The FATE of Ramadi - New War on Terror

BBC News: Reports " ..Iraq will take back Ramadi 'in days' - PM Abadi "

Lets Get Real:

This should be a test of the new Iraqi PM and the new army, will they new Iraq Army for its own Country.   The US and the West should make it CLEAR that should Iraq fail then the US and its Allies will have to look at the role of the US and Allies in Iraq, no option should be put off the table, including giving up on Iraq and securing the Gulf States and the ships routes in the Middle East.   This might look harsh, but if the Iraqi Army will not fight then there is no future, it is pointless to spend millions on Iraq if if will not fight for its own freedom.   If the security of the West is at stake then the West also has to consider the use of Western troops, either Iraq is important or not, there has to be a clear answer over the next few days. 

Carter for Defense - 2nd Term Blues

The New York Times: Reports the following on the nomination of Ashton Carter as  US Defence Secretary, the article notes that Mr Carter is a  " ...national security centrist who may advocate a stronger use of American power.  "

Lets Get Real:

One gets the impression that President Obama wants a forceful Defense Secretary who will move the Oval towards real action in Syria and Iraq, this means ground troops, it seems Secretary Hagel did not have a real fighting presence at the meetings with the President and NSC at the White House.   Thus one has to ask when US troops will be sent to Middle East.  In sacking Secretary Hagel it makes sure that the new Secretary can not be sacked, no matter what, you can not have had 5 Defense Secretaries over two terms.  If there are future problems in the relationship between the White House and the Defense Department the blame will fall on the Oval Office, that is the common factor should it happen, interesting days ahead at defense for Secretary Carter. 

The new US Defense Secretary = Ashton Carter

BBC News: Reports  on Ashton Carter the following, " Mr Carter was previously the Pentagon's chief arms buyer and an assistant secretary of defense under former President Bill Clinton. "

Lets Get Real:

Thus the Oval has gone for a safe pair of hands at the Defense Department, lets be honest here, no one of note wanted the job, you have a President who can not make him mind up what he wants in Syria and Iraq, and thus blames the Defense Secretary at the time for HIS FLAWS.  In one way Mr Carter is lucky, he can not be sacked, one can hardly have 5 Defense Secretaries, would not look good, lets see how Mr Carter plays this, with his past history at defense he should not have much of a problem with the confirmation hearing under a Republican Senate.   In many ways Mr Carter has a free hand, as noted he can not be fired, as a history with defense matters, more than can be said of President Obama.   Thus change at the Defense Department.