Gaddafi bombs Eastern Libyan Military Bases, What Next ?

CNN: Reports that those in the Libyan Air Force loyal to Colonel Gaddafi have bombed military bases in the East of Libya. Thus if Colonel Gaddafi gets away with this he might think that he can bomb the civilian areas of the East under the control of the opposition, what if Gaddafi starts to use biological or chemical weapons, what will NATO do then, just watch while thousands are killed, or will the West order a No Fly Zone, are we seeing another Bosnia, in the case the West waited to long and thousands died that need not have died.

Obama’s National Security Council on Iran

As is the trend with President Obama he has released a statement on Iran not a personal press statement, the Obama NSC has stated the following on the protests in Iran and the reaction of the Tehran Regime, “ The United States strongly condemns the Iranian government's organized intimidation campaign and arrests of political figures, human rights defenders, political activists, student leaders, journalists and bloggers. The Iranian government also continues to deny its citizens access to information by jamming satellite transmissions and blocking internet sites. The United States and the world will continue to bear witness to the Iranian government's blatant violation of the universal rights of its citizens and its ongoing hypocrisy. The Iranian government should allow active dialogue among its citizens, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly without fear. Iranians deserve the same justice and rights that their government extols the virtue of abroad. ”. It seems if your ally of the US, as was the case with the leader of Egypt you get thrown under the bus by the President himself, if you’re a enemy you get a press statement that no one will look at due to the crisis in Libya. It seems that hawk in the Obama Administration is Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, so far and this blog might have missed it, have not heard for Gaddafi to go from the mouth of President Obama in person. It seems the Obama ego cant stand the thought that he would be considered Bush 43 light. That can be the only reason for the quite Oval. Lets hope Secretary Clinton resigns as Secretary of State and runs against Obama in 2012, not sure world peace cant take another four years of the Hamlet of the Oval.

Advice to Obama from US Senate = Libya

The Hill: Reports on comments by Senators McCain and Lieberman, the Senators have called on POTUS to accept the protesters as the new government of Libya, to give them weapons to fight Colonel Gaddafi and a No Fly Zone over Libya. The first suggestion as to accepting the protesters as the new government could be problematic, as far as this blog can tell there is no one leader in the revolt, the US cant be seen pushing its favourite candidate, as to weapons it can be argued that there are enough weapons in Libya at the moment, as to a No Fly Zone this should have been done yesterday. Once a leader emerges from the protests then the US can state that that Libya has a new Government and give them weapons if they wish, but so far lets wait and see the outcome.

Libyan Update

Guardian: Reports that the City of Zawiyah just 30 miles from Tripoli has been taken by the Opposition in Libya. The question is how many Libyans will have to die before Colonel Gaddafi either gets out or is take out, one has to hope that either MI6 or the CIA is talking to their counterparts in Libya or are having talks with those close to Gaddafi, its easy deal, get Gaddafi to leave or take him out, if he taken out by his own side this would be of great relief to the West, at this rate the streets will be full of blood before Gaddafi is out.

Our Heroic Armed Forces and Libya

Telegraph: Reports how the RAF and the SAS/SBS were used to get UK and Western Citizens out of Libyan Desert. The Western reaction has been tougher over the weekend folks, the Coalition Government has gotten its act together, but its time for a No Fly Zone in Libya, also its time to think outside the box, lets think about sending in the SAS/SBS to take out Colonel Gaddafi, otherwise a lot more brave Libyans might get killed, the Colonel has earned his nickname from President Reagan, he is acting like a Mad Dog, when a Dog goes crazy and kills you only have one option, what if Colonel Gaddafi uses his biological or chemical weapons on his people, what if he follows the 1979 Iran route and takes Western hostages, better to take the risk and take out Colonel Gaddafi NOW, that’s the job of MI6,CIA and the Special Forces at the end of the day, fast and efficient black ops job with no fingerprints.

Never TRUST the French!

Telegraph: Reports that President Sarkozy of France has stated that Colonel Gaddafi should leave office, but does not want to use any armed force. Its typical of the French when the UK might need to use force to protects its citizens that they hide, nothing new, you cant trust France to back you up, more likely to knife you in the back, can we really trust them to share their Naval resources with us, lets review any agreements with the French.

Libya and the West

Thus far folks one has to say that the reaction of the US and the UK when it comes to the murder of the Libyan people by its own leader has been pathetic, POTUS took days to say something himself, and when he did say something it was weak beyond measure, the Coalition PM David Cameron was forced to say sorry for the slow reaction of the UK in getting its people out, one whole the air service from Tripoli seems to be working at the moment, and the Royal Navy has been used to get people out of the Port of Benghazi, it has been reported the HMS Cumberland will return to Benghazi to pick up more Western citizens. The problem for the UK is the citizens that are in the desert, if their companies cant get them out and the people cant make their way to Tripoli or Benghazi or overland to Egypt or Tunisia then the RAF with the support of the SAS or will have to go in and get them no matter what Colonel Gaddafi thinks. The White House has released the following on the telephone conversations between Obama and EU leaders, “ The President spoke today, in separate calls, with President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to continue consultations on the situation in Libya and coordinate our urgent efforts to respond to developments and ensure that there is appropriate accountability. The President expressed his deep concern with the Libyan government’s use of violence which violates international norms and every standard of human decency, and discussed appropriate and effective ways for the international community to immediately respond. The leaders affirmed their strong support for the universal rights of the Libyan people, including the right to peaceful assembly, free speech, and the ability of the Libyan people to determine their own destiny and agreed that these rights must be respected. The leaders discussed the range of options that both the United States and European countries are preparing to hold the Libyan government accountable for its actions, as well as planning for humanitarian assistance. The leaders agreed to maintain close consultations on this issue going forward. ”. The UN will do bugger all, it never acts, it’s a talking job for diplomats, its time for action, as stated many times Obama is starting to make Jimmy Carter look good, at least Carter sent in a rescue mission, it failed, but he acted, so far lot of fine words from Obama but no action, NO Fly Zones, no sanctions real sanctions on Gaddafi, if the West fails in Libya then Iran will march towards the bomb, the Tehran leadership are smart enough to know that if they have the bomb the West will not react if they kill their own people, Libya is a test Obama cant afford to fail.

Obama on Libya

In his first actual personal comments on the revolt in Libya President Obama has stated the following, “ First, we are doing everything we can to protect American citizens. That is my highest priority. In Libya, we've urged our people to leave the country and the State Department is assisting those in need of support. …..As I said last week, we strongly condemn the use of violence in Libya…..The American people extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all who’ve been killed and injured. The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters and further punish the people of Libya. These actions violate international norms and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop…..In a volatile situation like this one, it is imperative that the nations and peoples of the world speak with one voice, and that has been our focus. Yesterday a unanimous U.N. Security Council sent a clear message that it condemns the violence in Libya, supports accountability for the perpetrators, and stands with the Libyan people ”. The above is fine, it should have been said days ago, the Oval has left the American message to Secretary Clinton, but that is not good enough, at the end of the day President Obama is the leader of the last super power, he has won the Nobel Prize, and what does he do when people are being killed in their demand for freedom, hide in the Oval. If your Colonel Gaddafi you would not be that impressed, but POTUS did say the following that might get the attention of Gaddafi, well the first part “ I’ve also asked my administration to prepare the full range of options that we have to respond to this crisis. This includes those actions we may take and those we will coordinate with our allies and partners, or those that we’ll carry out through multilateral institutions. ” in other words the UN, at its most basic more hot air, not very impressive for a Chicago politician. The rest of the statement is all about talking to partners and international bodies, this could lead Colonel Gaddafi to release his final attack in the knowledge that Obama wont react, the statement has that even, POTUS stated the following, “ So let me be clear. The change that is taking place across the region is being driven by the people of the region. This change doesn’t represent the work of the United States or any foreign power. It represents the aspirations of people who are seeking a better life. ” in other words the Libyan people cant count on the military support of the US. One has to say that POTUS is in over his head, Hillary Clinton was right ask if the American people wanted on the job training for their President, so far he is getting a D- and that’s being VERY kind folks.

Gaddafi holds Tripoli

The New York Times: Reports that Colonel Gaddafi still holds the Libyan Capitol of Tripoli, he has sent out his supporters and mercenaries to kill the opposition. It looks like that Libya will be broken up, with some areas under the control of Colonel Gaddafi while others under the control of the protesters. The question is what will the international community do about such a development, the UN has been full of hot air, the Obama Administration with the exception of Secretary Clinton has been weak to the point that it makes Jimmy Carer look good, what is POTUS waiting for, this kind of weakness by President Obama will make Iran feel that it has a free hand in the Middle East, in other words they will go for the bomb as they see Obama as weak. The effect of Egypt and Libya might be to make Iran a Super Power in the region.

Sad Day - The Death of Nicholas Courtney ( Brigadier Sir Alastair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart )

Guardian: Reports on the death of Nicholas Courtney the fine actor that played Brigadier Sir Alastair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who. The Brig was the Soldier you wanted in that foxhole with you when your back was up against the wall, one can argue that he represented how the real Army would have liked to have been seen, efficient, honourable, willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good, but also willing to take those tough decisions that the Doctor could never take, one could have countless debates on how the Brig would have viewed the modern fight against terrorism. As back to Dr Who without the Brig, he will be missed, Nicholas Courtney bought warmth to the role, also humour, his shock when Doctor 1,2,3 turned up, ( the Three Doctors ) his hope over experience that bullets would work on aliens, never did, his constant loyalty to the Doctor ( any incarnation ) when he should have known better, his loyalty to UNIT but not at the cost of honour or helping out a friend to do the right thing. The Arts and Dr Who is sadder place without the Brig.

World One Diaries - Captain Edwin Vaughan

Daily Mail: Reports on the discovery of the World War One Diaries of Captain Edwin Vaughan who fought on the Western Front. If you read one article today folks read this article, its shows the inhumanity of War, how World War One destroyed an entire generation of British Youth. The Diaries are the images you think about when you think about WW1, the trenches, the hell of battle, the cries of the wounded in no mans land, this is War with no chivalry, brutal and with no hope but death. Read of the Day.

Thousand Dead Libya

Telegraph: Reports that about a thousand people have been killed in the Libyan revolt according to the Italian Foreign Minister. How many deaths does it take for the World to react, the UN so far is toothless, it is looking more like the League of Nations every day, the Obama Administration should be called Jimmy Carter Mark 2, while in the UK the Coalition Government is saying the right things about the need for democracy but is not doing much, there are hundreds of UK Subjects trapped in Libya, so far a lot of talk about getting them out but so far not a lot of action. The UN needs to a No Fly Zone, as it did in Iraq, also the Arab Countries, that have been liberated should consider sending in Forces to remove Colonel Gaddafi, this would show it was really a new world order in the Middle East.

President Obama 55% Disapproval - Rasmussen

Rasmussen Reports: Its latest daily tracking poll has President Obama at 55% Disapproval while 44% approve of the job performance of POTUS. Over the next two years President Obama will have the following political problems, his health care reform, the idea that it would get popular after it was passed has failed to appear, also the fact that Federal Courts have declared it illegal makes sure that ObamaCare will be on the political landscape in till the November 2012 Presidential Election, the fourteen trillion debt has to be dealt with, the Democrats are so glued to their bases, the Unions, people on benefit that they don’t have the political guts to tell these groups that the good years are over, there have to be cuts, and deep cuts, the age that voters retire has to go up, the welfare structure has to be cut, thus medical services will have to be means tested. In other words folks the rich will have to pay more for less. On the international front, Obama is showing more weakness that Jimmy Carter, the Libya people are getting shot by their own Air Force and POTUS has not said a word, to talk about freedom in the Middle East would confirm the polices of Bush 43, that is a major ego problem for President Obama. Also we have Iran and Afghanistan on the horizon, Iran could get the bomb by 2012, will Israel and Obama allow a nuclear armed Iran after recent event in the Middle East. Also the planned 2014 exit out of Afghanistan has a long way to go, you cant give the impression that the terrorists have won, thus tough problem. Thus the 2012 re-elect committee has a tough hand to play, lets see are they any good when there are negatives, when your chief plus in the shape President Obama has 55% disapproval rating.
　
　
　
　
　

The Appeasement of President Obama over Libya

The White House Press Secretary has stated the Administrations view of Libya and Iran, the Press Secretary stated the following on Libya, “ Well, first let me point you to the fact that on Friday, while we were on this plane, the President issued a statement condemning the violence in Libya, the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Libya as well as two other countries. Yesterday, the Secretary of State issued a very strongly worded statement condemning the violence and expressing our great alarm at the violence used against peaceful protesters. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims in Libya of this appalling violence. And the Secretary of State will speak again today at approximately 2:30 p.m. where she will address some of these issues. ” Yes the new Press Secretary Jay Carney did say the Obama Administration had “ very strongly worded statement ” how pathetic can you get, roll over and bow why not! Then when asked about the role of the UN the Press Secretary stated the following, “ There is activity at the United Nations Security Council today. We are participating in meetings. We look forward to working with the international community so that the international community speaks with one voice in condemning the violence. And we feel like when the international community speaks with one voice, it can be most effective, so we are obviously participating fully in that. ”. People of Libya want help from the world community and Mr Carney thinks that “ activity…participating in meetings….And we feel like when the international community speaks with one voice, it can be most effective ”, if Mr Carney thinks that will save lives he is in the wrong job, the Obama Administration does not have the backbone to act, Obama is no Reagan. Obama is fast turning it to Jimmy Carter.

Libya Update

Telegraph: Reports that the Arab Union has suspended Libya from future meetings in till Colonel Gaddafi talks with those that are protesting. This lack of action from the UN down is a stain on the international community, the left wing media have so frightened politicians after Iraq that Gaddafi almost has a free hand to murder his own people. Its time for the UN to grow up, its should follow the advice of the former UK Foreign Secretary in the 1970s Lord Owen and place a no fly zone over Libya to prevent the killing of its people by its own Air Force and to prevent Gaddafi from bringing in mercenaries to kill the people of Libya. The Obama White House as in the shape of President Obama has been tone deaf when it comes to Libya, as with the case with Egypt Obama has shown he is over his head when it comes to international politics.

Gaddafi to Speak

Guardian: Reports that Colonel Gaddafi is to speak to the Libyan people. One has doubts that Colonel Gaddafi will resign, he does not care about his people, one can guess that he will make the usual statements, that it’s the fault of the West, the Media, the people don’t know what they are doing, he even might follow the route of his son and say they are stoned. Lets see folks, Gaddafi really is a violent nut case, a subject for therapy and the International Court.

Cameron in Egypt

Telegraph: Reports on the trip to Egypt by Coalition PM David Cameron. This is an interesting move by the PM, this will make headlines around the world, really puts him on the international stage, the Oval must have been informed, what will they think, Obama has been very quiet about Libya and took his time over Egypt. The message by Mr Cameron to Egypt has been Democracy, this will go down well the left wing media, but also allow the PM to upstage the White House. The PM is next off to Kuwait.

US Government Shutdown, Republican House vs. POTUS

Guardian: Reports that the Republican House of Representatives has a passed a budget with over sixty billion dollars worth of cuts, the Democratic Senate will oppose and POTUS has threatened to veto the Bill. This is time for the Republicans to hold their ground, they have the electoral mandate of winning the House in November. The Cuts are minor when you look at a US debt of over fourteen trillion, the Republicans should stand their ground, make President Obama defend his ObamaCare, lets see who the voters supporters.

Israel, Iran and the Suez Canal - The Next Hot Spot

Telegraph: Reports that two Naval Ships from Iran are expected to start passing through the Suez Canal on Monday. This might be time for Israel to show some backbone, either prevent the ships coming through or taking them when the pass the Suez Canal. There will be a world outcry from the usual suspects but it would send a message to Tehran, BACK OFF, it would show that Israel will not allow the revolts in the Middle East as way for Iran to gain more power in the region. But the chances are that Israel will do nothing under pressure from the Oval Office, then Iran will crow that its influence is growing and the security of Israel will be more under threat.

Deaths in Libya = Evil Gaddafi

BBC News: Reports that about two hundred people have been killed in the Libyan City of Benghazi and nine hundred hurt by the Security Forces of Colonel Gaddafi. It is a pity that the Reagan authorized attack on Colonel Gaddafi didn’t take him out, Colonel Gaddafi is evil scum, also very bonkers. Lets hope the protesters can turn around some of the security forces and have them defend this chance of removing Colonel Gaddafi, should Gaddafi be removed lets have him sent to the International Court, one can think of nothing better than Gaddafi in a jail cell for the rest of his miserable existence.

POTUS on the Middle East Protests

The White House released a written statement of the protests in the Middle East, President Obama states the following, “ I am deeply concerned by reports of violence in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen. The United States condemns the use of violence by governments against peaceful protesters in those countries and wherever else it may occur. We express our condolences to the family and friends of those who have been killed during the demonstrations. Wherever they are, people have certain universal rights including the right to peaceful assembly. The United States urges the governments of Bahrain, Libya and Yemen to show restraint in responding to peaceful protests, and to respect the rights of their people. ”. In the real world POTUS wants things to calm down in Bahrain and Yemen, they are two close allies of the US, in the case of Libya if the Regime falls there might be some joy, as long as the new Regime is not full of Islamic extremists, but on the whole its Bahrain is the worry, with the US Fifth Fleet using Bahrain as its base as to counter Iran, any loss of that base would be a national security disaster. Lets be clear this blog has only one interest the national security interests of the UK and the US, if Bahrain can go Democratic but still US ally that would be great, but if takes suppression to keep Bahrain an ally so be it, its harsh world out there folks, the real world, one can not allow Iran to take over Bahrain and hit at the foundations of SA. The voters might like to see Democracy in other Countries but they will turn on politicians if they have to pay more at the petrol station, lets recall the early 1970s folks. Life is unfair folks as JFK once said, one cant see the world as one wants it, one has to deal with the reality and the costs, otherwise you get appeasement and World War Two.

Republican House = NO Funding for ObamaCare

The Hill: Reports that the Republican House has blocked the funding of ObamaCare. This will lead to talks between the House and the Senate, as the Democrats are in charge in the Senate the Republicans will have to give on how much money they will give to ObamaCare if any. On the other hand the Republicans could just say NO, and not budge, force President Obama to close down the US Government over his cherished health care reform. Its down to politics folks, will Democratic Senators from moderate or Conservative States back up the Obama White House in a long term battle, will they risk their political careers for POTUS. The Oval can only give out so many Ambassadorships or cushy Government jobs to defeated Democrats.

US Budget Cuts, POTUS vs. Republican House

CNN: Reports that the Republican House of Representatives is close to passing 60 Billion of Budget Cuts, this is opposed by the President Obama. The Republicans should go to the mat over this, they should even have a Government shut down, make POTUS defend spending money on ObamaCare, the US in many respects in bankrupt, the Welfare State cant cope with the benefits passed by the Democrats over the years, the Democratic Party is not a serious Governing Party, its main concern is its base, the only thing that Democrats are concerned about is the next election, not the US going over the cliff. It is time for Republicans to be leaders, will Obama pander to his base or be a President.

Cameron vs. Clegg = AV Referendum

Daily Mail: Reports on the dulling Campaigns for the Alternative Vote Referendum in May, on the No side you have the Coalition PM David Cameron and on the Yes side you have the DPM Nick Clegg. This will be an interesting fights folks, can the Coalition Government go through this heated battle and come through at the other end, it will be odd, the Coalition Government of the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats will be on the same page on most issues but on this policy difference you will have the Conservative Party, half of the Labour MPs joined at the hip in opposition to this this voting reform, while on the Yes side you will have the Lib Dems and the new Labour Leader Ed Miliband in support of the move. On the subjective side this blog is opposed to AV, so interesting campaign ahead folks.

Live Fire at Protesters in Bahrain

Guardian: Reports that the Army of Bahrain has opened fire on protesters with live ammo. This is going to be tricky for the Obama Administration, this could be a lot worse that Egypt folks, the US Fifth Fleet is stationed in the waters of Bahrain, its an important block on Iran, the majority of the population of the Kingdom are Shia, while the Royal Family is Sunni. As Iran is Shia it would play in their hands should the Sunni Royal Family be overthrown and replaced by a Shia Government. This would be seen as a major threat to the Sunni Saudi Arabia and would allow Iran major influence over the Middle East and North Africa. Lets hope POTUS has a plan or the West could be up a creek without a paddle.

Hot Spot - Israel vs. Iran = Suez Canal

Telegraph: Reports that Iran has requested that two Naval Ships be allowed to use the Suez Canal as a way to get to Syria. This is the first time since the Revolution in Iran in 1979 that Iran has requested such access, the move is seen as a threat by Israel. The question should Egypt give the green light for the passage what will Israel do, what will the Obama Administration do if Israel takes action against the Ships. The move has been seen as a way for Tehran to cause problems for the West and divert attention from its own protests in Tehran. This could be the next hot spot folks, keep an eye on this unfolding story.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the last two British Soldiers that were killed on Monday, the Soldiers died due to an accident, the Soldiers were “ Private Robert Wood and Private Dean Hutchinson, both of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) ”. Our thoughts are with the families of Privates Wood and Hutchinson.

Split Policy for Iran and Bahrain

　

The New York Times: Reports on two different polices by the Obama Administration when it comes to protests in Iran and Bahrain, in Iran POTUS wants people on the streets, in Bahrain it wants the government to reform but not supporting the protesters. This is down to hard edge politics folks, the American Fifth Fleet has its base in Bahrain, the US needs this base as a counter to Iran. Thus the Oval is being very careful when it comes to Bahrain, it does not want to see protesters overthrowing another ally in the region. In Iran POTUS is getting another chance after he fluffed the protests of last year, even if the protesters fails in Tehran it will keep the Regime on edge, that is good for the US and the West. The mistake Foreign Policy experts make is to assume the last case study matches the last great success, as with the Kennedy Administration they thought they had handled the Cuban Missile Crisis well thus they knew how to deal with the War in Vietnam, they didn’t and Vietnam become the first US War the US has ever lost. Although it seems that Egypt has worked out, one can no tell if this would be the result in Bahrain, Yemen, etc, it could allow Islamic extremists to take over and US Foreign Policy would be damaged for years and Iran would become a Super Power in the region. This is a wise move by POTUS, he is not listening to his idealists, GOOD.
　

Ahmadinejad = Protesters will FAIL

Guardian: Reports that the President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated that the protesters in Iran are doomed to fail. Lets be honest here folks, in less the protesters arm up they will fail, the security services of Iran have been told to go in mob handed, they will not allow the protesters in Tehran to get in to the powerful position that the protesters managed in Egypt. The opposition in Iran needs covert military help from the US, so far it does not look like Obama White House has any interest in helping the opposition with military support, the only thing that the Oval is using is words and that has no effect on Tehran, if the Obama Administration does not want to strike Iran with military force before its gets the bomb it should support the opposition, if the Regime was to fall it would be game changer in the Middle East, but does the Oval have the nerve to take such risks, or does it fear to be fearless.

Protests in Libya

Telegraph: Reports on protests in the Libyan City of Benghazi by opponents of Colonel Gaddafi. Let hope this dictator is the next to fall, Colonel Gaddafi is a top level nut, yes he has given up his WMD but that should get him a pass when comes to having a secular Democracy in Libya. The terrorists acts committed and sanctioned by Libyan Government over the years should always be held in account, lets hope this evil leader and yes it is the right word, falls on his actual sword quite soon for the benefit of the Libyan people.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of one of the three British Soldiers to die on Monday in Afghanistan, the Soldier killed by an IED was “ Lance Corporal Kyle Cleet Marshall, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment ” Our thoughts are with the family of Lance Corporal Marshall.

Reagan by Eugene Jarecki

The New York Times: Reviews the Documentary on Ronald Reagan by Eugene Jarecki. Having seen the documentary of late it is quite fair, also it has some great footage of Reagan that this Reagan buff has not seen, interesting to see Reagan with Truman, also when Reagan was Governor of California having a public argument, raise voices, not your usual image of Reagan. One has to say Reagan was great, if you think about it, Reagan left office in 1989, he died after a long illness in 2004, but if you came from Mars you would think he was still leading the Republicans, the Republicans Candidates for 2012 want to be the son or daughter of Reagan and the left wing media cant seem to leave the Gipper alone. It is fair to say that even JFK after his death in 1963 didn’t get this much press coverage years later, yes before you start what about the books, well those books tend to cover the death of the President and which conspiracy angle you support, also the JFK legacy took a dive with the news of his affairs while in office and the CIA attempts to kill Castro. Also this blog would argue, selling out Turkey over the Cuban Missile Crisis didn’t help. Thus since 1945 there have been really only the following great Presidents, Truman, JFK and Reagan, will Obama be the next great, so far this blog is not rushing to place any bets.

100 Billion Cuts - 2011 Budget

The Hill: Reports on a House of Representatives Amendment that would add 20 billion more cuts to the planned Republican leadership cuts of 61 billion. The would be in line with the Republican message of 2010. The Tea Party and Conservative Republicans should use their power to go for deep and painful cuts in the welfare system, the US voter does not want to go over a cliff with the Democrats. The 2010 Mid Term Elections was a message from the voter to the Washington Establishment, fourteen trillion is enough debt. Its time to cut the welfare state before the welfare state buries the US. The people will have to work longer, those richer Americans will be means tested for their benefits, those on Middle Incomes will get their tax benefits revoked. It has to be harsh to work folks, otherwise the US will follow the British Empire and go broke.

The Military Coup and Egypt

Guardian: Reports the following from Egypt, “ ( the ) revolution is in danger of being hijacked by the army, key political activists have warned, ”. Lets hope the Army is in charge, the new Egypt should be economic free, a lot like China, but the power of Government should be in the hands of the Army. The Army has stated it will keep the peace treaty with Israel and uphold all of Egypt’s international obligations, this is excellent news for the Obama Administration and the Middle East. Lets be clear this blog supports Democracy, but secular Democracy, not for Egypt to go ALL Iran 1979. Thus there should be economic and political freedom, but the Army as a safeguard for the security of Egypt and the Middle East. The new Constitution should be secular in nature, the Muslim Brotherhood should be kept out of power by the Army, in other words rig the elections if it comes down to that choice, the Army vs. the Muslim Brotherhood. The call for Democracy should never be allowed as a way for extremists to get power, Egypt if it makes the right choice will have a great future, a bad choice, then the World will suffer.

Weapons of Mass Destruction and Intelligence

Telegraph: Reports that the Iraqi Defector Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi; Codename Curveball; the Agent that lead to the Iraqi War has admitted he lied to German and US Intelligence about the WMD of the Iraqi Regime. As the plan by Curveball was to bring down the Iraqi Regime he was successful but the cost was the lives of UK and US Soldiers. One has to wonder cant London or Washington D.C ask for him to be send to either Capital for causing so much loss of life. The UK lost 179 of its Armed Forces Personnel for a War that didn’t need to be fought.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier was killed in action today, the Soldier was from the “ 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 357 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 313 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Split in the Obama’s Foreign Policy Team

The New York Times: Reports on the split President Obama’s National Security Team when it came to Egypt, the realists didn’t want to throw President Mubarak under the bus, while the idealists at the White House cant get out of Campaign mode, they think the protesters in Egypt as like the voters that got Obama elected in 2008. The best advice POTUS is going to get is to sack these idealists, its alright to have them as outside advice, read their views on the liberal New York Times but keep them from power. Lets be clear Obama can not afford to lose SA to Islamic extremists in the name of democracy. When it comes to Iran these idealists are very quiet, last year many brave people in Iran died, the White House was quiet, simple reason, Obama think his rhetoric will change the nuclear policy of Tehran, in other words he is reading his own press statements again!! If Obama allows these simple souls to run his Foreign Policy he can kiss his re-election goodbye, Iran will play him, kill the protesters and reveal its nuclear bomb at the worst time for Obama, also they will give more support to the Taliban - Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, they will make the UK - USA exit in 2014 look like a defeat. Other piece of advice listen to Hillary Clinton.

The Left, Right vs. POTUS

The Hill: Reports that the Liberal Left ( LL) is up in the Arms over the Obama Budget, there are major cuts, but POTUS has problems on his right, the Tea Party Republicans want deeper cuts than Obama. Fourteen Trillion folks, that is the US debt, the US voter has a choice, if they want to be a super power there have to be painful and deep cuts, welfare cuts have to be major, even Defence will need to be cut, both the Republicans and Democrats will have to do deal on the retirement age, it has to go up, the benefits that OAP’s get will have to reduced or cut, at the end of the day folks, the US voter has a choice, they can go the way of the British Empire and go broke and be forced to change as was the case after World War Two, or they can grow up, make the cuts and remain a Super Power. Its that simple and complex folks.

Protest in Iran

Guardian: Reports that the security forces of Iran are using force against protesters. This is not new folks, the Regime in Tehran knows if it gives up power they will be hung from the nearest tree by the people they have suppressed over the years. A revolution in Iran will have to be violent, if the protesters are peaceful they will be killed, its that simple and brutal folks, lets hope the Obama White House actually supports the people this time, but not holding my breath, the Oval was slow over Egypt, when it comes to Iran, President Obama would rather talk to the Regime, even if it means the blood of the people, the Obama Ego cant take being wrong; Harvard has a lot to answer for; thus expect the Obama White House to be quiet over Iran.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that two British Soldiers have died due to an accident in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were from the “ Royal Logistic Corps ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 356 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 312 in combat action and 44 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

The Power of the Tea Party and the US Budget

The New York Times: Reports that Republican Tea Party members have forced the new Republican House Leadership to make deeper cuts in the US Budget. Folks you cant have trillions of debt, that way leads to the fate of the British Empire, in other words broke. The Republicans got elected in November on the promise to return the US to fiscal responsibility, well will power comes the actual job, the Republicans should slash and burn the Obama Budget, it should make sure that there is no money for ObamaCare, force POTUS to close down the government to get money for his health care reform. If the Republicans cave to the White House the will be out of power in 2012. The political trenches have been drawn and it’s the budget, folks keep an eye on Congress, don’t allow them to cave, if they are weak phone them, text them, email them, tweet them, etc, this is the time to get the US out of the red and back in to the black, time to show leadership.

Mubarak OUT = Army IN = ?

Telegraph: Reports on the resignation of President Mubarak of Egypt. Thus what next folks, the President has transferred power to the Army, they have promised a road map to free elections. The question is will this be enough for the protesters, the reaction of the protesters was joy at the news, but what comes next folks, will the Army really give Egypt Democracy or will they spin the departure of Mubarak as a reason to keep the present power structure, lets recall folks you would have fond such joy in 1917 with the fall of Tsar Nicholas 11, then in 1979 when Iran’s monarch left, but that secular revolution was overtaken by a religious revolution. Lets see what happens folks, you have to tip your hat to the protesters, they have bought down a dictator by peaceful protest on the whole, that should be celebrated, this is a historic day in Egypt, but lets see what happens next, this old cynic has worries about the future of the Middle East after this Revolution.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the British Soldiers that were killed on Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were “ Private Lewis Hendry, from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, and Private Conrad Lewis, from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the families of Private Hendry and Private Lewis.

Deaths in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that two British Soldiers were killed today in Afghanistan, the Soldiers were from the “ 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and the 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 354 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 312 in combat action and 42 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Major Strikes ALL over Egypt

The New York Times: Reports that protests have spread from Liberation Square in Cairo, that strikes are developing that could have a major effect on the economy of Egypt, there are reports of strikes at the Suez Canal. At some point there has to be a break point folks, either the protesters storm the Presidential Palace and take President Mubarak or the Army uses if forces to send the protesters home. At this rate the new Government of Egypt will have to ask the Obama Administration for a economic bailout, this would not be great for POTUS. It cant be an endless revolution folks, that leads to political, economical and culture disaster.

Vice President Suleiman - Coup Threat = Egypt

Guardian: Reports on comments by Vice - President Suleiman, the VP stated that if the protesters didn’t stop there could be a coup in Egypt. Lets be clear folks, the Regime is not Mubarak, the governing Regime in Egypt is the Army, the majority of US aid goes to the Army, the Army is not going to give up its power, and its economic power, thus we have a standoff, sooner or later, and it looks sooner the Army will have to move the protesters away from Liberation Square, otherwise the economy of Egypt will go down the drain, and it will take the Army with it, its that simple and brutal folks, the protesters have got what they have wanted, one would start to think that the protesters had a darker agenda, one really should look at how much power the Muslim Brotherhood has over the protesters.

Egypt and Middle East Peace

Telegraph: Reports on the statement by the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague that the peace process in the Middle East could be a victim of the recent revolt in Egypt. Also the Foreign Secretary was critical of the defensive reaction by Israel to the revolt in Egypt. This is not new folks, the Foreign Office is over the top pro Arab, while the 10 Downing Street and the rest of the Country tend to be pro Israel. These comments have no importance, due to the fact that they come from the FCO, the only game changer when it comes to the Middle East is the US. The Obama Administration is calling for fast reform but not calling for the head of President Mubarak, they fear from the Oval, to the State and Defence Departments is that a secular revolution in Egypt could bring in the Muslim Brotherhood, and from there you go from a secular revolution to a religious revolution, its always the second stage that is most worrying, from Russia in 1917 to Tehran in 1979. The economy of Egypt can not have these mass protests and go on, at some point the US will have to tell the protesters to go home and trust that the US will not allow the reforms to be undone. Otherwise by the time there is a new government there will be no money and this will be a great chance for Iran to use its oil influence to great effect. Thus POTUS will have to get off the fence and tell the protesters to go home.

Donald Rumsfeld - US Defence Secretary under Bush 43

The Hill: Reports on the new autobiography by the former Bush 43 Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the former Secretary attacks the management style of NSC Advisor Condi Rice and those that state that Bush Administration officials lied the US in to the Iraq War. This will be an interesting read folks, Mr Rumsfeld is without doubt the most controversial US Defence Secretary since the Vietnam War. One can guess the Liberals from the New York Times will look for something to attack former Secretary, one should not expect nothing else from the bloated liberal New York Times.
　

Egypt NOW

Have been watching the developments in Egypt with interest, one can see that as a news story its going down the pecking order, at the end of the day in a revolution you have to have a result one way or another, so far, its still a Mexican standoff, the Mubarak Government is giving concessions but not enough for the protesters in Liberation Square and the West in honesty just wishes it would go away, from the Oval to Number 10 they can not afford another Iran 1979.

Guardian: Reports that the Muslim Brotherhood have given President Mubarak a week to resign. The more the radical elements come in to play the more the West will want the Army of Egypt to take control, the Army has to much to lose just to give up power, the US might say it wants transfer of power to Democracy, but in reality it wants a transfer that keeps Western interest are they are now, from Israel to the War on Terror. One has take one’s had off to Mubarak, he has played the protesters, they will get tired sooner or later, they have to eat, the West just wants peace in the region, and a symbolic Egypt that has the spin of Democracy but with the Army in charge.

Lady Thatcher Film

Telegraph: Reports on the first picture stills to come out of the production, the film will deal with how Lady Thatcher dealt with the Falklands War. As the great Lady is being played by a movie great in the shape of Meryl Streep one will withhold judgement on the film, as long as its not some left wing Guardian hatched job one will wait to review the film before passing comment.

Polls and Past Presidents

Gallup: Has a great political tool to look at how past Presidents compare when compared to President Obama. Can you read the tea leaves, can you predict 2012.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the names of the two recent British Soldiers that have died in Afghanistan, on Friday “ Ranger David Dalzell, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment ”died in a operational accident. On Saturday “ Warrant Officer Class 2 (Company Sergeant Major) Colin Beckett, of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment ” was killed by an IED. Our thoughts are with the families of Ranger Dalzell and Warrant Officer Class 2 (Company Sergeant Major) Beckett. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 352 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 310 in combat action and 42 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Israel NEXT hotspot in EGYPT?

Guardian: Reports on a suspected terrorists explosion at a Gas Terminal that provides gas to Israel. This is the downside to the popular revolt in Egypt folks, under President Mubarak the extreme Islamic elements in Egypt were never allowed to become a major threat to Egypt or the peace deal with Israel, now VP Suleiman wants to talk to the Muslim Brotherhood, from the NYT it seems that the Obama Administration has gone mad and wants religious parties in the new government. If US was to lose Egypt as an ally President Obama would be accused by his political opponents of losing Egypt to Iran. In the late 1940s the Democrats faced the charge that they has lost China, the Democrats have a weak spot when it comes to National Security, POTUS can not afford to morph in to Jimmy Carter for his sake and for the sake of the Middle East.

Mexican Stand off in Egypt

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama supports the plan for Vice - President of Egypt General Suleiman to take over from President Mubarak, while developing a road map for Democracy in Egypt. At present you have the Army on the fence, the Vice - President who is trying to avoid getting killed by God who knows, you have a President who is as stubborn as a mule. It seems from reports that the Government of Egypt wants Egypt back in business on Sunday, the problem is the protesters in Liberation Square, the Army has asked them to move as to get Cairo back to its routine but they are as stubborn as Mubarak. A Country cant come to a standstill, the Army has to tell the protesters they are getting what they want, but it’s a process not a sprint, they have to go home and become part of the political process, otherwise all the concessions could become worthless if Egypt falls apart.
　

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a British Soldier died yesterday in Afghanistan due to an accident, the Soldier was from the “ 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 351 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 309 in combat action and 42 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Ronald Reagan, The Man the Myth

CNN: An interesting article that looks at how Republicans and Democrats view Reagan, how they cherry pick in some respects the Reagan record to attack the opposition. Regan was very pragmatic he would do deals with Democrats, he would go for a majority of a policy aim and then come back later to get the rest, thus Democrats argue that Reagan was willing to deal on policy, while modern Republicans just say NO. On the Republican side the Republicans point out that Reagan was a hawk on National Security, and called on President Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall when the State Department didn’t want to offend the USSR. But Reagan and Gorbachev came close to the removal of ALL nuclear weapons in 1986, they got to that level of trust, Reagan was willing to deal up to a point. The NYT and the Guardian would have jumped for joy if Reagan had accepted the USSR demand that SDI was restricted to the Lab. But Reagan could see the threat of a rogue nation getting the bomb thus his instance that the US had a missile defence. The greatness of Reagan was the ability to know when to be strong and when to deal, also to allow the US to believe in itself again, that was worth more than all the gold in the world.

Centennial of Ronald Reagan

The New York Times: Reports on the plans to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of President Ronald Reagan on Sunday. This kind of event must drive the liberal NYT up the wall, lets be honest folks, the extreme liberals like the NYT hated Reagan while he was in Office and cant understand why he still gets the attention, they are really annoyed that a great liberal President in the shape of LBJ cant even get a stamp, while Reagan gets one straight away, the point that liberals forget is that Reagan was a counter to LBJ and his Great Society, LBJ was all about Big Government while Reagan was the reverse, LBJ lost Vietnam while Reagan won the Cold War. All Presidents after Reagan wanted to be Reagan, no one wants run as the new LBJ.

US Senate Tribute to Ronald Reagan

The Hill: Reports on tributes to Ronald Reagan by both Republicans and Democrats. After the death of JFK, the Vietnam War, the political scandal of Watergate and the end of the Nixon Presidency, and the failure of the Carter Presidency the US got lucky, it elected Ronald Reagan, the Reagan Agenda cut taxes, increased military spending, cut government spending, on the international front, Reagan did not lose inch of ground the USSR. The Reagan Presidency saw the West push back the USSR in Afghanistan and in Southern America. Due to the Reagan Presidency the USSR gained a new leader in Gorbachev, with Gorbachev as a partner President Reagan ended the Cold War, with a few months of his leaving office in 1989 the Berlin Wall came down, in many respects Reagan gave freedom to Eastern Europe without a shot being fired by the US. Thus Reagan was a great President.

Obama and Egypt - The Polls

Lets look at the President Obama’s poll ratings after the events in Egypt, the Gallup Poll of Average voters has Obama on 48% Approval and 45% Disapproval, the Rasmussen Poll of likely voters has Obama on 46% Approval and 53% Disapproval. It should be recalled that it was 1979 and Iran and Afghanistan that really sunk the Carter Presidency, and what two countries are on the Presidential Desk for this year, yes its Iran and Afghanistan, the Tehran Regime is developing its nuclear programme, they could have the bomb by the end of 2011, also the Obama initial plan to start getting out of Afghanistan has been pushed back to 2014. If Egypt falls in to the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood the Obama Presidency is over, Israel would have enemies on both sides, and Israel has already started to blame Obama for this mess, Obama has been weak when it comes to Middle East, he tried to bully Israel over its peace negations, they told him to get lost, thus the Obama White House had to back track on its Middle East policy. The Obama offer of friendship to Iran has been thrown back in his face, Iran does not fear the Obama White House. On the domestic side POTUS has seen ObamaCare declared illegal by the US Federal Courts, thus between international affairs and the Obama domestic agenda the Obama re-elect will have a hard time between 2011 and 2012 in crafting a successful message as to why POTUS should be re - elected.

Thus far in Egypt

They say a week is a long time in politics, in Egypt its an age, two nights ago President Mubarak stated he would not run for re-election as President but would stay in till September. The reaction from the protesters was not good, the Oval wanted a faster change of guard, thus today we see violent fights between pro and anti Mubarak groups. The Western news on the whole has reported that the pro Mubarak groups are a rent a crowd, but it should be noted that a Sky reporter in Cairo stated that these groups also had pro Mubarak supporters. Lets recall the Regime is not just President Mubarak, you have the police the security services, a civil service that looks to Mubarak for their jobs. Thus they might not have the same political opinions of those protesting in Liberation Square. The interesting question is the Army, they are sitting on the fence, they have to get off it if the protesters march on the Presidential Palace! Lets be clear this violence by either side should be stopped, but and this is the BUT, the Western interest is for peaceful transfer from the old older to a new order, a kind of secular liberal democracy, but one that keeps the extreme Islamists out of power and keeps the agreement with Israel. Lets see what the night and early morning brings; thus so far scattered fights between the groups; to Cairo, one thing folks, if your in Cairo don’t burn down your cultural heritage, in other words no destruction of the Cairo Museum, without its past a country is nothing.

No War in Iraq Options - Straw

Guardian: Reports that former Labour Foreign Secretary Jack Straw under PM Tony Blair advice the then PM to find other ways to deal with Iraq that didn’t include War. The advice was a week before the War started, bit late folks, also if Mr Straw had any doubts, War is different from most politics he should have resigned.

The UK Cabinet and the Iraq War

Telegraph: Reports that the former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has told the Iraq Inquiry that he told the UK Cabinet that the Iraq War would be legal without a new UN resolution even after being told by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith that the reverse was true. One would really like to see the former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith given evidence under Oath, all roads it seems lead to what the Attorney General thought and when he didn’t think that, as at the last minute he changed his mind. The Iraq War cant be illegal as the UK lost a 179 of its Armed Forces Personnel in the War and its aftermath, it was iffy, it is up there with Suez, if no UK Soldier had died then this blog would quite happy see Mr Blair at the International Court, but our heroic soldiers did die, thus let those deaths be on the mind of Tony Blair for years to come, when you think of Blair think Iraq.

The US and the Violence in Egypt - Obama White House

The Obama White House has released a very short statement on the violence in Egypt, the statement has the following comment, “ The United States deplores and condemns the violence that is taking place in Egypt, and we are deeply concerned about attacks on the media and peaceful demonstrators. We repeat our strong call for restraint. ”. At the of the day the US gives the Army of Egypt over a billion dollars a year, they could always cut that grant, but then they would have no influence in Cairo, so what will the Army of Egypt do, well if they are this slow on internal matters lets hope they never go to war, Egypt would have been invaded so far. The Army of Egypt has to jump one way or another, support the protesters, or support President Mubarak. The Army is not looking good at the moment.
　

Obama DUMPS Mubarak

The New York Times: Reports that the word was sent form the Oval that President Mubarak should not stand for another term as President. Lets hope the White House has a plan, A) Mubarak OUT, B) Suleiman as Acting President, C) That the protesters don’t push their luck with the Army, D) That the peace deal with Israel is not revoked, E) That after Mubarak Egypt does not fall in to the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood, a lot more problem folks, but lets get the speech from President Mubarak first then lets see if this calms the Arab Street.

Mubarak OUT - Next Election ?

Guardian: Reports that President Mubarak will announce that he will step down at the next election but will stay as President in till those elections. This just might take the steam out of the protests folks, but if the opposition taste blood in the water they might want more, the might want Mubarak out NOW and not for Vice - President Suleiman to take over, of course the protesters might just push the Army to far, they still have the guns, this requires some backroom talks, discreet talks, could go either way folks, don’t see the Regime as in the Army just handing power over to the Muslim Brotherhood, this could get tricky folks.

Mohamed ElBaradei NEXT President of Egypt ?

Telegraph: Reports that the former IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei is having secret talks with the Army and the Government, this could lead to Mr ElBaradei becoming the next President. Folks this might be great for Egypt but it would be a disaster for the Middle East and US Foreign Policy, while as the IAEA Mr ElBaradei was weak on Iran, thus the present nuclear problem that the West has with the Regime in Tehran. Also lets be honest according to reports Mr ElBaradei is not that well known in Egypt, has a very narrow support base, secular liberals, he has the support of the Muslim Brotherhood, that should send a chill in the Oval. Also the Army would be the real masters, thus you would have weak President supported by a very weak coalition who hate each other, and the Army wary of losing its power and wealth. Also Iran would feel free to develop its nuclear programme, knowing that Egypt would be dealing with internal problems. The Obama Administration would have lost a close ally, and the search for peace in the Middle East would be dead in the water, Israel would have to develop a defensive posture against Egypt after thirty years of peace. The above is a nightmare folks.

FCO and Egypt

FCO: Reports that it is sending out a charter plane to Cairo to pick up those UK Citizens who want to get out, but has stated if they have a commercial flight they should take that avenue out. The Foreign Office does seem to have been slow on this development, the US have had planes going in for days, yes the US Citizens have to pay for the flight but least they have gotten out, also the Foreign Advice seems to have been the reverse of other Countries, the US and other EU countries have told their citizens to get out, while flights from the UK has taken holiday makers to holiday areas that are considered safe by the FO. What happens if Egypt goes to hell in a hand basket, we have to get those people back due to the false info form their own government. Lets hope the FO gets away with this advice.