Harvard and the Russian Spy

The New York Times: Reports on how one of the alleged Russian Spies Donald Heathfield went through Harvard’s Kennedy School for Government course, also how he kept close contact with those in his class. Harvard is seen as one of the ways to become a mover and shaker in world politics. Lets see if this Russian spy network went beyond just taking pay checks from Moscow, did they cause any real damage, did they compromise any one in public office or get leaks from public officials. Kennedy and Sex does seem to go together, one can postulate that JFK would have been fascinated by one of the alleged spies, guess who!

The SELLING of a SEXY Spy!

Guardian: Reports on how the Media has gone bonkers over the alleged Russian “ Hot Babe - Sexy ” Spy, Anna Chapman. Well folks if the broadsheets of the press are going with the story this blog even with its high concept of Foreign Policy and US, UK Politics has to follow, if the allegations are true many weeks of news reports on Ms Chapman, worse ways to spend a Summer reading.

Petraeus of Afghanistan

Fox News: Reports that the US Senate has confirmed General Petraeus as the next US Commander in Afghanistan. Lets be clear here folks General Petraeus turned around Iraq, but can he turn around Afghanistan, no war is the same, the conditions on the round in Afghanistan are different from Iraq, at its most basic the power of the Kabul Government runs from the Presidential Palace to the outskirts of Kabul. In Iraq there was enough of a national identity for Petraeus to work with and thus turn Iraq around, in Afghanistan the Taliban and Al Qaeda are more linked, thus it will be hard to get moderate Taliban or War Lords to support the Kabul Government. Also why should these people place their heads above the trench when the US has stated it will leave in 2011, this was a major mistake by President Obama. In his confirmation hearings General Petraeus stated that 2011 was a start date to leave Afghanistan not an end in itself. Thus it can be postulated that Petraeus has about a year to turn around Afghanistan, if by next year the Taliban / Al Qaeda are still winning then Obama and NATO must start to look for a Plan Z, as stated get a strong man in, allow him to run Afghanistan has he wants, as long as no Al Qaeda, also place a Special Forces Base in Pakistan, and allow Afghanistan to become a free fire zone for future defence of Western interests in the region.

The Hot Babe Spy ?

Telegraph: Reports that the UK is looking in to the alleged case of the Russian Spy Anna Chapman and her connections in the UK. All the UK papers have run pictures of Ms Chapman, if true the spy business must attract stunning women, if one didn't know she was alleged spy who had been arrested in the USA you would think she was a celebrity, a actress or a supermodel. If is Ms Chapman is cleared by the US authorities and is not a spy; if she was one her cover has been blown till the end of time; then she has a career as a model or actress. On other hand if she is a spy the US should throw the book at her, the rest of Western World might live on the superficial but this blog does not, a Russian spy how ever good looking is a threat to Western security, even more so if good looking, lets hope Ms Chapman has a good agent and has copyright on her pics , she might need the money for her lawyer fees. I would postulate that James Bond would very happy to debrief Ms Chapman.

1.3m to lose Jobs - Coalition Cuts ?

BBC News: Reports on a Guardian article that states that UK Treasury thinks that up to 1.3 million people will lose their jobs due to the Budget Cuts. At the end of the day the UK can not have an effective economy if employment comes direct or indirect from the Government, the private sector has to grow, the private sector should be the force for the creation of jobs. The last Labour Government threw money at the public sector, one can postulate that it was more do with politics than ideological agenda, more public sector more votes for the Labour Party. The problem with this theory is that it only works as long as the economy is going great, if not then we are on the road to Cuba or the old USSR. The Budget will hurt folks, then good, tough medicine for a better tomorrow.

Hard Slog = Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports that the new US Commander in Afghanistan General David Petraeus has stated that the War in Afghanistan will get tougher and harder before we see some light. The question that has to be asked can General Petraeus really turn the War around, he turned around Iraq but he didn’t have the Iraqi Government attempting to do deal with Taliban / Al Qaeda, yes in Iraq the native Iraqi insurgents turned against Al Qaeda due to their methods but the Taliban and Al Qaeda are much more interwoven, it is always a mistake to assume that tactics that won one war will win a similar war. The insurgents in Afghanistan have the safe heavens of the badlands between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the CIA drone attacks has been very effective but only up to a point, the Taliban / Al Qaeda have not been defeated thus far, they have been pushed further in to caves. Thus what is the answer for Afghanistan, 1) Get a pro Western strong man to take over, 2) Allow him to use his own methods to keep control, the ACLU to be kept out of Afghanistan, 3) Open a massive Special Forces base in Pakistan, have them take out the Taliban / Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, allow Afghanistan to become a free fire zone, in other words if it moves shoot it, tough but hard folks. Also an Old Imperial policy. The present strategy is not working in Afghanistan, one can postulate that by the end the UK could have lost more of its Armed Forces in Afghanistan than in the Korean War.

The First Revolt from Lib Dems ?

Guardian: Reports that only two Liberal Democrat MPs opposed the raise of VAT from 17.5% to 20%. Thus the weekend reports that Labour and Lib Dems could block the Budget seem to be spin by Labour and disgruntled Lib Dems. If this the best the left press can dream up then the Coalition Government just might survive in till 2015 and the next General Election. The Lib Dems have crossed the river, the Labour Party will never forgive them now, the Lib Dems are stuck with the Conservative Party.

The Shadow of Sovereign Debt and US Debt

Telegraph: Reports on another bad day on the money markets both sides of the pond. It the UK the FTSE - 100 is down 157.46 points at 4914.22, while at 5.52pm UK Time the Dow Jones is down 236.32 points at 9902.9. The problem is simple folks, it’s the Sovereign debt of the US and EU. This blog picked up a simple answer to the problem from a TV pundit, 1) People getting Houses they could not afford and thus we come to the 2) the banks having a lot of red ink from people who could not afford to pay the banks for their houses 3) the Western Governments took over the debt but with their own debt the system is at breaking point. Thus as long as we have Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain on the verge of going broke the system will never recover, the problem is that all these countries have a welfare state and they cant afford it any more, thus who will be the brave politician who tells the voter its has to end, cuts are one thing, telling the voter that their benefits are over is another, lets see who has the guts to tell the truth.

The Second Oldest Trade - Spies

BBC News: Reports on the arrest in the US of ten suspected Russian Agents. These arrests should be a warning to the Obama Administration, YES the Cold War is over but Russia is still Russia and the Great Game never ends. The Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 should have been a warning to President Obama, you can stick different flags up the backside of the Russian bear but it is still a Russian Bear. At the end of the Reagan Administration the Cold War was over but the Gipper had great advice for his successors, “ Trust but Verify ” when it comes to the Russians. The problem with the EGO of Obama is that he thinks all the problems that US faces is down to Bush 43, he cant get the fact that the US has enemies and they wont be won over by his rhetoric, in fact they have contempt for Obama as he has sold out the Czech Republic and Poland to gain favour with Russia and what has Russia done, go slow on Iran and increasing its spies in the US. It is time that Obama smelled the coffee when it comes to Russia, Iran and North Korea, his Foreign Policy Agenda has failed.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier killed on Sunday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick of 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), part of the Counter-IED Task Force ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Corporal Kirkpatrick.

Obama vs Pakistan

The New York Times: Reports that the Obama Administration from President Obama down to the Director of the CIA have their doubts about the idea being pushed by Pakistan for a deal between Afghanistan and Insurgent Commanders. How can Obama look his and they are HIS soldiers in the face if he is sending them out to be killed if he allows Pakistan to undercut the NATO mission in Afghanistan. What is the point of losing brave Armed Forces Personnel from the US and UK if Kabul will pull the rug from under NATO forces in Afghanistan. In essence if the Obama is to win this war he has to find the right words to say that the 2011 withdraw date is off the table, otherwise Kabul will move on with the idea that the US is out and it needs to save its own skin after 2011.

The Pakistan Poker with Terror

Guardian: Reports that ISI the Intelligence network of Pakistan is trying to set up a deal between President Karzai of Afghanistan and an Insurgent Commander in Afghanistan . This is the present problem with the NATO strategy in Afghanistan, what is the point of killing the Taliban / Al Qaeda if the Government your trying to build up is talking to the opposition, is the UK throwing away the lives of it its Armed Forces Personnel. If Karzai can not be trusted then a 1963 August green light is needed from the White House. Any strategy will fail if you have the Taliban / Al Qaeda on the one hand and in the other hand a Kabul Government that is afraid that the US will leave in 2011 and is starting backchannel talks with the opposition. President Obama did not help his Administration with the statement that the US would start to withdraw in 2011, this has set off alarm in Kabul thus the idea to have talks with the insurgent commanders on the ground. The exit route out of Afghanistan will be bloody folks and at the end of the day it would not surprised this blog to see a less anti Western Taliban in charge in Kabul.

Nuclear North Korea

Telegraph: Reports that North Korea is to increase in nuclear capacity, it has gone from basic development of nuclear bombs to a hydrogen bomb. This is all spin from North Korea folks, does no matter how much bombs they make, they cant use them, any nuclear attack on South Korea or Japan would lead the USA to wipe out North Korea. Also China does not want a nuclear war on in its doorstep, thus it can be expected that China is placing pressure on North Korea to keep the spin to spin, think Blair and Obama but doing nothing, North Korea wants attention, it has thrown a major league fit, give Obama his due he will not play the North Korean game, let them stew in their own mess.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed on Sunday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the " 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)...attached to the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, part of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 309 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 271 in combat operations and 38 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the Soldier that died on Saturday of his wounds that he suffered in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Bombardier Stephen Gilbert from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Bombardier Gilbert.

UK Budget under Threat ?

Independent on Sunday: Reports that disgruntled Liberal Democrat MP’s will attempt to block the Budget due to the raise in VAT from 17.5% to 20%. This is the time for Nick Clegg to show his ruthless side if he has one, he has to show he can control his Party; every party has its awkward squad, in the Conservative Party it is the extreme anti Europeans, in the New Labour its Old Labour, thus we see in the Liberal Democrats a few MP’s who prefer opposition to real power. As long as Nick Clegg takes the majority of the Party with him that is good, but he cant allow the awkward squad the chance to destroy this new Coalition.

Afghanistan Plan Not Working!

ABC News: Reports that the CIA believes that the Afghanistan War Plan is not firing on full thrusters, that its harder and slower than first thought by the Obama Administration. Folks any knowledge of Afghanistan and you don’t have to be the Director of the CIA to know that any plan in Afghanistan has never worked, from Alexander the Great, the British Empire to the USSR. The political and military thought that has gone in to Afghanistan over the Centuries could fill in the Moon, there is no WIN in Afghanistan, the place is burial ground of Ego. Thus five years or twenty five years and Afghanistan will still be the same, hard, difficult, backward, tribal, the burial ground of good men and Empires.

Obama on the UK Special Relationship and Afghanistan

The firs Official meeting between the new UK PM David Cameron and President Obama, the President stated the following, “ Now, I want to say that all of us in the United States deeply value the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. And we have been very impressed with the leadership that David Cameron has shown thus far…..we had a extensive discussion about Afghanistan, and the alignment between our two countries in recognizing we have a serious threat to our safety and security that has to be addressed -- that we recognize the enormous sacrifices that both British troops and U.S. troops have been making for some time now, but we are convinced that we have the right strategy to provide the time and the space for the Afghan government to build up capacity over the next several months and years. And this period that we’re in right now is going to be critical both on the political front and on the military front, and there’s going to extremely close consultation between our two countries so that we can create a situation in which Afghanistan and Pakistan are able to maintain their effective security and those areas are not able to be used as launching pads for attacks against our people. ” In many respects both Obama and Cameron want out of Afghanistan, one can argue that PM Cameron has smelled the coffee when it comes to Afghanistan and wants out thus his recent remarks that he would like to see the UK out of Afghanistan by the next UK General Election in 2015. In the case of Obama he has a problem, with the sacking of General McChrystal he has placed the hero of Iraq charge of Afghanistan, thus General Petraeus in 2011 can go to Obama and say that he is winning and needs another year, thus the Obama timetable to withdraw troops form Afghanistan in 2011 would be placed on ice, Petraeus won Iraq and Obama could face a very hostile Republican Congress next that year that does not support announced timetables for getting out of Afghanistan. As long as the US is in Afghanistan the UK will be there, also Pakistan with its nuclear weapons has to be kept stable, thus the US and the UK will be in Afghanistan post 2015 folks, the question is when we leave will we have made any difference, lets hope General Petraeus gets lucky again folks. In Wars you need talent but also luck folks, we know that Petraeus has the talent lets hope the Gods of War smile down on NATO.
　

Newspapers, Pay Walls and the READER

Just read an interesting article in the Sunday Times on why it is to charge on news content, but since its charging there is not link to the page. Thus my problem with paywalls, the Times and Sunday Times is cutting itself off from the the Internet, as in the custom on this blog there is always a link back to the original story but as this blog is a commentary page on American, UK politics and Foreign Policy a lot of news in the public domain, as Presidential remarks and statements from the White House web page, also the BBC has an excellent current news web page. But my main query about pay walls is that current affairs happen in the moment, thus you cant pay wall commentary on a happening event, also pay walls only work if everyone else does the same, once the liberal NYT goes pay wall then this blog will no longer carry links back to its web page. The point of owning a newspaper is to have a political power at the end of the day, so if you cut the views off from your web page what is the point. News is current thus the term current affairs, if your doing business news etc then see the point but with current affairs its a big mistake, readers and blogs will not pay for events that are happening on the news, thus 24 hour news channels. Thus lets fight this folks, lets those in the blog commentary business direct their readers to free news web sites, you don't have to agree with the commentary of that web site but at least its free, its up to the reader to decide if they want to click that link back to the original story, it will be sad lose the Times and Sunday Times but current is current and current is free.

Death in the UK - Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier has died today in UK of wounds suffered in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the “ 4th Regiment Royal Artillery ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 308 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 270 in combat operations and 38 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Out of Afghanistan by 2015 ?

BBC News: Reports on remarks made by the new UK PM David Cameron that he wants to see the UK out of Afghanistan by the next UK General Election in 2015 but does not want a firm timetable. The UK is holding out for the next move by the Obama Administration, it can be postulated that PM Cameron would really like to get out of Afghanistan but is stuck in till the Oval starts to withdraw. After the sacking of General McChrystal the President has stated that the US policy in Afghanistan will not change, thus the Obama timetable for a 2011 withdraw will meet with the reality on the ground, Obama can not afford to lose Afghanistan to the Taliban/Al Qaeda, if the Mid Term Congressional Elections go really downhill for Obama he will face a Republican House and Senate that will not allow him to make Afghanistan another South Vietnam, thus the US and the UK will be in Afghanistan for years folks.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the Soldiers that died in a traffic accident on Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were “ Colour Sergeant Martyn Simon Horton, Private Douglas Niall Halliday and Private Alex Isaac of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment and Lance Corporal David Andrew Ramsden from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (attached to 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment) serving as part of Nahr-e Saraj (North) ”. Our thoughts are with the families of Colour Sergeant Horton, Private Halliday, Private Isaac and Lance Corporal Ramsden.

66 NOT OUT !

The Independent: Reports that men after 2016 will get a pension at 66 and a companies can no longer sack men at 65. This is taking the bull by the horns folks, lets get it straight folks, we the PEOPLE are living well beyond past generations, if you have a somewhat healthy life style you can retire at 65 and live to around a 100 or more, thus one can postulate if your in your 30s or late 40s now you wont retire till your 70 or ever later. Thus the old welfare system will head for the ash heap of the old USSR, the modern NHS can keep you kicking well in your hundreds, lets recall those old soldiers from World War One, they lived well in to their 90s even after 101. The future generations have to get the fact that it’s a new dawn, the compact of 1945 between work and benefits is over, just smell the coffee and eat and drink well.

Gore ALLEGED SEX SCANDAL P/T 2

CNN: Reports that Police in the alleged Gore scandal did not follow up the case as they could not get enough proof to move with the case. Thus far no comment from the Gore Camp, they have brushed off the UK Telegraph and CNN. In PR terms its better to have a statement and stick to it, rather than say nothing, people will postulate that there is something in the case, will not look good for former VP Gore.

Alleged GORE SEX scandal

Telegraph: Reports on allegations from the US that former American Vice President Al Gore was involved in a sexual attack on a woman in 2006. This is an allegation folks, lets recall Mr Gore is a Nobel Prize winner, in his career he has been a US Senator, Vice President to Bill Clinton and won his Nobel for doing something compared to some Presidents. Now lets talk politics, the real world, Al Gore lost the 2000 Election to Bush 43, the former Vice President blamed the loss in some respects on the actions of Bill Clinton while in Office, he gave Clinton a hard time after the loss, thus one can postulate that in the brutal world of politics some in the Clinton Camp will smile, at least the Clinton Scandal was between two consenting adults, this is not the case in the Gore scandal. But lets recall this is allegation, lets see what the truth is folks.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that four British Soldiers died on Wednesday in Afghanistan due to a traffic accident, three of the Soldiers came from the “ 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment ” and one soldier from the “ 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (attached to 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment) ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 307 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 269 in combat operations and 38 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the recent combat casualties in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were “ Lance Corporal Michael Taylor from Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin “ killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan and “ Sergeant Steven William Darbyshire, 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin ” killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan . Our thoughts are with the families of Lance Corporal Taylor and Sergeant Darbyshire.

Nixon and North Korea

The National Security Archive: The Boil of North Korea is not new to the Oval Office, from Nixon to Obama North Korea has been a constant problem, here is some great documents from the Nixon period. Read of the Day.

General McChrystal OUT

Today President Obama announced the sacking of General McChrystal, the sacking was right in both political and military terms, the President stated the following on the removal of McChrystal, “ I don't make this decision based on any difference in policy with General McChrystal, as we are in full agreement about our strategy. Nor do I make this decision out of any sense of personal insult. Stan McChrystal has always shown great courtesy and carried out my orders faithfully. I've got great admiration for him and for his long record of service in uniform….But war is bigger than any one man or woman, whether a private, a general, or a president. And as difficult as it is to lose General McChrystal, I believe that it is the right decision for our national security. …..The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general. It undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system. And it erodes the trust that’s necessary for our team to work together to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan. My multiple responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief led me to this decision. First, I have a responsibility to the extraordinary men and women who are fighting this war, and to the democratic institutions that I've been elected to lead. I've got no greater honor than serving as Commander-in-Chief of our men and women in uniform, and it is my duty to ensure that no diversion complicates the vital mission that they are carrying out. That includes adherence to a strict code of conduct. The strength and greatness of our military is rooted in the fact that this code applies equally to newly enlisted privates and to the general officer who commands them. That allows us to come together as one. That is part of the reason why America has the finest fighting force in the history of the world. It is also true that our democracy depends upon institutions that are stronger than individuals. That includes strict adherence to the military chain of command, and respect for civilian control over that chain of command. And that’s why, as Commander-in-Chief, I believe this decision is necessary to hold ourselves accountable to standards that are at the core of our democracy. Second, I have a responsibility to do what is -- whatever is necessary to succeed in Afghanistan, and in our broader effort to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda. I believe that this mission demands unity of effort across our alliance and across my national security team. And I don’t think that we can sustain that unity of effort and achieve our objectives in Afghanistan without making this change. That, too, has guided my decision…..I welcome debate among my team, but I won’t tolerate division..." ( This last point shows that Obama still does not get how Washington D.C works, its leaks to press Agenda, its leaks to destroy the opposition, it leaks to get invited to the Oval for a picture with the President )

Thus when it comes to the sacking of General McChrystal the President got it right ( Yes even Obama gets something right! ) but now lets look at the Obama policy towards Afghanistan, the President stated the following in the Rose Garden,

“… Our nation is at war. We face a very tough fight in Afghanistan. But Americans don’t flinch in the face of difficult truths or difficult tasks. We persist and we persevere. We will not tolerate a safe haven for terrorists who want to destroy Afghan security from within, and launch attacks against innocent men, women, and children in our country and around the world. So make no mistake: We have a clear goal. We are going to break the Taliban’s momentum. ( When, so far its not going well, Obama still does not get Afghanistan, no wonder the McChrystal team lost the plot when it came to Obama ).. We are going to build Afghan capacity. We are going to relentlessly apply pressure on al Qaeda and its leadership, strengthening the ability of both Afghanistan and Pakistan to do the same. That’s the strategy that we agreed to last fall; that is the policy that we are carrying out, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. " Thus who has President Obama chosen to lead the US War effort in Afghanistan, well it is a logical decision, the President has chosen the General that turned around Iraq, President Obama has chosen General David David Petraeus, the policy of the surge in Iraq and turning Iraqis around to support the US has been credited to General Petraeus, the President stated the following on the appointment, “ General Petraeus and I were able to spend some time this morning discussing the way forward. I’m extraordinarily grateful that he has agreed to serve in this new capacity. It should be clear to everybody, he does so at great personal sacrifice to himself and to his family. And he is setting an extraordinary example of service and patriotism by assuming this difficult post. Let me say to the American people, this is a change in personnel but it is not a change in policy. General Petraeus fully participated in our review last fall, and he both supported and helped design the strategy that we have in place. In his current post at Central Command, he has worked closely with our forces in Afghanistan. He has worked closely with Congress. He has worked closely with the Afghan and Pakistan governments and with all our partners in the region. He has my full confidence, and I am urging the Senate to confirm him for this new assignment as swiftly as possible. ” This could be risky move by President Obama, if General Petraeus next year tells the President he can win in Afghanistan with no timetable as he won Iraq the President will be boxed in, if he starts to withdraw troops the General could resign and run again him in 2012 and Obama would still have to deal with Afghanistan and Iraq, the Republicans will give Petraeus a lot of political cover to pressure Obama next year. As stated in last post the removal of McChrystal might work against Obama, a weak General would have to follow the party line out of the Oval, Petraeus wont need to, he might be Obama’s successor, just a gut feeling that Obama is turning in to LBJ.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

　
　
　
　

Thirty Minutes Goodbye ? - Afghan Command

Guardian: Reports that US Commander in Afghanistan in General McChrystal had a very short meeting with President Obama. One can guess it was a Presidential rebuke, an apology and a new Commander for the NATO Forces in Afghanistan. If Obama has sacked McChrytal this was the right move by the President, he is POTUS and C in C of the Armed Forces, the boss is the President. But the question has to be asked if there is a new Commander and the War goes South will the US voter care that McChrystal had a low opinion of Obama and the Obama White House, the voters might rebuke Obama will a 48/49 loss in the election of 2012. Thus Obama should sack General McChrystal but should be aware of consequences beyond his control, lose a General due to a thin skin President and then lose a War. Politics is not fair.

Public Services face Cuts - Biggest SINCE 1945

Telegraph: Reports that in real terms due to the cut in business taxes and the protection of the NHS, International Aid, Defence and Education other Government Departments face a cut of between 25% and 33%. Lets be honest here folks, people will be thrown on the dole, the State can not be the major employer within the economy. The last thirteen years of Labour under Blair and Brown have seen a massive Government spend at the cost of sending the UK economy in to the toilet. Thus in the Emergency Budget we have seen the need for the Coalition Government to raise VAT from 17.5% to 20%, Capital Gains Tax from 18% to 28%, to freeze pay in the public sector for those earning over 21,000 and to freeze child benefit for three years at its present rate. But as the Chancellor stated in the Budget cuts would be 77% in public spending cuts and 23 in taxes, thus the real blood on the carpet will be when the various Ministers make their away to the Treasury to get money and are lucky to leave in the clothes they are wearing. All the misery folks is not all Labour folks, it OUR fault, we wanted something for nothing, well those days are over folks, its AUSTERITY UK folks.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was a " Royal Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 303 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 269 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the British Soldier that was killed on Monday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was " Marine Paul Warren from Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin ". Our thoughts are with the family of Marine Warren.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was a " Royal Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 302 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 268 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Obama is POTUS and C in C

BBC News: Reports on the recalling of General Stanley McChrystal the US Commander in Afghanistan back to Washington D.C to explain his indiscreet comments about the President Obama and the Obama Administration. It seems that General McChrystal is less than impressed with the Obama Administration all the way down from the Oval. This blog has been critical of Obama, but at the end of the day he is President of the United States America and Commandeering in Chief of the US Armed Forces, the President has no choice he has to get rid of General McChrystal, at the end of the day the Armed Forces answer to POTUS and they should not cause him political problems, the comments by General McChrystal give the impression that Obama has not got clue about Afghanistan or the US Army. Thus time for President Obama to boot the General and find another General, who can win on the battlefield and can deal with the press.

Emergency Budget

It was a tough budget to deal with the 155 Billion Government debt left by the last Labour Government. As this blog stated the new Coalition Government had to raise taxes, thus the increase in VAT from 17.5% to 20% and CGT from 18% to 28%. Also those on the high end of pay in the public sector will see a freeze for two years, while those in a higher tax bracket will see a reduction in tax credits. But as this is a Coalition Government we see the influence of the Lib Dems, the Budget sees those earning up to 7,475 are taking out of paying tax. This was a major Lib Dem policy commitment. As to build business confidence the Coalition Government has reduced Corporation Tax over the next few years. This was a good tough budget folks, as predicted VAT has gone up, this blog had it at 19% but its 20%, the freeze on public sector pay for those over 21, 000 is a good idea, cant hurt the low pay and they will get an increase of 250 pounds. Also those in the higher tax bracket will see a reduction in tax credits, these credits it can be argued had become tax cuts. Lets see what the Country thinks folks.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed yesterday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was a " Royal Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Sangin ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 301 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 267 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents and other incidents.

Afghanistan Front News -300 Death

MOD: Has announced the name of the 300 member of the UK Armed Forces to die in Afghanistan, the Soldier was " Marine Richard Hollington, from Bravo Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines ". Our thoughts are with the family of Marine Hollington.

Rahm Emanuel OUT?

Telegraph: Reports that President Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel could leave after the Mid Term Congressional Elections of 2010. This story follows a trend, of late one has seen stories that are favorable for Emanuel at the expense of the President Obama, the theme is that Mr Emanuel is pragmatic and willing to cut deals while the inner team of Obama from the Campaign of 08 only see their Agenda, thus the present southward trend in the polls for the President. As noted in this blog Mr Emanuel is a political animal in his own right, he wants a career after Obama, if Obama does not run or goes down to a 48/49 state defeat Mr Emanuel does not want go down on the Obama EGO Titanic. The 2010 Mid Term Congressional Elections are expected to be tough for Democrats, if the Obama White House lose the House Mr Emanuel does not want to be round when the Republicans start to investigate the job offers by the Obama White House to candidate is state races, Mr Emanuel was around for the Bill Clinton Impeachment, he does not want that hanging over his head, it has been suggested for some time that Rahm Emanuel will run for Mayor of Chicago, well a bad Mid Terms would be a good way to get out, also to restart his own political career, does Mr Emanuel see Obama as another Jimmy Carter, thus he wants out?

The Reaction to the 300 Death in Afghanistan

It’s a sad benchmark folks, the UK has lost its 300 Soldier in Afghanistan, the Secretary of Defence Dr Liam Fox stated the following on reason that the UK was in Afghanistan, “ British forces in Afghanistan are protecting our national security as part of an international coalition of more than 45 nations….will bring security and stability to Afghanistan and prevent it from once again becoming a base from which terrorists can attack the UK and our allies around the world.” The UK PM David Cameron has stated the following, “ Of course the 300th death is no more or less tragic than the 299 that came before….We are paying a high price for keeping our country safe, for making our world a safer place…The truth is that we are there because the Afghans are not yet ready to keep their own country safe and to keep terrorists and terrorist training camps out of their country. ” The problem is when will the Kabul Government ever be ready, the US has a 2011 timetable for the US to start to withdraw some troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban/Al Qaeda can hit NATO forces safe in the knowledge that at the end of the day the US and the UK will leave, so as we lose our brave soldiers the question has to be asked are we throwing their lives away for nothing, so far it its hard to justify the War in Afghanistan, even harder if we are not winning.

Death in the UK - Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier died today in the UK of wounds suffered in Afghanistan. The Soldier was a " Royal Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 300 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 266 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Stalin, Mr Bean and Mr Invisible ! - Where is Gordon ?

Independent: Has it own search for the ex UK PM Gordon Brown. Well folks the Daily Mail, the Guardian have both done a SEARCH jobs for Gordon Brown, the ex PM has become Mr Invisible, it must be hard to go from Shadow Chancellor under Tony Blair, the Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years and then UK PM for two years and 11 months and then a nobody of a backbencher, does recall LBJ, Senate Majority Leader, Vice President and then President, he returned to the Texas and Ranch and found his only job was to count the eggs and give orders to farmhands, what a come down from either perspective, President to UK PM. One has to wonder does Mr Brown get the fact that he has wrecked the economy, that on Tuesday in the Emergency Budget the whole country will suffer for the incompetence of Labour and Gordon Brown.

85 Billion in Taxes and Cuts

Guardian: Reports on a estimate 85 Billion in taxes raises and public spending cuts over five years in the Emergency Budget on Tuesday. When you have a economic crisis it’s a good way to push your Agenda, thus the Conservative view that Government should be limited and that the welfare state has to be cut to a narrow shape, the Labour Party under Blair and Brown spent like drunken sailors, this has lead to the UK being within a step of having its Credit Card ripped up by the Markets. Thus the Coalition Government has enough good will to do drastic cuts over the next five years, will be interesting to see how the Lib Dems cope with being hated, its the norm for the Tories, UK politics has not been this fun since the 80s folks.

Ruin or Recovery ?- Emergency Budget

BBC News: Reports on remarks by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr George Osborne that the country was on the way to ruin without the Emergency Budget of Tuesday. Thus folks the groundwork for the harsh budget on Tuesday, thus what are my predictions, well folks, 1. A freeze on benefits, from child benefits to unemployment benefits, 2. A raise in VAT to around 19% 3. Capital Gain Tax to raise but over a period of five years, 4. Income Tax could go up by 1p, 5. Those earning over twenty five thousand will lose any child benefits, 6. Public Spending outside the NHS will see drastic cuts, 7. Those on welfare benefits will be pushed in to work, or lose their benefits, 8. A review of non serious NHS spending, cosmetic surgery and should people for this benefit, 9. A raise in beer and spirits and cigarettes 10. A review in to many Government projects and there VETO. Yes austerity UK is open for business.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced on Saturday the name of the British Soldier that was killed on Friday, the Soldier was , " Trooper Ashley Smith from The Royal Dragoon Guards, Viking Group, D (The Green Horse) Squadron ". Our thoughts are with the family of Trooper Smith.

Freeze on Benefits - Telegraph

Telegraph: Reports that the UK Treasury is considering a freeze on benefits, from child to unemployment benefits for a year. As noted in this blog the last Labour Government under Gordon Brown has flushed the UK economy down the toilet, the UK Government debt for this year will stand at 155 Billion, at the rate the UK Government is borrowing it will spend 70 billion on the interest on the UK debt, thus drastic action has to be taken, thus my own suggestion for a freeze on benefits. Have to admit this blog didn't think that the new Coalition Government would have the nerve to hit the following benefits, " child benefits, disability benefits, housing benefit and unemployment benefit ", never thought the Lib Dems would go along with such drastic action, even Lady Thatcher never went that far in the 1980s. Of course the gloom and doom could be spin on the part of the new Coalition Government, people could expect the worse in the Emergency Budget on Tuesday and when it is not that bad feel they have missed the bullet. This could be the chance in a generation by the Conservative Party to redraw the role of Government in the civic structure, the good years of Labour just spending is over, really over folks. The Coalition should think outside the box, should people get any benefits before 25; of course there would be exceptions; should benefits only come in to effect after 25 and only if people have worked or gone to higher education. These are tough times folks, the fate of the UK economy is on the line, Labour spent and we are heading the way of Spain and Greece, the CUTS have to be drastic and change the civic structure of the UK, then after the recovery we can add or reshape the benefits cut.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that another British Soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the " Royal Dragoon Guards ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 299 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has has lost 265 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents or other incidents. Its the 18 June 2010 how many more of our brave soldiers will die this month, and the question that has to be asked is for what, at the end of the day is Afghanistan worth the loss of one soldier, this blog has its doubts.

8.5 Billion Suspended in Labour Projects -Public Spending

Telegraph: Reports on top of the two billion Labour projects that have been cancelled a further 8.5 Billion projects have been suspended. The Emergency Budget on Tuesday in the UK will be tough folks, the last Labour Government under Gordon Brown has thrown the UK economy in to the toilet, the Government deficit this year will be a 150 billion, also if the UK does not get a handle on its debt the debt interest alone will be 70 BILLION, thus the Chancellor of the Exchequer should really go to town on Tuesday, increase VAT to 20%, also make it cover more goods, the tax on beer and spirits should go up, the rich should pay more in tax, tax credits for those earning over twenty five thousand should be scrapped as they are a form of tax cuts. The idea that the NHS does not charge for services beyond the most important should be looked at, prescription charges should be bough back to those that can pay. Also those that earn over fifty thousand pounds should be charged for services with in the NHS. Those on benefits should see their benefits frozen for five years at the present rate, the age of retirement should be 75 for men and 70 for women, the tax code should benefit companies that develop jobs, in other words folks the budget should be tough folks, should make your eyes cry, it has to be tough to save the UK.

Real Pain = UK Budget Cuts

BBC News: Reports on 2 billion pounds of real projects that have been cut by the new Coalition Government, the cuts go from helping manufacturing to the new NHS Hospitals. These cuts came from a Liberal Democrat, thus the great crafty move by David Cameron, the Labour Party have to attack the Lib Dems, thus the public will see that two Parties have to carry the can for any decisions that are not popular with the voter, who would have thought that a Liberal Democrat would cancel a planned new Hospital or that Nick Clegg would allow the Treasury to cut money to his home town of Sheffield. However, these cuts are small folks, the big cuts will come with the budget and afterwards, the Labour Party really left a mess behind, it will take five years to get the UK back on top in economic terms.

Is Spain the NEXT Greece?

Telegraph: Reports on constant rumours that Spain is seeking a 208 billion pound bailout from the EU and the IMF. In the real world of Sovereign Debt its not what is real but what is thought that counts, if the Money Markets think that Spain will default they will charge more to secure the debt of Spain. At the end of the day the EU and the IMF has to ask do they have a Titanic on their hands, has the water reached E Deck, and the Ship of state will go down, if Spain cant pay her debts then she is broke, the best cure is to reboot the system in Spain, in other words Spain should default, it will mean harsh cuts, the State will have to be limited, the EU countries will have to accept the fact that the good days of the welfare state are over, the State has to be limited, it cant be the major employer within a country, that leads to Cuba or the old USSR. Spain is the test case, how much money is to much, if it is throwing money down the toilet then Spain should be allowed to go to the wall. Life is not Fair as JFK once said, it about time the EU got that basic fact.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the British Soldiers that were killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were " Corporal Taniela Tolevu Rogoiruwai and Kingsman Ponipate Tagitaginimoce from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (1 LANCS), serving as part of Combined Force Nad'Ali ". Our thoughts are with the families of Corporal Rogoiruwai and Kingsman Tagitaginimoce.

Afghan War Becoming a Bloody Farce - Tony Blankley

Read this Article by Tony Blankley folks, it shows the failure of Afghanistan from on high down to the deaths of UK and US soldiers, Afghanistan is just another Vietnam in the making, the US and the UK have to find a way to get out without losing more of its Armed Forces Personnel. Read and Learn.

Obama vs NYT

The New York Times: Has a harsh word for President Obama and the Obama Administration when it comes to the oil spill, the NYT states the following, " Mr. Obama and his team will have to follow through — with more energy and dedication than they have shown so far. ". Even the bloated and Liberal New York Times might be getting the fact that rhetoric and being the first African - President does not mean you get let off the rules of the political world, one has to wonder how many rows it took to get this kind of tough editorial out of the liberal NYT. It can be argued that the NYT has a paternal racist streak, it has gone out of its way not to attack Obama, he is their candidate, he represents their extreme liberal Agenda, but the problem is that President Obama might not be up to the job, he has never run a business, spent his life in state or Federal office, one can argue that he would not get LBJ's staff due to his lack of experience of the real world, as to real world this is the political world, working in the community does not mean you can cope with Iran,North Korea or a oil spill. What must drive the NYT around the bend is that POTUS will lose re-election in 2012 and then get Republican rule for a generation, there is an old saying, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it, for the NYT could be Obama and his destruction of the Democratic Party. As stated many times in this blog, Obama could have been a contender, up there with JFK and Reagan but he allowed his own arrogance to get in his way, in many respects another Richard Nixon.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the British Soldier that died on Monday in the UK of wounds that he suffered in Afghanistan, the Soldier was, " Marine Steven James Birdsall from Bravo Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines ". Our thoughts are with the family of Marine Birdsall.

Hot Air out of North Korea

Fox News: Reports on a War threat from North Korea should the UN admonish it for the sinking of a South Korean Naval Vessel. This is more hot hair out of North Korea, they are not going to attack South Korea or Japan, any attack would bring brisk US military action that would destroy North Korea and remove the bonkers leadership. The World Community should admonish North Korea and then send it to detention, don't give it any attention, the sinking of the South Korean Vessel it can be postulated is more to do with the internal politics of North Korea, thus my advice as a Teacher to the civic politic, send them to detention and deal with other real problems, don't talk to them, don't discuss, don't give them a d-m thing, just let them cook in their own failures, and North Korea is a failed state in many respects, the people are not feed and the Army has substandard equipment, the only thing keeping North Korea going is China, and China is only keeping the North going because it does not want millions of people rushing to its border from the North.

Obama on the Oil Spill

Have to admit didn’t watch the Oval address last night as I expected Obama not to deal with capping the oil but to push his extreme environmental green agenda, mid way through this blog did watch and was confirmed it was right not to bother watching, Obama was going on about his Agenda or to be precise in political terms his energy bill, that will hurt the American economy and move jobs to other countries and raise the energy taxes of the US voter, this was my confirmation, “..The transition away from fossil fuels is going to take some time, but over the last year and a half, we’ve already taken unprecedented action to jumpstart the clean energy industry. As we speak, old factories are reopening to produce wind turbines, people are going back to work installing energy-efficient windows, and small businesses are making solar panels. Consumers are buying more efficient cars and trucks, and families are making their homes more energy-efficient. Scientists and researchers are discovering clean energy technologies that someday will lead to entire new industries. ” The Obama White House can not deal with a crisis when the other actor if man or nature can say a big NO. Thus Obama is pushing a Liberal bill that will keep his base happy but will not help the American people on the Coast. Obama does not have a clue how to cap the oil well folks, this is more hot air from a charismatic Jimmy Carter.

On the Brink of FAILURE?

Daily Mail: Reports on the view from on High at the EU that Spain, Portugal and Greece could fall as democracies due to their debt. The one thing this blog can guarantee is that Spain, Portugal and Greece will not be take over by Coups, if the EU really think this is an outcome they are very out of it, this scare story is just a spin to get money to bailout the EU countries who cant say NO to the welfare state, the UK should tell Spain, Portugal and Greece to take a running jump in to the Med, cut your welfare state, allow private business to grow, the State cant be the major employer of people, that leads to Cuba or the late USSR, thus time for EU countries to grow up, the EU has to get off the idea that the welfare state is the end result of policy, it has to get off its backside and work.

Cameron on Bloody Sunday - 1972

The Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a statement to the House of Commons on the results of the Saville Inquiry, the Prime Minister stated the following on the deaths on Bloody Sunday by the hands of UK Soldiers, " But the conclusions of this report are absolutely clear. There is no doubt. There is nothing equivocal. There are no ambiguities. What happened on Bloody Sunday was both unjustified and unjustifiable. It was wrong ". This blog has to accept the that the actions of British Soldiers on Bloody Sunday fell below the great standard of UK Forces. As to the consequences of this report that is in the hands of the lawyers, but it was thirty eight years ago, and an Inquiry is not a formal trial, it can be postulated that it would take years, what if and its a big IF the Trial came to a different verdict, as to what the result should be, that will take some time to digest the report. Not ducking a opinion but an opinion should be based on a full understanding of the events and the circumstances, thus will have to read a few articles on the subject.

Deaths in Afghanistan and the UK

MOD: Reports that two British Soldiers were killed today in Afghanistan, the soldiers were from the " 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (1 LANCS), serving as part of Combined Force Nad 'Ali " also a Soldier wounded in Afghanistan died today from his wounds in the UK, the Soldier was a " Royal Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 298 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 264 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents and other incidents. Thus so far in June of 2010 the UK has lost 9 Soldiers, in 2009 it lost four soldiers, in 2008 the UK lost 13 soldiers, in 2007 the UK lost 4 soldiers, in 2006 it was 3.

Office for Budget Responsibility

Read the Pre - Budget Forecast by the Office for Budge Responsibility. The OBR has downgraded the Labour economic growth forecast from 3.5% to 2.6%. Thus at its essence folks less money in to the tax man more debt for the Government, thus the the Labour Party under Gordon Brown has wrecked the economy, tough Budget ahead folks.

9/11 and the Oil Spill - The Obama Agenda

BBC News: Reports that President Obama has stated that the major oil spill that faces the US has echoes of 9/11. In other words folks the US President does not have a clue of how to deal with this major environmental problem, rather than cutting off the oil the Obama Administration is using the accident to push its extreme environmental agenda, the loser will be the US consumer, the major oil companies if they face tougher regulation will move their rigs to poorer countries but rich is oil positional, thus the US voter will lose with jobs going abroad the US will have to import more oil, thus Middle Eastern countries will have more power over the US, this will have a drastic effect on US security. In other words folks the Obama Administration will cause more long term damage than the oil spill.

Cameron on Afghanistan

The UK PM David Cameron stated to the House of Commons the reason for the UK being in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister stated it was due to the " national security " of the UK and the UK presence in Afghanistan prevented " Afghan territory from again being used by Al Qaeda as a base from which to plan attacks on the UK and our allies. ". One can argue that this was the same line that was used by ex PM Gordon Brown, but PM Cameron stated the success of the UK mission in Afghanistan, Cameron told the House the Commons the following, " Today I am advised that the threat from Al Qaeda from Afghanistan and Pakistan has reduced. ( Thus success for the UK presence but what of the cost in deaths )... But I am also advised that if it were not for the current presence of UK and international coalition forces, Al Qaeda would return to Afghanistan and the threat to the UK would rise. ". But due to this formula the UK will be in Afghanistan forever, the badlands of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a perfect safe heaven for the Taliban/Al Qaeda, when can the UK leave. The PM stated that the UK would leave Afghanistan when UK security would not be affected by such a move, thus a contradiction between the two statements, the PM stated the following on any timetables for leaving Afghanistan, " based on the facts on the ground not pre-announced timetables. ". In many respects the statement to the House of Commons was a holding statement, the UK has bought in to the US surge under Obama, it can be argued that PM Cameron is making a grave political mistake, one can postulate that the US and the UK will be in Afghanistan for years, at the end of the day we will leave, Afghanistan will be the same, just the UK and the US will have lost hundreds of its heroic Armed Forces Personnel, lets hope this blog is wrong folks.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the British Soldier that was killed on Saturday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze from B (Malta) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire,) ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Lance Corporal Breeze.

Obama and Cameron and BEER!

The UK PM David Cameron and President Obama had a phone discussion to discuss the various Foreign Policy problems on their desks, the White House readout of the talk is the following, " The President affirmed his deep commitment to the special and historic relationship between our two countries. ( Well then Mr President stop trashing a UK/US company BP ) The President thanked the Prime Minister for his commitment to lead on the broad range of issues on our shared agenda. The two leaders discussed Afghanistan, including the Prime Minister's recent visit, and they reaffirmed their firm commitment to NATO’s ISAF mission. ( Lets hope Mr Cameron smells the coffee and gets out before we are thrown out like Basra in Iraq ) They discussed the decision by the United Nations Security Council to impose the strongest sanctions to date on Iran and the importance of follow-on action being taken at the upcoming European Council meeting, and they underscored the need for Iran to live up to its international obligations. ( In other words they don't really have a real policy, its a PR stunt ) They also exchanged views on economic issues, including preparations for the G-8/G-20 meetings later this month. The President and the Prime Minister discussed the impact of tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, reiterating that BP must do all it can to respond effectively to the situation. " On a lighter note both the PM and President had a bet on the result of the US - England Football game, " Finally, the President and the Prime Minister agreed to disagree on the desired outcome of the June 12 U.S.-England World Cup soccer match; the President noted that the historical record of previous World Cup matches between the United States and England favors the United States and the President wagered the best lager against the best beer in America on an American win over England. ". Thus the two leaders can both buy each other a pint. Nothing like a pint to bring lads together. As to the game my 13 year old dog with iffy legs would be a better goalkeeper for England and he is Welsh.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the soldier was from the " 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South) ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 295 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 261 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents and other incidents.

Obama 48% Disapprove = Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its latest daily tracking polls on Obama's performance as President, its not good news for the President, President Obama has a 44% approval rating, while 48% disapprove of the job performance of Obama. Its not just the oil spill that has hurt Obama in the polls, its the general arrogance of the White House, you can be arrogant but you better be right, Obama argued to Democrats that once health care reform was passed the voters would support the move, the last poll had nearly 70% opposed to ObamaCare, when it comes to Watergate style use of job offers to get people to throw races this does not look like what Obama offered on the Campaign trial in 2008, what is worse is the fact that Obama has moved Chicago methods in to Oval and used Bill Clinton as one of his operatives. Thus we come to the oil spill, one has to think the Olympic Gods thought one way to show that Obama could not walk on water was to create a crisis deep in the water, thus the present problems for the President. One can postulate in less Obama is very lucky the Mid Term Congressional Elections are going to be a nightmare, very much like Bill Clinton had in 1994. The question that has to be asked does Obama have the talent to recover or are we seeing another Jimmy Carter with charisma. Iran is the next problem for Obama, and that could be much worse for the Oval.

Japan = Greece ?

Guardian: Reports that the Government of Japan has warned that it could be on the same path as Greece when it comes to its debt. It is simple folks, there is to much debt in the system, the generic Western Governments can not afford the welfare states that have developed since 1945, the banking disaster of 2008 and the bailouts are just icing on top of a debt from the welfare systems. Those countries that have a welfare system have to have a real and hard public discussion about the role of Government in the civic structure, at the end of the day people will have to accept that the Government can not cover you from birth to death, the Government can only be there for those that really need help, the question that has to be asked do modern Western politicians have the political nerve to tell truth to the voters, if not future generations will pay the costs of the bad Government policy of today.

SHUT UP OBAMA = DPM Clegg

Telegraph: Reports on the UK Deputy PM Nick Clegg in essence telling President Obama to shut up about BP. It is great that it is the Lib Dem leader that is telling Obama to shut up about BP, this really places the Labour Party right off the cliff, they are either going to defend Obama and his his attacks on BP and thus the pensions of UK subjects or they support the move and annoy the left. This new politics is fun, Lib Dems can attack Obama as they are the Liberal part of the Coalition but also they support public spending cuts, thus the blame is shared by the Conservatives and the Lib Dems.

Cameron on Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports on a visit by the new Conservative PM David Cameron to Afghanistan, the PM stressed that UK was in Afghanistan to protect the national security of the UK. The sentiment stressed by PM Cameron was the same line as Gordon Brown, the new Coalition Government could have used the economic mess that Labour left behind as a reason to withdraw or cut UK troops in Afghanistan, it seems we are tied to the Obama Administration, even when Obama by his language is threatening the pensions of UK subjects by his attack on BP.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has released the name of the British Soldier that was killed on Wednesday, the Soldier was " Private Jonathan Michael Monk, 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North) ". Our thoughts are with the family of Private Monk.

Obama on UN Iran SANCTIONS

Well the UN has passed another weak resolution against Iran and what does Obama do, well here are a few of his chosen words, " We made clear from the beginning of my administration that the United States was prepared to pursue diplomatic solutions to address the concerns over Iranian nuclear programs. I extended the offer of engagement on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect. And together with the United Kingdom, with Russia, China, and Germany, we sat down with our Iranian counterparts. We offered the opportunity of a better relationship between Iran and the international community –- one that reduced Iran’s political isolation, and increased its economic integration with the rest of the world. In short, we offered the Iranian government the prospect of a better future for its people, if -– and only if –- it lives up to its international obligations. ". This sounds like the President of the United States is begging, the leader of the West gives the impression that he bowing to Iran. This impression is helped with the following, "... We’ve made it clear, time and again, that we respect Iran’s right, like all countries, to access peaceful nuclear energy...". Iran has just slapped Obama with a wet fish and he wants Iran to have any nuclear power, how much abuse can a Harvard Graduate take, would not work on a Welshman. There is some teeth in the remarks of President Obama, the President states the following on the UN resolution, " That’s why the international community was compelled to impose these serious consequences. These are the most comprehensive sanctions that the Iranian government has faced. They will impose restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, its ballistic missile program, and, for the first time, its conventional military. They will put a new framework in place to stop Iranian smuggling, and crack down on Iranian banks and financial transactions. They target individuals, entities, and institutions -– including those associated with the Revolutionary Guard –- that have supported Iran’s nuclear program and prospered from illicit activities at the expense of the Iranian people. And we will ensure that these sanctions are vigorously enforced, just as we continue to refine and enforce our own sanctions on Iran alongside our friends and our allies. " The above should have been at the start, and the idea of talks and Iran getting nuclear help should have been deleted after the 1st Draft. Obama then undercuts the above with the following remarks, " These sanctions do not close the door on diplomacy. Iran continues to have the opportunity to take a different and better path. I would like nothing more than to reach the day when the Iranian government fulfills its international obligations -– a day when these sanctions are lifted, previous sanctions are lifted, and the Iranian people can finally fulfill the greatness of the Iranian nation. ". It can be argued that Obama makes Jimmy Carter look like a leader, never thought would ever write that sentence. The weakness is built upon with the following, " I want and hope for the people of Iran that the government of Iran will make a different choice. It can make a different choice and pursue a course that will reaffirm the NPT as the basis of global non-proliferation and disarmament -– a course that will advance Iran’s own security and prosperity, and the peace of the wider world...". If your in Tehran you hear weakness, a President that cant hear NO, a President who thinks if he says something that is real, that is a road that has left the US a laughing stock, also a President who will sell out his allies to fit his ow ego of himself, just ask Poland and the Czech Republic. One can postulate that JFK and Reagan would turn their backs on Obama, a weak man and a weak President.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has released the name of the British Soldier that was killed on Tuesday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was " Lance Bombadier Mark Chandler from 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, attached to 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, serving as part of Combined Force Nad 'Ali ". Our thoughts are with the family of Lance Bombadier Chandler.

New UN Sanctions on Iran

The New York Times: Reports on new UN sanctions on Iran. The Liberal NYT cant help itself when it comes to Iran, in the very same article the extreme liberal NYT states the following, " Indeed, studies by the United States government have questioned the efficacy of sanctions, especially given Iran’s weight as an oil exporter. ". In other words the sanctions are pointless, the extreme bloated NYT in its hearts of hearts agrees with the disgraced White House reporter Helen Thomas, in the eyes of the NYT Iran can be equated with Israel, they cant see the difference, they would rather that Israel gave up its nuclear defence or that Iran be allowed to get the bomb. These sanctions will not hurt as noted by most reports on the subject, as they do not bring the economy of Iran down or prevent the cars of Iran running, thus the issue is what will the Obama White House do about Iran, this game is getting on for being very tedious. A result will have to happen or Israel will give Obama a result that could lead to a war in the Middle East.

Liberals LOSE in 2010 Race

CNN: Reports on a major loss for Liberals in the run up to the Mid Term Congressional Elections of 2010, the Liberals establishment of the Democratic Party failed to defeat moderate Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln. This should be a political warning to liberals and conservative Democrats who have gone over the cliff with Obama, being a liberal and a Obama supporter could mean the end of your political career. Those Conservative Democrats in the House and the Senate should start fights with the Obama White House, it might be of benefit to be seen as a enemy of the Oval. Obama if he does not move to the centre could find that he has a worse showing than Bill Clinton had in 1994. At least with the Republicans taking the House in 1994 the Oval had to move to the centre, in 1996 Clinton won re-election, but it can be argued that Obama does not have the political skills of Clinton and is to left wing, a loss of the House in 2010 could see Obama lose big in 2012.

What OF Gordon ?

Telegraph: Has a fun article of what ex UK PM Gordon Brown can do with his time since he has lot of it on his hands, since losing the General Election. But on a more serious side Mr Brown should consider writing a full story of New Labour, the whole truth warts and all, at the end of the day it will allow him to settle scores, set a agenda for future historians, get his spin out of his time in 10 Downing Street. The Diaries and the memories will start hitting the book shelf's with the next few months, Mr Brown should not wait for three years, time is book sales can go fast, one can argue that Mr Blair has left it to long, when one thinks about Tony Blair its a noun, and that is Iraq. But Mr Blair can argue with some justification that his time in power reformed the UK system, the Parliament in Scotland, the Senate in Wales, the destruction of the left of the Labour Party, okay he shares that with Lady Thatcher. Thus Mr Brown get that pen out and start to write, history gives you a short time to define your history.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the " 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North) ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 294 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 260 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents or incidents.

UK Cuts and the Real World

Telegraph: Reports that the planned Coalition Government cuts will not do the trick to cut the Government debt, the UK will still have to fork out 70 Billion alone on interest payments. In in other words folks, the real action that would have to be taken by the UK Government would be to slash the budget of the NHS in a deep manner, throw people off welfare or force them to take horrible jobs, also limit the role of Government, in other words make President Hoover smile. The problem is folks how much pain will the UK voter take, all the Parties in the UK General Election hid from the voter the real truth of the pain to come, but if planned cuts are not enough, then who is going to tell the voter that extreme pain is needed for their future and future generations. Lets hope the Coalition has got it sums right otherwise we are heading in to a major recession and they will be out on their ear in 2015.

Draft Iran Resolution

As posted yesterday folks the UN will pass another sanctions resolution against Iran, the problem is that China and Russia have made sure that the resolution is weaker than the one that Israel would like to see on the books, it leaves out one important sanctions folks, in does not block the transfer of oil to Iran; Iran produces the stuff but does have the capacity to refine for every day use; thus Iran has stated any new sanctions and they will walk away from any talks about its nuclear ambitions, the NYT/Guardian readers have no problem with Iran getting the bomb, they equate Iran with Israel folks. Thus Iran will use these new sanctions to appeal to the liberals and left in the main stream media, also they will send a ship to Gaza as to seek a confrontation with Israel, this will muddy the waters and will give Iran time to get the bomb. The clock is ticking folks, if you have your head in the sand over this issue its time to smell the coffee otherwise you will wake up one to hear the news that Israel has hit Iran, as Reagan said in 1981 when he heard that Israel had hit Iraq, " Boys will be Boys ", in other words Reagan supported Israel, hand on heart folks can you see Obama supporting an ally, go ask Poland and the Czech Republic if they can count on Obama.

The UK Cuts

Today the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne stated the framework for the Spending Review of 2010, at its core is the following, " Tough decisions need to be taken in order to reduce the unprecedented deficit. The Government is committed to achieving the bulk of this through reductions in Government spending, rather than tax increases, while protecting the quality of key frontline services...... It will be a complete re-evaluation of the Government’s role in providing public services. The SR will look at what services the Government should be providing and how to get more for less. ". In other words folks the good times are over, as the departing Chief Secretary to the Treasury stated the money has gone, thus pain for a lot of years folks, the cuts will have to be brutal to make sure the UK does not lose its AAA standard with the money markets. What is so hard to swallow is the fact that Labour have no real ideas for cuts, they had the power for thirteen years and they wrecked the economy, Mr Osborne must have some great patience as Labour in the House of Commons was all about protecting the Unions, one should ask them about the Country. These drastic and hard cuts will hit every part of society, and all Labour can do is kiss the hands of the Unions, shame on Labour.

Iran will Walk ?

Telegraph: Reports that Iran has stated it will walk away from nuclear talks should the UN pass another sanction resolution against Iran. Why would Iran walk when Russia and China have made a new resolution weak and dead on arrival, the resolution does not block ships sending oil in to Iran for cars etc. One can postulate that Iran will walk out of talks, then a few months down the line start the game again, play for time and then one day state that is has a nuclear bomb and the missile technology from North Korea to deliver to any target nation in the region. One can argue that Israel should just accept that Obama is another Jimmy Carter, that Obama is weak will never give the green light for the US military to hit Iran, thus Israel will come to a crossroads, it either attacks Iran or accepts that Iran will get the bomb and that Israel is close to that midnight hour when it will be destroyed by Iran.

The Iron Lady in 10 Downing Street

BBC News: Reports on a visit to 10 Downing Street by the former UK PM Lady Thatcher. Those were the days folks, the 80s we had Margaret Thatcher in power in the UK and Ronald Reagan in the Oval, that was a decade to have lived folks, the end of the Cold War, taxes cut, the Unions shown who was boss on both sides of the Pond. The Coup against Lady Thatcher was the most shameful event in Tory history, but lets be honest can you see the Iron Lady leaving 1o Downing Street under her own stream, but with the exception of that it was a glorious decade folks.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldier was from the " 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, attached to 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, serving as part of Combined Force Nad 'Ali, ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 293 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it lost 259 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

End of an Era - Helen Thomas

The New York Times: Reports on the sad end to the journalist career of the Dame of White House Press Core Helen Thomas. It was sad due to the fact that Ms Thomas made very anti Israeli comments, this blog in nearly all cases has supported Israel with the exception of the row over the use of UK Passports for a hit job, and then it was the how not what the Israel did to get rid of a terrorist, but this blog has not called on Ms Thomas to go, as a Liberal Conservative this blog will defend the right of people to say things that this blog find offensive but it’s a matter of free speech, but you cant be a reporter and make comments that in its heart of hearts the NYT wants as US policy. Lets hope at the end of the day we can look at the career of Ms Thomas in the round, as noted she has reported on every President since JFK and had a part in the process of reporting of Watergate scandal, lets hope that Ms Thomas can come back from this after learning a very important lesson, it’s a British thing of not hitting someone when they are down, unlike PC Liberals.

Bad DAY in Afghanistan

BBC News: Reports that NATO lost ten Soldiers today in Afghanistan. It reported by CNN that 7 of the Soldiers that died came from the US. Thus we see the central problem of the War in Afghanistan, the Taliban have no reason to talk, they can see down the line that the fate of Afghanistan will be the same fate as South Vietnam, at the end of the NATO and the Obama Administration can not win Afghanistan, the badlands of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan allow the Taliban / Al Qaeda to have safe heavens that allow them to attack within Afghanistan and then run back in Pakistan. In less NATO places a major force of troops on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan then as in the Vietnam War the enemy can retreat to these areas that are safe and allow them to rebuild their forces. Its going to be a long and bloody War folks, and the end can be seen from the past.

Tough Years of Public Spending Cuts - Coalition Government

Telegraph: Reports on a interview that UK PM David Cameron has given the Sunday Times, the PM stated that the UK faces " years of pain.." in public spending cuts. As we have seen with Hungary of late the new Coalition Government has found that the economic books of the UK are in a far worse state than PM Gordon Brown and the Labour Party let on, the Labour Chief Secretary to the Treasury stated to his successor that the money had gone, the Labour Party in its last months in power spent money like a drunk sailor, no wonder they wanted to go in to Opposition. The Emergency Budget at the end of the month will be hard folks, but it should allow the UK not to become another Greece, its always the same with Labour, every time they leave Office they have destroyed the economy.

Labour and the Coalition Cuts

BBC News: Reports on the critical reception of the Coalition cuts by the former Labour Foreign Secretary and Labour Leadership Candidate David Miliband. The Labour Party has one hell of a cheek to be attacking the Coalition Government when it left the Government economic books in such a financial mess, the UK owes 156 billion folks, the interest is in the Billions, if Labour cant see their own faults for this mess they will be out of power for a generation.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has released the name of the two soldiers killed on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were " Corporal Terry Webster and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, both of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) B (Malta) Company attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battlegroup ". Our thoughts are with the families of Corporal Webster and Lance Corporal Cochran.

Sovereign Debt = Hungary

Bloomberg.com: Reports that Hungary could default on its sovereign debt. In other words Hungary could go belly up like Greece, one has to ask how much bailouts the world economic system can take before Hungary, Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland are allowed to go to the wall. At the end of the day the economic bailouts don't solve the problem, they are a bandage that stems the economic blood flow, but in keeping these countries going the entire system is getting affected, it can be argued that it would be better to allow countries to default, then they can scrap the costs of their welfare state structure and restart the system on a better foundation. The question do the politicians have the guts to take this drastic action or will they allow the economic cancer to kill the system.

Gaza set SHIP Taken - Israel

BBC News: Reports that another Gaza set ship, the Rachel Corrie has been taken by Israel, this time no pics or the need for Israeli troops to defend themselves. Thus a very successful operation by Israel, the usual anti Israel crowd will be up in the arms, from the BBC to the NYT/Guardian crowd. At the end of the day Israel has to protect the security of its people, end of discussion.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that two British Soldiers were killed on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were from the " 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment serving as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South) ". Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 292 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 258 in combat operations and 34 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

The Chicago Mob Via Obama and the Liberal NYT

The New York Times: Has a tough editorial on the Sestak and Romanoff affairs, the extreme liberal NYT writes the following on the Obama White House and the actions of President Obama " It would be a good idea for him quickly to become much more aware of what his political operatives are doing,...". It seems that even the bloated liberal New York Times is smelling political Chicago mob methods in the Obama White House, the offering of paid government jobs for candidates not run in state is elections is against US election law, the growing trend shows a Watergate type mentality in the Obama White House, they are starting to believe their own press statements, they think they know what is in the interest of the country and will do what ever it takes, lets see who does that recall, YES, Richard Nixon, it starts in this way, the usual politics then someone down the political ladder goes well beyond that and you have Watergate or Iran - Contra. It is time for Obama to clean house at the White House, bring in a new political team, new Chief of Staff etc, it just might get him re-elected in 2012 and prevent a massive political scandal. Folks the Ego of the White House is heading for a political fall, either in the Mid Term Congressional Elections of 2010 or in the US Court System.