The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Just finished The Reader by Bernhard Schlink, a very moving read, one of those books that makes you want to turn the page, did recall to VIEWS the great 70s movie the Summer of 42, another rites of passage movie. I think all men who have had a disastrous relationship with women have a Hanna somewhere in their past, no not they have a SS Concentration Guard as a love interest, but in that generic woman we define what a WOMAN is to us men, we look for her again and again, the same colour hair, eyes but more important that feeling being in love. The problem is that we are so stuck in the past we never see the future, and when we see the mistake its far to late, far to late.

Nuclear Iran Fault Line - US to UN

CNN News: Reports that the US has told the UN of its concern about a nuclear armed Iran. Thus we have had the UN, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Israel all state their concern about Iran and its nuclear ambitions, now what, if talks fail and they will fail, will the West have the backbone to strike or will they ask that Israel carry the load as they did in 81 over Iraq.

Government to Fall in Pakistan ?

Fox News: Reports that the US State Department has been very quite about the growing tensions in Pakistan, is the Government of Pakistan about to fall in the next few days. If the Government is on its way out, lets hope the State Department is on the ball, lets hope US and UK Diplomats are in talks with the new government. Also MI6 and CIA should be checking on the security of the Nuclear Armed Force of Pakistan. If need be President Obama should order a strike on these Forces should they be under threat of being taken by the Taliban/Terrorists. Thus folks keep an eye on Pakistan and North Korea over the next few days.

The Obama Budget and Congress

The Hill: Reports that the Obama Budget does not have the votes to Pass in the Senate. The President has to recall that Senators want to be there after Obama has gone, if he serves one or two terms as President. They have to go home, they have to gain support of the players in their states. They are not going to go down in flames to help the President, Presidential Approval ratings go up and down. Is Obama in the league of Reagan and Clinton in their mastery of Congress, or is he another Jimmy Carter, who thought he didn't have to deal with Congress and could push his Agenda through no matter what, Carter is seen as a failed Presidency due to his failure to master Congress.

China vs USA at Sea!

The Times: Reports on dangerous manoeuvres on a US Naval Vessel by ships from China. It can be argued that China is missing a big point here, the USA on the whole is an Ally, China is funding the US Economy. The Government of China should be more interested in its satellite North Korea and its threat to the region. China get a grip and grow up.

Iraq Stable ?

Fox News: Reports on the terror threat in Mosul and how the Iraqi Army and Police are not sure they can fill the boots of the USA. Before the present economic crisis it could have been argued that due to the terror threat the USA should stay in Iraq, but this it today, the Western Economy is in the toilet, the USA and the UK can not afford the Iraqi present any more, the Government and People of Iraq have this chance to run their own country with their own troops and police. If Iraq fails after the West has gone it will be down to the Iraqi people. The USA and the UK has spent the blood of its Armed Forces and its Treasure. This is the time for Iraq to be Iraq on its own terms.

No Phone, Next Step War? Korea Part Three

FT: Reports that the Communist North Korea has cut its Hotline to South Korea. Are we seeing the steps to a War on the Korean mainland. As reported yesterday, Korea has stated that if its supposed Satellite launch is shot down it will see this as an act of War. Japan has already stated that if the missile launch is a threat to Japan it will shoot the missile down. The Communist North Korea has stated that its Armed Forces are combat ready, the Obama Administration has not made its mind up as to the course of action it will take on North Korea. Time is running for a co - ordinate plan from the Administration, President Obama might get that 3am call sooner than he expected, the first words the new President might hear is this, " Mr President North Korea has fired on South Korea, we are at War. "