The Differences over Assad of Syria - Syrian Crisis

Daily Mail: Reports " Major powers still have 'significant differences' in opinion over future of Assad after eight hours of talks to end Syria civil war in Vienna  "

Lets Get Real:

The powers through back channels need to have talks off the radar, the Russians and Iran must see that their interests are taken care off, while the West and its allies must keep to their stated policy that Assad must go, therefore the Russians and Iran and the West need to select a candidate that they can live with, its far from a perfect solution but it seems the only solution.  One gets the impression one is writing a script for the series Homeland at the moment when one writes about Syria.  There needs to be stability in Syria, so those refugees can go home and take the pressure off, Lebanon, Jordan and other allies in the region.  The last thing that the US needs is for a close ally in the shape of Jordan to come under Daesh attack or for Baghdad to fall to Daesh.   Thus the diplomatic talks needs to reach a successful end, even in secret agreements, where is Henry Kissinger when you need him. 

The Vietnam Lessons for Syria - Syrian War

BBC News: Reports " The US is sending special forces to Syria to assist anti-government rebels in fighting the so-called Islamic State (IS), officials have said. "

Lets Get Real:

President Obama does not want to lose Iraq to Iran or Daesh, lets be honest Iran now has more power in Iraq since the US left in 2011,  with Syria the Oval wants the removal of Assad at some time, but also a regime that is moderate, and is not actually hostile to the West, while allowing Russia to keep its warm water port.   The Syrian policy and to call it a policy would be kind to the Oval Office and to the rest of the Obama Administration, is a mess, the civil war started with moderates but President Obama would not fund them with arms, this policy was countered by the hawkish policy of Hillary Clinton, it can be postulated that Obama did not want another War in the Middle East before his re-election in 2012, well that has cost, the War in Syria is bloody mess, you have Assad, Russia and Iran on side, you have Daesh and other religious groups, and then you have the " moderates " the US and its allies.   The Obama Oval is going for the Vietnam path, gradual buildup, this is a mistake, either your all in or your just placing a plaster on the wound, and we all know the fate of the Vietnam War,  

The New House Speaker - Speaker Ryan

Guardian: Reports " Paul Ryan elected House speaker with mandate to unite Republicans..Former vice-presidential candidate faces warring factions within his party and will lead conservative majority following John Boehner’s resignation "

Lets Get Real:

The problem was that Speaker Boehner made to many deals with the Oval Office and these deals were seen as negative by the Conservative members of the House.  Thus this is the chance of Speaker Ryan to take the fight to President Obama and the Democrats, if need be closed down the government, make the Democrats the issue, the liberal elite press always give a pass to Obama, well the Republicans should go after the welfare state in the US, its is costing trillions and the US can no longer afford it,  the US has to CUT welfare, the Democrats will fight, they need BIG GOVERNMENT, well lets see what happens when the Country does not fall apart if the government closes down.   Time for action, time for Republicans to be Republicans, not lighter Democrats.  Lets hope Speaker Ryan gets the message. 

The Russians, Iran and Syria - The Threat of Daesh

Fox News: Reports " Russia has helped Iran deliver weapons into Syria twice a day over the past 10 days, western intelligence sources tell Fox News. "

Lets Get Real:

Thus the new talks on Syria that has seen Iran been invited have all the players there, the question is what is the US/Western Allies and moderates accept as a deal on Syria, the Putin regime in Russia wants to keep its warm water port, as to keeping Assad that could be open to debate, one can assume that there are less toxic leaders in Syria that can be accepted by all Parties.   As long as Russia and Iran can keep their influence in the region and with Russia its port one can see Moscow replacing Assad with someone new who has less blood on his hands.   The question is will any deal last when faced with the reality of the War on the ground in Syria. 

The NEVER Ending IRAQ Inquiry - Iraq War

BBC News: Reports " The author of the inquiry into the Iraq War is facing criticism after announcing his report would not be published until June or July 2016. "

Lets Get Real:

The Iraq Inquiry has gone on longer that the War itself, it would almost be funny if it were not for the tragic deaths of UK personnel in Iraq, and of course the local deaths that carry on today with the coming of Daesh.   One has to ask what in the hell the Inquiry has to been up too!!  It has cost millions of pounds, and still another couple of months to go, the House of Commons should start a select committee to go through the costs of the Inquiry, time for the Iraq Inquiry to finish, people have the right to know the TRUTH ABOUT IRAQ. 

The Obama Administration and its Wars - Syria/Iraq Wars

The New York Times: Reports on Syria and Iraq and the Obama Strategy,  " ...that remains untethered to any coherent strategy. Instead of challenging an escalation of American military forces in the Syrian war, several prominent members of Congress are irresponsibly demanding even more hawkish approaches. "

Lets Get Real:

The Obama Administration must make sure that while it remains in power it does not see the fall of Iraq or Syria to Daesh, thus it might take ground troops, sooner or later to keep the Iraqi Army going and stop Iran having a major role in Iraq.    The US will need it troops to take on the tough Daesh positions in Iraq and Syria.    The US left will go through the roof should this happen, the Oval does not want to see US helicopters taking the last US diplomats out of Iraq from the stormed US Embassy.   The next year and half will be tricky for the Oval Office. 

Jeb Bush on Hillary Clinton - Election 2016

Lets Get Real:

It is about time Jeb Bush got in to the trenches, the former Governor should not be fighting the Republicans, he should be going after Hillary Clinton and President Clinton.. A slow start but about time for taking on Democrats. 

Iran in Syrian Talks - Syrian Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will attend multilateral talks on finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria in Vienna this week, a government spokeswoman has said. "

Lets Get Real:

It will be interesting to see if Iran plays a constructive role after its deal with the US when it comes to its nuclear plans.  As the article notes it and Russia have backed Assad for different reasons, it will be interesting to see the moderate rebels think of this move.   As a strategy its the only strategy left to the US and it Allies, at the end of the day Russian, Iran ground troops will have to taken on Daesh will the support of the Assad troops.   This War has more years to go, poor Syrian people. 

The Savage Nature of Daesh - War on Terror

Telegraph: Reports " Isil destroys Roman-era columns in Palmyra during execution..The militant group tied three prisoners to the columns in the ancient city before blowing them up  "

Lets Get Real:

The powers in the region, US/Western Allies, Russia and Iran should get together and make common effort to get rid of Daesh, the Russians can use their ground troops, well they want to be there, the US and its Allies can bomb from the air, with support from Iran when it comes to Assad and shared intelligence.   The removal of Daesh should be the major issue for the powers, the other problems can be dealt with after a successful operation to remove Daesh, it would build trust, and everyone would be in the same boat. 

Caron Topples Trump in new National Poll

CNN - Politics: Reports on a new CBS/NYT poll on the Republican race, " Carson won the support of 26% of Republican primary voters, compared to 22% who are backing Trump.. "

Lets Get Real:

Neither Carson or Trump are fit to be President, one is a ego maniac and the other might just be  a racist after his comments on the chance of a Muslim President.   Thus with Jeb Bush below water it seems that if you have a brain cell you end up supporting Hillary Clinton, yes she is a awful candidate, has problems with the truth, uses the english language like her hubby, slick willy, but on the whole this blog would feel happy with HRC in the Oval than the present Republican field.  That is the thing about democracy, you never get 100% what you want!

The Conservative Government and Tax Credits of Gordon Brown

Daily Mail: Reports " Osborne's tax credit revenge: Ministers refuse to rule out flooding the Lords with more than 100 new peers to force through benefit cuts blocked last night  "

Lets Get Real:

The Prime Minister David Cameron should inform the Queen that due to the actions of Labour and Liberal Democrats Peers the Conservative Government will place a hundred extra Conservatives in the Upper House as to get its Agenda through.  The Opposition having lost the General Election of 2015 are trying to block the Agenda of the elected Government.   The House of Lords of un - elected Peers should have followed convention and allowed the Bill go through, what next will they try to stop, this calls for tough action by David Cameron. 

The UK in Afghanistan - Afghanistan War

BBC News: Reports " The UK is to extend the stay of its troops in Afghanistan, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has told MPs.

Lets Get Real:

This move by the UK follows the US policy for keeping troops in Afghanistan as to build local forces, also to deal with the growth of Daesh, the growing threat from the Taliban with support from Al Qaeda.   The UK left Iraq in 2009, and we are now back fighting from the air.   The Daesh threat to the Middle East has shown what happens when you leave problem not solved.  It would not come as a great shock if the UK has to place new troops in Iraq, these conflicts never end, just half time break before the War goes on.   The threats from Daesh, Al Qaeda and the Taliban will take years to fight, it will be a long and dirty War. 

Blair and Iraq Part Three - Iraq Crisis

Mail on Sunday: Reports " 'I'm sorry': Historic moment Tony Blair FINALLY apologises for Iraq War and admits in TV interview the conflict caused the rise of ISIS "

Lets Get Real:

The left wing press elite will never forgive Tony Blair for the Iraq War, what really makes them mad  is the fact that Tony Blair was supposed to be a New Labour kind of politician, it always the Conservatives that are seen ready to bomb tomorrow, not a centre left wing party.   One does wonder what Bush 43 is making of this sorry trip, so far the former President has been  very quiet, he has his own problems with Donald Trump stating that IF he had been President, then 9/11 might not have happened.  Leaders should never say sorry for mistakes, just makes those critics ever more smug. 

Blair and Iraq Part 2 - Iraq Crisis

BBC News: Reports on a interview that Tony Blair has given CNN, " Most significant, though, in terms of new revelations is the former prime minister's admission that getting rid of Saddam Hussein may have had some bearing on the rise of so-called Islamic State. "

Lets Get Real:

The old New Labour spin team is getting out ahead of the Iraq Report that is expected to be highly critical of Tony Blair and his War in Iraq.   It can be argued from the left that the invasion of Iraq in 2003 has lead to the creation of Daesh, the removal of the  Saddam Hussein Regime  lead to the dissolution of the Iraqi Army, the US leaving in 2011 under President Obama is also a factor in the creation of Daesh.   This blog did and will carry on with its support for the Iraq War, the US might be sending troops back in the near future to take on Daesh in Iraq and Syria. 

Doctor Who Review - The Woman Who Lived

Doctor Who News: Reports " 4.34 million viewers watched Doctor Who: The Woman Who Lived, according to unofficial overnight viewing figures.  "

Lets Get Real:

Sorry for the delay dear readers, this blog watched the episode twice, it was even better than last week, it has some serious science questions, would you want to live forever, would you want to see your loved ones die and you can not recall their names.   That was the serious bit, the other great bit was Maisie Williams from Games of Thrones, this blog is calling for the actress to join the Doctor in the Tardis.   The Partnership between the Doctor and Lady Me was great, they were born to travel together in the Tardis.    The Doctor in front and behind the screen are on top form.   Peter Capaldi was born to be the Doctor. 

Clinton and Benghazi - Clinton Era

Guardian: Reports on the appearance of Hillary Clinton before the House Committee on Benghazi, the article notes the following, " Hillary Clinton faces a defining moment in her presidential campaign on Thursday as a long-scheduled appearance in Congress before the House select committee on Benghazi committee presents an opportunity for her to vanquish her fiercest critics, while also giving them a chance to finally show if there is substance behind their complaints. "

Lets Get Real:

This is the final hurdle for Hillary Clinton, if she can spin that the committee is political and there is no there there, then she will have a clear run for the nomination and the Presidency.   This blog expects the Democrats on the Committee to muddy the waters, and frame it as the Republicans against HRC.    In less there is damaging information to come out, the Committee will be shown to be political.   Lets be clear, this blog does not like HRC, does not trust her, thinks she is a bad campaigner, and has issues with the truth and being honest, but of the candidates for President she is the best, and she is not Trump or Carson, and one can postulate she will be more of a hawk in the Oval than President Obama.   Thus after tomorrow more visits to Iowa and NH, the the long race to the Oval.  Lets hope Bill behaves himself. 

CIA Security Breach - Cyber War Era

Daily Mail: Reports " WikiLeaks to release CIA Director's emails just days after 'stoner high school student' hacked into John Brennan's online account "

Lets Get Real:

The US and the West has to get a grip on these security threats to High government officials, the Obama DOJ should start a quick FBI investigation of this recent hack and if they find hacker they should throw the book at him or her.   The government has to have the ability to have talks through email without every Tom, Dick and Harry having the ability to hack email accounts.   The West needs firm security, the cost of hacking government officials should be high, not just taking away someone's laptop but their freedom, yes jail time with no smart phones, time for the FBI to ACT. 

VP Joe OUT - The Start of the HRC Era

BBC News: Reports " In the end, cold political reality won out. As Mr Biden acknowledged during his speech, there just wasn't enough time to mount a successful bid for the presidency. "

Lets Get Real:

In running for the Oval Office, you need the fire in the belly, you really have want it, VP Biden left it to late, these days Presidential runs starts years before the actual year, in that time you have to raise millions if   not billions.   In Iowa and N.H you have to create a structure, then you have to do that for the other States.  At the end of the day Joe might be nice guy but he does not have the thirst for the Oval.  It should be noted that the great President, Ronald Reagan had two runs at the Oval before winning in 1981.  It is now nearly 100% that Hillary Clinton will the Democratic nomination and she will be the next President, she can not lose to Trump or Carson.   The only out for that prediction is the chance the FBI goes after her for her email servers, we shall see were that case leads the HRC campaign. 

Jim Webb is OUT, Jim Who? - Election 2016

CNN - Politics: Reports " Jim Webb will end his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination at a press conference Tuesday, according to two sources with knowledge of the decision. "

Lets Get Real:

The former Reagan Navy Secretary, former Democratic Senator is finishing his run for the Democratic nomination, he might run as a Independent, Senator Webb never gained traction in the Democratic field, the sole candidates that are important are Clinton and Sanders.   The Democratic race is still waiting to see if VP Biden enters the race, as of last night on Fox News it was reported that the decision was yes to enter the race but the timing was up in the air.  One can presume that VP Biden is waiting to see how Clinton performs before they Committee on Libya, does she sail through or has problems.   Thus VP is losing precious time with this delay, the more he waits the more that the opposition will claim that he is dithering. 

Tony Blair and Iraq - The Iraq War

Mail on Sunday: Reports " A bombshell White House memo has revealed for the first time details of the ‘deal in blood’ forged by Tony Blair and George Bush over the Iraq War.

The sensational leak shows that Blair had given an unqualified pledge to sign up to the conflict a year before the invasion started.

It flies in the face of the Prime Minister’s public claims at the time that he was seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

He told voters: ‘We’re not proposing military action’ – in direct contrast to what the secret email now reveals.  "

Lets Get Real:

The UK press will never forgive Tony Blair for Iraq, its the one way to get at him, its like Nixon with Watergate, the good parts of the era's are overlooked for some scandal, as with Watergate  the press attacks on Blair are unfair, the perceived threats from Iraq were real, the US and UK after 9/11 had to act, of course if the Iraqi Regime had been 100% honest there would have been no reason for the War, as the regime played Russian Roulette it forgot that there was a bullet in the gun, their half truths lead to the War.   The decision to go to war was the right one given the information at the time, so this blog still supports Blair and the War. 

Doctor Who Review - The Girl Who Died

Doctor Who News: Reports " 4.85 million viewers watched Doctor Who: The Girl Who Died, according to unofficial overnight viewing figures.  "

Lets Get Real:

This was a cracking episode, the crew of the Tardis were joined by Maisie Williams who played Ashildr, so the Doctor had to help some defenceless Vikings, it was fun seeing the Doctor get his " Troops " ready for action, it had fun elements, but the most important part was the Doctor playing God, lets just say that Ashildr needed some help at the end, one would have thought Doctor would have learned from Captain Jack, but no, Donna words came back to him, about saving people. thus the reason for the Doctor's new face.  This is a two parter, so make sure you watch this show before next week.   The Good Doctor has made rod for his own back.   Those pesky Viking always need saving. 

The turmoil in Labour - Corbyn Era

Telegraph: Reports " Jeremy Corbyn backs down in face of rebellion by his shadow ministers..Exclusive: How Jeremy Corbyn was forced to back down just hours after threatening to sack shadow ministers who refused to oppose George Osborne's fiscal charter "

Lets Get Real:

It is one thing to lead a Party is quite another thing to lead a Party were most of your MP's can not stand you, and will rebel when there are major questions are coming up, Trident or Syria.   The Jeremy Corby Leadership has a problem, it can not argue for MP's to be loyal when Jeremy Corbyn has voted against the Labour whip over five hundred times.    The crunch vote for Corbyn will be Trident and Syria, if he can not control his Party the knifes will be out for him, he just seems attached to BAD politics.   The BBC and Guardian will cover for up to a point, but this type of rebellion if it happens often will undermine Labour as a political party. 

The Rebellion by Labour MP's over the Fiscal Charter - Corbyn Era

BBC News: Reports " The BBC's assistant political editor Norman Smith said up 30 Labour MPs could potentially defy the leadership by abstaining in a vote at 21:00 BST, saying the outcome would be an "important moment" for Jeremy Corbyn as he tried to impose his authority on the party and turn Labour into an unashamed opponent of austerity. "

Lets Get Real:

It will be interesting to see how many Labour MP's have the nerve to rebel, those that do rebel will show political courage and also an understanding of the real world.   The Jeremy Corbyn leadership is about protest, no real government.    The Conservatives should push for a early vote on Trident and Syria,  the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn has shown that it is not fit for government, they have gone way left, the British people voted in May for a centre - right kind of government, low taxes, strong defence, a less expensive welfare state.  Interesting night for Labour.   Update,: The fiscal charter has passed the House of Commons, it looks like about 30 Labour MP's did indeed not vote. 

The Labour U - Turn and Leadership - Corbyn Mania

Telegraph - Live Blog: Reporters the following on the Labour Party's U - turn over the Chancellor's fiscal charter, " This tweet from the BBC's Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg suggests that Jeremy Corbyn did not even know that John McDonnell was a planning a U-turn over his initial support for George Osborne's fiscal charter. "

Lets Get Real:

This shows a Party out of control, the Shadow Chancellor changes the Party policy without even talking to the Shadow Cabinet and forcing the Party to learn via the debate tomorrow the details of his new plan.   The Corbyn " new politics " seems to have gone through the window, this leadership telling its MP's how to roll without much back up for them to talk to reporters.   The Conservative Government in welfare should go to the right, the Opposition is a mess from the leadership on down, the Country elected a Conservative government to be tough on welfare, the shambles of Labour shows that the there is no real Opposition to the government.   It is better now to split the Labour Party by forcing them to tackle hard issues, from the fiscal charter to Trident, and lets not forget Syria.  Troubling days ahead for the Labour Party. 

The Decline of Clinton vs. Republicans - Election 2016

Fox News: Reports "  In hypothetical 2016 matchups with top-tier Republicans, Clinton trails all the Republicans tested. She trails Ben Carson by 11 points and Donald Trump by 5 points. Jeb Bush has a 4-point edge over Clinton, while Carly Fiorina is up by 3 points.  "

Lets Get Real:

The main job that Hillary Clinton has tonight is to keep VP Biden from running, thus at the debate tonight she has to make sure that Sanders is seen as not being able to win a general election and make it clear to Biden that should he run then Clintons will not take any POW's,  not this time.   In 2008 Clinton faced Obama, and he beat her, it showed that a Clinton can be beaten,  thus this time expect the Clintons to go all out to win, those that oppose them will be taken down, there is no third chance for Hillary Clinton, this is IT.   The debate should be fun to tonight, Trump might be right, the ratings might not be greats, lets see if the other Democratic candidates can take HRC down. 

More on the Clinton Server - Clinton Troubles

Guardian: Reports " Hillary Clinton’s email server connection was vulnerable to hackers..Clinton’s server, which handled her personal and State Department correspondence, was warned to be easy for even low-skilled intruders to attack "

Lets Get Real:

Thus it only takes for the Obama Department of Justice to find that the Clinton broke the law or was hacked for the Clinton Campaign to be well and truly over.  The question is will the Obama DOJ go that far when the President has stated that it not really a security issue.   One has doubts, thus one can expect that HRC will be the Democratic nominee, this blog does not find her a good campaigner, or that appealing as  President but she will be better than Donald Trump, Jeb Bush has let down the family name, he is a worse campaigner than his father was in 1992.   The first Democratic debate is tonight, the blog expect HRC to do well, she has done debates before, if she can not beat Senator Sanders then she is in real trouble. 

The Labour Policy on the economy is a mess - Corbyn Mania

BBC News: Reports " John McDonnell has insisted he changed his mind on tactics - not policy - after ditching the party's support for the government's fiscal charter. "

Lets Get Real:

The Labour Party is a fine mess, they have left wing Leader and Chancellor that are not supported by a majority of Labour MP's they think the Twitter World is the real world and they are heading a mass people who do not support the Conservatives, they have not realised that the 2015 election has happened, thus the Labour Opposition is a joke of the first order, Tony Blair must be pulling his hair out, what happened to the Party that could win elections. 

The SPLIT in Labour over Syria - Syrian Crisis

Guardian: Reports " Labour MP tells Diane Abbott to stop behaving like an 'internet troll'..Shadow minister comes under fire after accusing fellow MPs of wanting to side with David Cameron on bombing Syria  "

Lets Get Real:

The issue of Syria will be the first major test for the Jeremy Corbyn team, can he keep his party united against any bombing, one has doubts, as this time the Conservative Government wants to go after Daesh, US and France are already there, while it seems odd that the RAF stops at the Iraqi/Syrian border, also the Conservative Government has used drones to take out Daesh terrorists.   The UK needs to support its allies, but there has to be the concern of the Russian planes, or some drunken missile commander launching missiles at Western planes.  The WAR in Syria is dirty and no Western Country wants to see its troops taken POW by Daesh. 

Assad Gains from Russian Strikes - Syrian Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Syrian forces backed by Hezbollah militants from Lebanon are said to have made significant advances against rebels after heavy Russian air strikes.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Assad Regime is using the Russian attacks on its enemies to take back ground that it has lost.   The Russians are hitting rebels that are a threat to Assad and Daesh. In some cases these rebels are being supported by the West.    In pure power politics the Russians now own  the Syrian war, so far they have had no losses, will that last, with Russians fighting with the Assad troops.   Lets be clear, the war in Syria is a dirty war, the Geneva rules for POW's has been thrown out of the window.   As to the question should the UK enter the air space of Assad, that needs a lot more debate, and more troops on the ground, there is no rush, as long as the US and the Russians do not start World War 3. 

Doctor Who Review - Before the Flood

Doctor Who News: Reports " 4.38 Million viewers watched Doctor Who: Before the Flood, according to unofficial overnight viewing figures.  "

Lets Get Real:

The question in essence of the show, what came first, the egg or the chicken, or even who thought of the concept,  you would need a degree in physics to understand the time travelling in the show.  The Doctor went back in his own time stream, against the laws of time, and the Tardis was having none of it, the Tardis's warning bell went off, it showed the Doctor at his most ruthless, he would change time for Clara but allowed others to die, very human this blog thought.  The guest stars were great this week, they were allowed to carry the show, its not easy to create guest star roles that you come to care about, but the writer nailed it this two partner.  This blog does not do spoilers, lets just say the Doctor out smarted the enemy, with a simple white lie and a lot of water.  This two partner needs to be seen more than once, great acting by all concerned, and great writing.  

NO GOOD Russian Missiles HIT Iran - Syrian Crisis

The New York Times: Reports " Russian Missiles Aimed at Syria Crashed in Iran, U.S. Officials Say "

Lets Get Real:

The Russians can not even shoot straight, as noted in my previous post the major worry would be if a Russian missile either hit a NATO Country, that being Turkey or hit a US/Western plane.   The Russians if they want to play macho man should least have decent missiles that go to the target.    It seems that Russian have not spend their oil dollars so getting decent Army gear and it shows.   One can almost see the next breaking news being, " Russian missile hits Western target ", the US in the shape of President Obama really needs to man up and take Putin down a beg,  otherwise someone on either side could create another Cuban Missile Crisis.   If you allow Putin to play he will push and push, and at stome point the West will have to act. 

The Threat to the Russian homefront - US Secretary of Defence

Guardian: Reports " Russia will pay price for Syrian airstrikes, says US defence secretary..Ashton Carter predicts reprisal attacks on Russian soil after Vladimir Putin’s military campaign to prop up Bashar al-Assad’s regime  "

Lets Get Real:

The Russians will hit the roof if Daesh attacks the Russian homeland, there has been a history of terrorists attacks in Russia, the Russians would increase their presence in Syria if Russia itself is hit.   There has to be a way of  working out a deal between Russia and the West, the West will have to wait for the head of Assad, on the other hand the Russians would make everyone happy if they just hit Daesh, the airstrikes of groups supported by the West is causing more tension than there needs to be, the Russians have to take their claws back in and do a back channel deal with the West.    As stated the Syrian crisis could get out of hand fast. 

NATO and Russia - Syrian Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Nato has renewed assurances to defend allies in view of the "escalation of Russian military activities" in Syria, the alliance's secretary-general says. "

Lets Get Real:

It only takes one mistake for the crisis is Syria to become a NATO crisis and thus a crisis between the US and Russia.   The idea one has to assume from Moscow is that they have a theory that when it comes right down to it, President Obama will never push back, this of course allows for the Russians to push to far, the accidental incursion in to the air space of Turkey, the firing of cruise missiles, what happens if a missile misses and attacks Turkey by accident, or the Russians shoot down a Western plane by accident.   At some point the West has to fight back and push the Russian bear back, better to early than to late, as JFK said during the Cuban Missile Crisis, there is always some SOB down the line that did not get the word.

Clinton risks breaking with Obama - 2016 Election

CNN - Politics: Reports " In a huge blow to President Barack Obama's trade agenda, the Democratic front-runner now says she opposes the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, a massive trade deal she once helped negotiate as secretary of state. But that's not all. Clinton has broken from her vocal support of several of Obama's policies on several high-profile issues in recent weeks -- including immigration, Syria and the Keystone pipeline. "

Lets Get Real:

The Clinton Campaign has to be careful, the Oval Office might not like the fact that next Democratic President is breaking with the Oval Office.    The Obama White House might think that they have nothing to lose by supporting VP Biden for the nomination, at least Biden would understand the need to keep the Oval happy, the President could make it known that if it comes down to a choice between Biden or Clinton the Oval thinks that Biden would be a better President.   This would help Biden with the African - American vote and could sink USS Hillary Clinton.   Also the White House has a year and bit to go, it could help Biden with polices that he supports and cut the ground from under Hillary Clinton.  Lets recall Obama is a Chicago pol. they understand payback.  Interesting time in the Democratic race. 

The Conservatives who care about the poor - End of Conservative Conference

Telegraph: Reports " David Cameron is the new leader of the British Left..It’s now impossible for anyone on the progressive Left to construct an intellectually coherent argument for voting Labour  "

Lets Get Real:

The speech by the Prime Minister was very different than the one this blog expected, the PM hit the issues of security and EU, but then moved to the left, he wants to deal with hard social issues, he wants to reform prisons, he wants more social mobility, in that part of the speech even Labour moderates could agree with, it will be interesting to see how the Conservative Party deals with this call by the PM for action.   Of course at the moment the PM has the wind at his back, he has won a election every thought he would lose, and Labour has elected Jeremy Corbyn, the PM has been very lucky, but there will be tough times, when the tax credits are cut expect the BBC/Guardian types to argue that the speech today was ALL PR, but this PM does care, he wants all the UK to benefit, the question does have the time and the political skill to be successful. 

The Legacy of JFK - JFK

Guardian: Reports " JFK: declassified documents reveal a cunning and cagey president..Back channels to the Soviets, the ‘girlfriend system’ and doubts about LBJ: historian Timothy Naftali paints a portrait of a President Kennedy ‘far more interesting intellectually and far less appealing personally’ "

Lets Get Real:

The REAL JFK, is far different from the liberal hero, he was very complex, and only allowed some people to see different parts of his persona.   Of course it was a different era, his affairs, were kept secret by the White House and the press, by doing this the press allowed JFK to think that he could get away with things, that even then would have bought down any other politician.    President Kennedy is heroic, he had to deal with constant back pain, his health condition was also kept secret, it was said that Jackie O thought if he had survived he would have been a in a wheelchair in his 2nd term.   On the World stage Kennedy earned his pay for his actions over Cuba, by not hitting Soviet missiles when they shot down a U2, and doing a secret deal with the Russians over missiles in Turkey.    The major failure of the Kennedy Administration was South Vietnam, the Kennedy Administration gave a green light for the overthrow of Diem, and kept secret the role of the US in those actions, also by the time of Kennedy's death the US policy in Vietnam was a bloody mess. 

Missiles from Russian Ships HIT Syria - Syrian Crisis

Daily Mail: Reports " Russia launches CRUISE MISSILES 'at ISIS' from warships 900 miles away as Syrian ground troops begin major offensive supported by Putin's bombers  "

Lets Get Real:

As they say in poker, the Russians are going all in, they are putting all their money on keeping Syria an ally and keeping President Assad in power.   The bad news will come and it will come when Russians are returned in body bags, the more planes and troops you have on the ground more a chance that Daesh and other enemies of Assad will try their luck to snatch a Russian and place him or her on the internet.   The Russian people have been scared by Afghanistan, and of late East Ukraine, there is no overall support in Russia for Putin to place Russian troops on the line, the Russian people are not that stupid, even if Moscow has lost the plot.   Risky times for Russia in Syria. 

Pompeii - Roman History

The New York Times: Reports " Scientists Hope to Learn How Pompeians Lived, Before the Big Day "

Let's Get Real:

It has been the wish of this blog to visit the Roman city of Pompeii, it has done the subject as part of of its 2nd degree, and in the day could have taken visitors around Pompeii and told them who lived and died in the Houses that make up Pompeii.    The Romans were great builders, but also savage, the violence of their games.    It would be interesting to see how in two thousand years time we are looked upon, with merit or having learned nothing.  Do people ever learn, or just make the same mistakes over and over again.

The Russians taking risks with NATO - Syrian Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Russia's violation of Turkish airspace over the weekend "does not look like an accident", Nato has said. "

Lets Get Real:

The Russians have to be careful, dealing with enemies of Assad is one thing, taking on NATO is something else, as stated in previous post it only takes a  hot shot Russian airman to attack either Turkish or US planes for the Crisis in Syria to get very heated.   The Russians are gambling that Obama is so weak that he will restrain his allies from taking action should Russian planes hit Turkey, as Turkey is part of NATO the whole body might have to act to defend a fellow ally.   Word to the wise, BACK OFF RUSSIA. 

The Conservative Conference Day 2 - Left Wing Violence

Telegraph: Reports " The Left has become locked in a death spiral..The hate-filled protests in Manchester are indicative of a party that is in danger of wiping itself out "

Lets Get Real:

The Police should be doing more to make sure a democratic conference does not face such violent action, the leaders who dreamed it up should be under arrest, if they can not control their people then they are not leaders.   The far left always think they are better than everyone else, the real fact is they are worse, as they think they represent what is good and right thus their supporters can do no harm, the real fact is that they are anti democratic, if they can not win through the ballot box they go for street demonstrations, time for the police to read the RIOT ACT. 

Russia in Syria, and reaction of ALL rebels - Syrian Crisis

Guardian: Reports "  Syrian insurgents vow to attack Russian forces as Moscow hints at ground role..The 41 groups are reacting against Moscow’s air war but a senior official says Russian fighters from Ukraine ‘can’t be stopped’ from fighting for Assad regime  "

Lets Get Real:

The Russians should recall that mess that was the Vietnam War for the US, then followed by the USSR in Afghanistan and finally the post invasion disaster that was Iraq for the US.   These operations cost trillions, lead to thousands of deaths for the powers and those fighting.   The Russians are not stupid, they have seen what the Daesh has done to captured enemies, does Putin want to see his soldiers or pilots, burned alive or beheaded, this is the time to back off before its to late, the Daesh rebels will be after Russian prisoners, that means that the Russians will need a ground presence, that leads to problems with the Turkey and NATO.   It what happens after a crisis develops between the West and Russia that should be worry, no one wants these two forces to get that close. 

The Fate of Palmyra - Daesh Threat

Daily Mail: Reports " ISIS will have completely destroyed the ancient city of Palmyra within four months, warns Syria’s antiquities chief as the terror group obliterates the 2,000-year-old Arch of Triumph  "

Lets Get Real:

The destructive nature of Daesh means that the World, and that includes Russia and the US have to get their act together.  At the moment Daesh is a major threat, the Assad Regime is a threat to its own people, so the first problem is get rid of Daesh, in this the US and Russia should be able to work together, there needs to be secret back channels between the Russians and the US, the problem of Assad can be worked out later, at this rate Daesh might win by default, thus time for the US to send a special envoy to Putin, someone that Putin will trust, tell him to back off on the air strikes of moderate Syrian rebels trained by the West, and the issue of Assad can be discussed later.   On the Western side the US might have to allow Assad to remain in office, as long as he does not go even more nuts will his killings.   This is the time for grown ups in the room. 

NATO vs. Russia - Syrian Crisis

BBC News: Reports " Nato has urged Russia to end air strikes "on the Syrian opposition and civilians", days after Moscow began raids to support Syria's government. "

Lets Get Real:

It only takes a drunk Russian Colonel to launch a ground missile at a NATO plane or a hot shot Russian pilot to shot down a Western plane by " accident " for the Syrian crisis to get serious.   The West has to be firm with the Russians, and mean it, they have to tell the Russian bear or back off, they should not be allowed to enter Turkish air space at will.    The Obama Administration has to get a backbone, it has allowed the Russians to direct the policy changes in Syria, it is time for the US to lead.   This could mean following the advice of Hillary Clinton and placing a no fly zone in Syria, and standing up to the Russians, this will not happen as POTUS is a push over, and the Russians know that fact. 

The Ugly side of Left wing protests - Conservative Conference

Telegraph - Conference Live: Reports " Anti-austerity march turns nasty as protesters spit at Tories..Police intervene to drag away protesters as they chant "Tory scum" outside entrance to Conservative conference. "

Lets Get Real:

The Police should read the riot act to these so called protesters, they should be shown that there is a difference between peaceful protest and violent protest.   The Police should make arrests and hold those responsible for starting this protests, people in a democracy have the right to free speech, not to be shouted down by hard left unions.   The Conservative Party should follow the example of Margaret Thatcher, she faced pressure from the Unions and she did not back down, and the UK was better off because she was tough, these Unions are out of date, and think they can dictate to the government, that went out with Ted Heath.   The Unions should know their place, or the Police should show them, protest all you like but no violence. 

The UK and Syrian Strikes - Conservative Conference

Guardian: Reports " Support growing in Commons for bombing Isis in Syria, says Hammond...Foreign secretary tells Conservative conference that MPs are moving towards consensus on bombing Islamic State stronghold "

Lets Get Real:

The UK should be careful about getting to a arms contest with the Russians,  the Syrian mess is complex, you have Russians planes with Syrian planes hitting any rebel that is a threat to Assad, while the US and its allies are hitting Daesh targets, while supporting moderate in Syria.   What happens if moderate rebels supported by the US are attacked and the US air force is close by, do they watch, do they send a warning to the Russian planes, do they take action.   The blog is very much a hawk, but one should always see what the next step is, it only takes a drunk Russian with missiles to shoot down a Western plane, then you have  a crisis, that even President Obama can not waffle out of.   The Syrian policy needs caution. 

Tax Credits - Conservative Party Conference

BBC News: Reports " David Cameron has rejected calls to rethink cuts to tax credits, as the Conservatives gather in Manchester for their annual conference. "

Lets Get Real:

The bill for tax credits is 30 BILLION, the New Labour Government under Tony Blair bought tax credits in to existence due to lie, as Tony Blair stated to Alastair Campbell the Treasury cooked the books as to the cost of tax credits, it went from millions to billions.   At its heart it allows mean employers to hire workers on the cheap and then for the government to fund them, the welfare state was not meant for such policies.   The UK Government has to keep to its reform, make work pay, even increase the living wage, so people are not out of pocket.   The general election of 2015 showed that people understand that the government can not print money forever, at some time it has to be paid back, thus the austerity reform of the present government.