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.
Friday, February 18, 2011
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)