for a walk, but WHY LIE, one can presume there as pictures of burned out trucks etc, so we should know quite soon who is telling the truth, that is the problem with modern Wars, THE PR front is as important as the actual combat.  Lets see who gets out in front of this story.  My hunch is that Kiev is telling the truth, could be wrong, lets wait and see over the next few hours. 

Is the Ukraine Crisis the FAULT of President Obama? - Ukraine Crisis

Telegraph: Reports " A "significant" part of the Russian armoured column that crossed into Ukraine on Thursday night has been destroyed by Ukrainian troops, the country's president tells David Cameron "

Lets Get Real:

As noted in the past few days Hillary Clinton has tried without much success to distance herself from President Obama over his policy in Syria and Iraq, when it comes to the Ukraine the Clinton Camp should be worried, everyone recalls her restart button with Russia, one can see the TV adverts in 2016,  Hillary Clinton saying that there was a vast right wing conspiracy to bring her husband down, well as we learned it was Bill Clinton who had lied to her and the World, then the symbolic restart button with the Russian Foreign Minister, then images of the Crimea and the Ukraine and of course MH17.   The Clintons will be looking for someone to blame, that is Obama, his sorry tour in the first term, his failure to keep US troops in Iraq, the lack of protection for the US Ambassador in Libya which lead to his death, the opposition to giving arms to the secular Syrian rebels in the first term.    The Clintons will dump of Obama from on high, and he will have to take it, you do not want the Clintons as political enemies, they do not play fair. 

What is Russian up to in East Ukraine - Ukraine Crisis

Guardian: Reports on a telephone conversation between UK PM Cameron and President Poroshenko of the Ukraine, " Ukraine says it has destroyed Russian vehicles that entered territory...In phone call to David Cameron, president appears to confirm reports that Russian armoured carriers had crossed border "

Lets Get Real:

President Putin has backed himself in to a corner, he has whipped up anti Ukrainian feeling in Russia, the Russian economy is starting to fall apart with the help of Western sanctions, thus the Kremlin faces two choices, total invasion of the Ukraine or total humiliation, let's recall Putin is ex KGB, not the most friendly outfit in the history of intelligence work, thus it can be assumed that Putin has gone for the first option, take as much of the East of the Ukraine as he can, and then see how the West reacts, or if he feels bold, take the whole of the Ukraine, and then place pressure on Poland and the Baltic States, this could be very dangerous, as any threat to Poland and the Baltic States is a threat to NATO.   One can hope that Putin does not go to far, there is a point of no return. 

Has Russian invaded the Ukraine ? - Ukraine Crisis

BBC News: Reports " The Ukrainian military said its forces had engaged an armoured column and partially destroyed it. "

Lets Get Real:

This feels like Russia was fishing for a reason to invade, the stopping of the aid trucks looks like a set up, also IF a Russian invasion it was small, lets face it, if it was a full Russian invasion the Army of the Ukraine would not stand a chance, it could be that Moscow was checking to see how the Kiev Government would react if it took off the gloves, well Moscow has got its answer, first round to Ukrainian forces.  President Putin could be thinking with the Western eyes on Iraq, he could move, lets face it Obama scares no one, not even IS.   The next few hours should be interesting, will  Moscow carry on with its military presence in East Ukraine or back off, let's hope it backs off, otherwise Eastern Europe will be very alarmed, this brings in NATO.   A FULL invasion of the Ukraine would be a disaster for Europe and the 2ND Obama term. 

US Ground Troops for Iraq Mission - Iraq Crisis

The New York Times: Reports " A senior White House official said on Wednesday that the United States would consider using American ground troops to assist Iraqis in rescuing Yazidi refugees if recommended by military advisers assessing the situation. "

Lets Get Real:

This is typical of Democratic spin, the troops would not fight IS, but should the troops come come under attack from IS they would defend themselves, thus the Obama Administration IF it is clever, one has doubts should use this odd logic to get more troops on the ground, the Oval can call them what ever it wants, fire monitors if it likes, the US has to push back IS before the old Iraq finds itself in the bin, the Oval needs to let lose a massive covert action against IS.   The Kurds and the Baghdad  Government need room to recover and then take the fight to IS.  This will be a long WAR, and US election cycles do not matter, that might be a surprise to the Oval and Washington D.C. 

The ROT that is ObamaCare - 2nd Term Blues

CNN - Politics: Reports " Over 300,000 individuals who enrolled in a healthcare plan through the Affordable Care Act could lose their coverage come the end of September if they fail to provide the proper documentation demonstrating legal residency.. "

Lets Get Real:

This shows how much of a mess OBAMACARE is, what is more troubling is the FACT that the Oval plans to bailout the health insurance companies, the US Government has to take the word of the companies how much they have lost since ObamaCare came in to force, if no Government bailout then millions could find that their insurance company goes down the toilet.   In essence ObamaCare means that the US Government controls the health of millions of Americans, God forbid that Ebola reaches the US, will the Obama Administration look at the medical records of US citizens to see who does not drink, who eats the right food, and through taxes look at who gives to liberal groups, thus they get the preventive drugs against Ebola, you might think that is far fetched, would you have thought that a few years ago that the NSA bugged you and the World.    That is how scary ObamaCare is for the US. 

The Clintons vs Obamas - 2016 Campaign

Telegraph: Reports the following, " Hilary denies criticising Barack Obama's policy towards Iraq and Syria after appearing to distance herself from the US President ahead of a likely bid to replace him in 2016 "

Lets Get Real: 

The Clinton's might be worried that if Hillary goes to quick to the center of US politics there might be a challenge on the left, also a sitting US President can either help or hurt the 2016 nominee, at the moment President Obama's polls are not great, but it should be recalled that Obama is from Chicago, the White House and Democrats have already gone on the attack that Republicans have a WAR ON WOMEN, that if the Republicans take the Senate they could impeach President Obama for the various political scandals of his administration.    Thus POTUS might cut a real deal with Iran over its nuclear plans, the Democrats could pull fast one and take the House, thus Obama could push through his Agenda.    The Clinton's do no like to lose, thus they will put out this brush fire, but in the General Election expect the Clinton's to dump on Obama from on high if that what it takes to win in 2016. 

Iraq Update 2 - Middle East Crisis

Guardian - Iraq Live: Reports the following, " In a sign of Britain’s growing involvement in Iraq the prime minister also confirmed that British forces would also play a leading role in airlifting Yazidi refugees from Mount Sinjar. Chinook helicopters deployed to the region are expected to join a US-led operation in the coming days to airlift the refugees.

The RAF will be flying in Soviet-era weapons from former Warsaw pact countries in eastern Europe to the Kurds who are trained in the use of weapons which originated from the Soviet Union. The Kurds have not requested British weapons. "

Lets Get Real:

The PM might be on a winning strategy with keeping British support at its most basic, helping those stuck on Mount Sinjar and letting the US be the airforce for the Kurds and making sure the Kurds have the right weapons to fight IS.   A recent UK poll it should support for the UK taking action, how long would that last if something goes wrong, a Jet, or a helicopter goes wrong, or the SAS are caught by the IS.   Public opinion can change in a second. all those that want the UK to take military action will change when its British deaths that are been reporting on the 24/7 news.   Thus good for the UK to take a background role, let the US and the French take the major risks, about time the French did some heroics, its not something they are known for, lets ge honest HERE. 

Iraq Update - Iraq Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Britain will "play a role" in an international mission to rescue stranded Yazidi refugees in Iraq, Prime Minister David Cameron has said. "

Lets Get Real:

The Coalition PM David Cameron is playing it safe after the failure of the Syria vote last year, lets see what the other political parties, say, Labour and the Liberal Democrats have been very quiet, let them call for UK to take part in the air strikes against IS, then the PM can say he will following the will of House of Commons.   This might sound a bit heartless, and it is, politics is politics at the end of the day, why should PM Cameron take the political risk when the other leaders have not made a major statement on the IS and the threat to various minority  religious groups in Iraq.    The British with the US and France are doing the best they can, no one wants to put troops on the ground in Iraq, it will have to happen, it just depends on who goes to far, and who is willing to risk their political career on action in Iraq. 

Obama on Iraq - Iraq Crisis

The White House: President Obama's weekly address was on Iraq, the President stated the following, " This week, I authorized two operations in Iraq.  First, I directed our military to take action to protect our American diplomats and military advisors serving in the city of Erbil.  In recent days, terrorist forces neared the city.  Thursday night, I made it clear that if they attempted to advance further, our military would respond with targeted strikes.  That’s what we’ve done.  And, if necessary, that’s what we will continue to do.  We have Americans serving across Iraq, including our embassy in Baghdad, and we’ll do whatever is needed to protect our people.

Second, we’ve begun a humanitarian effort to help those Iraqi civilians trapped on that mountain. The terrorists that have taken over parts of Iraq have been especially brutal to religious minorities—rounding up families, executing men, enslaving women, and threatening the systematic destruction of an entire religious community, which would be genocide. 

The thousands—perhaps tens of thousands—of Iraqi men, women and children who fled to that mountain were starving and dying of thirst.  The food and water we airdropped will help them survive.  I’ve also approved targeted American airstrikes to help Iraqi forces break the siege and rescue these families.  Earlier this week, one anguished Iraqi in this area cried to the world, “There is no one coming to help.”  Today, America is helping. 

The United States cannot and should not intervene every time there’s a crisis in the world.  But when there’s a situation like the one on this mountain—when countless innocent people are facing a massacre, and when we have the ability to help prevent it—the United States can’t just look away. That’s not who we are. We’re Americans.  We act.  We lead.  And that’s what we’re going to do on that mountain.  As one American who wrote to me yesterday said, “it is the right thing to do.”  

As Commander-in-Chief, I will not allow the United States to be dragged into fighting another war in Iraq.  American combat troops will not be returning to fight in Iraq, because there’s no American military solution to the larger crisis there. 

What we will do is continue our broader strategy in Iraq.  We will protect our citizens.  We will work with the international community to address this humanitarian crisis.  We’ll help prevent these terrorists from having a permanent safe haven from which to attack America.  And we’ll continue to urge Iraqi communities to reconcile, come together and fight back against these terrorists so the people of Iraq have the opportunity for a better future—the opportunity for which so many Americans gave their lives in Iraq in a long and hard war.

Today, we salute our brave men and women in uniform—especially our courageous pilots and crews over Iraq.  They’re protecting our fellow Americans.  They’re helping save the lives of innocent people on a mountain—people who today know that there’s a country called America that cares for them, too, and that is willing to stand up—not just for our own security, but for the dignity and freedom that belongs to all people. "

Lets Get Real:

President Obama made one mistake his weekly address, never say something you might not be able to follow through on, that mistake was to say that the US would not send US troops back to Iraq, the future can not be planned, a President might get a stark choice, either Iraq as an ally to the US through US ground troops or the Islamic State of Iraq with its oil.  Never, say Never. 

IS this a NEW Obama on the Middle East - Iraq Crisis

CNN - Politics: Reports the following, " The escalation marks a turning point in the Obama administration's foreign policy, which has avoided direct military involvement in Iraq and Syria until now. "

Lets Get Real:

Is this really a new Obama, will he really use the might of US power more, this crisis in Iraq is the test, if after air strikes ISIS pulls back will the Oval carry on the fight, take the fight to them, or will declare victory and leave the problem to his successor.   One has doubts that POTUS has the stomach for a long air war, and yes for victory there will have to be ground troops or least special forces.  This present crisis in Iraq will define the Obama Presidency for the last two years, does he take down ISIS or just has PR air strikes and leaves the problem to his successor, one would hope that the Oval would see the threat of ISIS and take the War to them, but for the fact that Obama has failed to act over the years, the next few days and months will be interesting to see how far POTUS goes in Iraq. 

ISIS in Iraq and World War One - Iraq Update 3 - Middle East

Telegraph - Iraq Live: Reports the following in its 1.32pm post, " ...the birth of the group's self-declared Caliphate is "the most radical change to the political geography of the Middle East since the Sykes-Picot Agreement was implemented in the aftermath of the First World War".

Lets Get Real:

ISIS is a threat to ALL Countries in the Middle East, if ISIS can move the captured weapons from Iraq to Syria it could remove the Assad Regime then use Syria and its controlled lands in Iraq to mount a threat to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and at the end even Israel, thus if the West has a brain cell and Obama can get over his ego this group needs to be destroyed NOW, not later, not when intelligence thinks it a threat, the Oval could not cope with Syria and Iraq under the Islamic State, it could kiss its last two years goodbye, the Islamic State would have the money and the time to cause problems for the West and the rest of the Middle East.   Thus time for the West to find its backbone and hit ISIS hard. 

Iraq Update 2 - Iraq Crisis

Guardian: Reports the following, " 20,000 Iraqis besieged by Isis escape from mountain after US air strikes "

Lets Get Real: 

This shows how air power can help in a crisis, but it won't be enough to take down ISIS, the US and the UK have to get the FACT, that sooner or later, and sooner is the likely result the West will have to send UK and US special forces back in to Iraq,   these special forces have to point out the location of ISIS and pin point them for attacking aircraft, also the West has to rebuild the Iraqi army again, also buy off those groups that are more interested in money and having a better relationship with the West.   The US can not allow Iran to come to the rescue of the Baghdad Government, that would be a nightmare for Iraq and US and cloud the Obama legacy after 2017. 

Iraq Update - Iraq Crisis

BBC News: Reports the following, " The US military says it has carried out a third round of air strikes on Sunni Muslim militants to defend civilians in northern Iraq. "

Lets Get Real:

The US strikes was a wise move by President Obama, the OVAL keeps stating that there will be no ground troops sent to Iraq, this is VERY UNWISE, the Islamic State or ISISI can not pushed back or destroyed without the use of ground troops, the Oval has to get over its ego, President Obama used Iraq to get elected, well now the Oval has to sell the idea of getting troops back in to combat, IF Iraq falls to the ISIS, the Oval will be eating their dust for the last two of his Administration, oil prices could go up and the land held by ISIS could train terrorists to attack the West, this would be a massive negative for the OBAMA LEGACY, POTUS ran on his record against Al Qaeda, that he had taken them down, well the franchise has moved on, ISIS is now a major threat to the Middle East and the West.  

US General KILLED in Afghanistan - Afghanistan WAR

The New York Times: Reports on an attack on Coalition Forces in Afghanistan " An Afghan soldier killed a United States Army major general...The major general appeared to be the highest-ranking member of the American military to die in hostilities overseas since the Vietnam War. "

Lets Get Real:

The Obama's policy of transferring the combat to Afghan troops might be the biggest mistake yet of his Presidency,  when ever Obama or Biden take an interest in foreing policy it goes VERY wrong, lets see, Biden could not get an agreement for US troops to stay in Iraq, thus the rise of ISIS, when Obama increased troops to Afghanistan he set a cut off date, thus showing our allies and the Afghan people that Obama had no interest in Afghanistan.   Then we come to Syria, at one moment Obama's refusal to back his own words of action has cut the power of US in the Middle East and showed that Secretary Kerry does not have the ear of the President.    In Israel the Obama Administratoin is NOT seen as a friend, thus what ever Obama says about the Middle East is thrown in the bin by Israel.   Thus today we have the death of a Major General is the US Army, questions will be raised about the policy of the Oval towards Afghanistan, Obama waffles and others die. 

Bush 43 on Bush 41 - The Bush Era

Guardian:  Reports " George W Bush writes biography of his father..Life of George Bush Sr will look at both the career and the 'warm decent man known best by his family' "

Lets Get Real:

This will be interesting, Bush 43 looking at his father's public and private life, it will be interesting to see how Bush 43 deals with the First Gulf War and his father's decision not to go in Iraq, and how that is different from 2nd Gulf War of Bush 43.   How as Vice - President under Ronald Reagan he saw the role of the US in Afghanistan as the Reagan Administration support local rebels against the then USSR.  How the failure to look after Afghanistan by Bush 41 and Bill Clinton lead to the creatoin of the Taliban.     How the defeat in 1992 to Bill Clinton allowed Jeb and Bush 41 to start their own political careers, how Bush 43 made sure he won in 2004.   One wonders will be the book be hard hitting, one has doubts, that would ask to much of a loving son.