You Can't Have It All Ways!

Unlike this country where the President wants things his way or no way Turkey's Erdogan has played it differently. He really wants to be the new Caliph with Turkey as the center of the Caliphate. Like us, he prefers to let others do his fighting while playing both sides.

Where we once thought of him as a suspect ally he has proven to be a turncoat by disallowing coalition forces, such as they are, from using his air bases and turning a blind eye toward those crossing his borders to join IS.

I suspect he wants to let IS fight his war than he'll take care of IS in lieu of joining forces with them. Good luck.

He's at war in a lesser sense with the Kurds because they want their own country and in my opinion should have it.  On his eastern border, however, their territory is in Syria so he lets his tanks sit on his side of the border while the Kurds fight desperately against IS for the survival of Kobani.

Further west Kurdish territory is partially in Turkey, partially in Iraq and partially in

Iran so he is taking advantage of the chaos to bomb those Kurds while they too are fighting IS. The poor Kurds are surrounded by hostiles, yet they remain democratic and pro western.  Unfortunately they're finding that allegiance has gained them nothing.

No arms as promised.  No support from the Turks and sporadic air support from the coalition.

So now what?  The Kurds are mad.  Really mad and beginning to rebel against the Turks. That puts them in an even more tenuous position because I'll bet it will effect our promise to provide them with more appropriate arms.  Will Turkey crumble?  Probably not but they'll be forced into some kind of armed conflict to quell the angry Turks leaving al Assad in Syria even freer reign than he already has.

Now back to IS.  While the media is focusing on Kobani IS is inching ever closer to Baghdad. We've been assured that Baghdad won't fall.  The Iraqi forces won't allow it yet two outlying bases and the accompanying arms have fallen to IS in the past few days.  Suicide bombings within the city limits are on the increase.

Will Baghdad fall?  Have we kept Ebola out of the U.S.? If it does Erdogan can forget his ambitions, IS will reign for at least a time then we'll turn our attention to a nuclear Iran.

This is why when one goes to war the goal should be to win.  Unequivocally. You can't have it all ways.

 

What Will We Do When Baghdad Falls?

We need more than a genie on a flying carpet to get out of this mess.  Baghdad, if you've looked at the latest maps of the IS progression, is surrounded.

Despite assuring us Baghdad will not fall, circumstances make that assumption suspect. We know the Iraqi army isn't up to snuff.  We know more and more suicide bombings are occurring within the green zone and we know that the surrounding towns have had their water supply shut off. They will fall like dominoes. All IS has to do is wait.  Keep nibbling around the edges.

The coalition which was such a triumph a few weeks ago seems to have disappeared. Is anyone other than the President calling the shots in this conflict?

If we weren't going to fight this war to win it we should have stayed out of it.  Sorry aid workers and journalists.  You go into dangerous territory at your own risk. Some will tell us IS is not a risk to our national security because they have neither the weaponry nor the means to get to our shores.  Perhaps they don't if you're looking at them sending an army.

But if you look at our porous border, and our malcontents they are very much a threat.  It is obvious whoever is leading their strategic planning knows what they're doing.  I wonder where they were trained.  Because of that I don't believe for one minute that somewhere within their ranks plans for doing serious damage to the U.S. are not in the works.  No matter whether or not we hear chatter.

What is equally as troublesome is the political process that is buzzing around us.  Business as usual.  Dirty campaigns.  Republicans still without a message and a President more intent on reaping the praises of a Gwyneth Paltrow than working with his generals on how to defeat this enemy.

It seems as if to him it's a game he didn't want to play and is now bored by it.  It's not going his way and nobody else wants to play by his rules. So he walks away from it leaving those we promised to help hanging.

I'm very sad at what we've allowed ourselves to become.  Disinterested, disrespected and inept. Whats even more sad is I see no way for matters to change for at least two more years.  By then who knows what will be left. If anything.  Anywhere.

I Owe Turkey An Apology

Not so long ago I wondered what kind of trade off the Turks made with IS to get their diplomats back.  Whatever it was it worked. The diplomats were freed.

Now, they're doing the work we should be doing. Plus they're going to allow foreign units to utilize their bases.  This is huge.  They're going to help the Kurds.  Where is every one else who has promised?  They're going into Syria but they won't stop with IS, they'll go after Assad.

It's too late for what ifs, but if we had punished Syria for crossing the 'red line' and armed the Free Syrian Army back when it first became an issue, a lot of what's happening now could well have been avoided.  IS would not have been able to get a foothold.

If we hadn't insisted on passing arms through the still tenuous Iraqi government, the Kurds wouldn't have to be hanging on by their nails. If we'd quit exempting ourselves from putting boots on the ground maybe others would be willing to follow suit.

What's notable to me is the Turks got their people out before taking action.  Maybe we should have tried harder to get ours out.  The failed rescue only emboldened the enemy.  One more hapless action by the no-longer-so-great-Satan.

As of right now we're being given credit for the coalition even if they're stumbling all over one another.  If Turkey takes the lead, and they are militarily capable of doing so, it will be interesting to see if the middle east participants begin to follow their lead rather than ours.

As long as IS is eliminated, I don't care who gets the credit. If Turkey leads the way we may also get Assad. That would help ease the over all situation.

The fight might turn strictly regional.  I wonder if Turkey would join forces with Israel to deny Iran their centrifuges.  It would be in both their national interests. And ours.  Perhaps we could reshuffle our interests out of the region to more friendly and less war like nations.

At some point after all that if they want to continue bickering among themselves as to who has the correct interpretation of Islam, let them go at it. Never mind the earth will be scorched beyond repair. That would be their problem.  They will have done it to themselves.

The biggest irritation to me would be watching the administration swaggering to the mic with a self congratulatory smirk claiming victory over impossible odds.  After all, the legacy must be protected no matter the cost.

Power ~ The Universal Curse

Why is it once one gains power it is so corrupting.  Perhaps it's because it takes corruption to maintain it and without it one becomes just another one of many.

We see it in our own government. Elections are no longer to elect people to do the people's bidding, it's to gain and retain power.  Given that we are far more likely to turn into an Iraq than an Iraq into us.

Consider what we are.  A group of autonomous states joined under a central government with the purpose of solidifying the nation as a unit, maintaining across border infrastructure and protecting the whole against potential outside aggression.

Okay, this is simplistic, but I'm thinking countries like Iraq could benefit from studying such a structure.  If not us, then the European Union.  Yes, we both have our member issues but on the whole it has been a system advantageous to each of the parts.

Consider all the ethnic minorities in Iraq that would like their own piece of the pie.  The Kurds have been the most successful at carving theirs out but there are many others including the Christians. Why not let them carve out their piece of Iraq, set up their states and send representatives to the central government in Baghdad?

Because the power brokers in Baghdad would lose some of their grip. In a skewed point of view, even the graft and corruption would be evened out. That aside, maybe they could all live under one flag more peacefully if each group could have that piece of the pie.  It could be put to practice in Afghanistan too.  Maybe even in Ukraine.

We're fortunate that here we can move from state to state without animosity but you have to admit each had it's own characteristics which are held dear by those who call it home.  So far we haven't gone to war with each other though there certainly are rumblings by some about seceding from the mother union.

Just a thought.  After all, it's really what the IS wants.  It's own Caliphate. The hatred on both sides stems from resentment of and revenge on those who refuse them for the radicals and rupugnance and fear of their tactics on the side of those who oppose them.

It is impossible at this point to contemplate allowing them their Caliphate. Their extremism has gone beyond redemption.  But maybe it's not too late for other countries to re-examine their centralized power bases and consider some restructuring.

Dream on, Dogwalk, dream on.

Busy Skies Over Iraq

Not to take away anything positive that's being done in the fight against IS, I must say the grand coalition has it's weaknesses.  While growing in numbers daily, they all seem to be doing the same thing.  Bombing in Iraq.  Not Syria.

There are of course reasons for this.  Syria hasn't asked for help.  Iraq has. Even though the news reports tell us the border between Iraq and Syria has been obliterated by the IS, for all practical purposes it does still exist and Syria is a sovereign nation.  To bomb in Syria requires a UN mandate which will not be forthcoming because you can be sure Russia will veto any such effort.

Why are we there?  Because of the alleged imminent plot by the Khorasan to sneak non metallic bombs on airplanes.  It's a stretch but it will do.  Of course they threatened France in the same way yet they aren't using it as an excuse to go into Syria.

That leaves us with crowded skies over Iraq, only ourselves over Syria where the IS headquarters are located, and still no boots on the ground.

To say the least, this is another ill thought out exercise which is likely to end in futility.  No one wants to send in boots if we're not willing to do so or won't admit that we actually have.  So here's another war being run, if you can call it that, by vauge goals, obfuscation and no certainty of how to get out of it when things go awry.

The salute isn't the only thing this President gets wrong.

Will Cheney Help Or Hurt The Republicans In The Mid-Terms?

Will the re-emergence of Dick Cheney help or hurt the Republicans in the mid-terms?  There is so much going on about which voters are rightfully incensed my guess he will have little impact.

I think it depends, however, on what happens in the middle east over the next couple of months. Those who believe it wouldn't be in the mess it is if it weren't for the Bush/Cheney policies and rush to war will be reminded of just that - the Bush/Cheney rush to war.

On the other hand, there is nothing this country did or could have done to quell the unrest between the Shiia and Sunnie and the minority religions that try to exist in the region.  It has been festering for centuries.

One argument is that had Saddam remained in power he would have kept his iron fist on the unrest.  By toppling him and putting in place a "democracy" was the regions undoing.  It has proven true across the region, not just Iraq.  Imposing what we think is the best way to govern on those who have never experienced it nor have a clue how to accomplish it is doomed to fail.

We can hardly lead by example today where we have a president seemingly intent to rule on his own without regard for the democratically elected representatives of the people.  This administration seems to mimic those in the mid-east rather than the other way around.  Who's learning from whom?

I admire Mr. Cheney's realistic grasp of what makes that part of the world tick.  But not unlike our current president, he also sees no gray in the way he feels others should think. His only advantage is clarity in his understanding, not necessarily the solution he championed at the time. That time has passed and all the backward looking will not change it. This President lacks the initial and all important understanding. Why?  Naivete.  Lack of interest. Inexperience. Plus the firm belief that he knows better than all the experts combined.  Not a combination of traits to encourage trust.

The accusations of war on women, minorities, the environment, etc. are all politically motivated means of distraction.  The real war is the one that threatens not only our security but that of the entire world is the one Mr. Cheney discusses. Right or wrong for having been part of our getting into it, he has a lot to say about where we are and where we should consider going.  We'd be foolish to let the past and political rhetoric dissuade us from listening.

NOW We Want To Arm The Syrian Rebels!

The administration is now proposing we arm the Syrian rebels!  Wow.  What a novel idea.  I wonder why it wasn't suggested three years ago when the Syrian civil war began.  What?  It was?  I must have missed it, was it in the newspapers?

Of course it was as well as every other media outlet known to man. With this revelation, I think I've figured out how this administration thinks.  If we read papers at all, all we read are the headlines and never get to the nitty gritty.  Therefore we are easily fooled and take the governments actions as timely.

So it is with these current headlines. Forget we know it's too little too late.  The President wants $500,000,000 for this task.  There are a few obstacles.  One, he'll need Congress to appropriate the money.  Sure, there are stashes from which he can draw, still they have to have the funds within them.

That actually may be the least of his problems.  There is the issue of how to determine the good rebels from the bad.  To assume all the bad guys have crossed the border into Iraq is fool hardy.  These guys aren't dumb.  It would have been much easier when this little skirmish began rather than waiting until the bad guys filled the void and thoroughly muddied the lines between good and bad.

Let's say they can figure this out.  Then they have to be armed and trained.  By the administrations own estimate this could take nearly a year after everything else is in place.  Does any one really think the situation is going to be put on hold until we get our choice of players in place?  Don't hold your breath.

Meanwhile the bad guys continue their march toward their own Caliphate.  Syrian war planes have joined the fray as have the Iranian military.  Neither are our friends and neither are going to wait for us to get our ducks in order.

If by staying out of it the lines of Iraq are redrawn, is that so bad?  Let the Kurds have their long awaited freedom.  Let the al Maliki government fall but don't trust any new one to be any more western friendly than his has been. Either way, a portion of Iraq will be under Iranian dominance.  Don't forget, either, Syria has Russia as an ally.

Maybe we'd be better off putting our efforts toward protecting the few friends we have left.  Jordan and Israel and maybe Saudi.  Saudi is iffy.

The moral is read the story under the headlines and discover we're really not going to do anything that will stop the current carnage nor strengthen and save Iraq. I'm surprised al Maliki even asked for U.S. help since both his allies have air capabilities.

For once, stay out of it until they sort it out for themselves.  Then we can offer aid for considerations and be more likely to have some success.  Dealing with the semi-satisfied would be a whole lot easier than dealing with the maddened crowd.

Unfortunately, if past history is any indicator, the wrong decision will be made.

To Go Or Not To Go ~ That Is The Question

Nero fiddled while Rome burned.  Obama plays golf while the mid-east erupts.  I hope he got a lot of thinking done on the links this past week end.

However, if he's really considering sending in special forces to help with the Iraqi situation I'd advise him to think again.

Not one American life should be put at risk for al-Malaki and the thugs in his government. He had his chance and blew it before the last American was even off Iraqi soil. Now he wants our help to ward off ISIS, an even worse bunch of thugs.

Any other administration might be able to come together with Iran to help the Shiite cause without paying a price to the Iranians but I don't trust this government to do so.  Heck, we can't even spring a Marine wrongly jailed in neighboring Mexico or keep the Central American countries from flooding our borders with their kids.

Do you really think we can quell the violence in Iraq?  Everything we had going for us during the Iraqi war is long gone.  We no longer have intelligence capabilities, personnel or equipment.  The last thing we should do is re-enter the conflict. Especially since the President follows no counsel except his own.

Al-Malaki sold out to the Iranians a long time ago.  That was how he was able to maintain power.  They can bail him out if it is to be.  Never-the-less, Iraq will never be the same.  Shiia and Sunni will forever be struggling for what's left of what's already gone.  ISIS will continue to regroup and gain strength.  If they do cede any hard won territory it will be a bloody battle of which we'd best not be a part.
 
Let the current participants fight to the death. Last terrorist standing wins. Until that fight is over we're relatively safe.  Everyone is fighting for dominance at the moment.

That gives us time to actually come up with a strategy with which to move forward.  Hopefully we'll have a new president in time.  One who understands the office of President is not a personal paradise in which to indulge in whimsical activity while leaving the rest of the world to wonder at what is now considered, by this President and administration, par. 

The Death Of The Middle East

If you've been watching the news you know the situation in the Middle East is dire.  The new reports on the systematic torture and death of thousands of Syrians make my blood curdle.  Even when the photographs are edited to make them less graphic.

I've long ago quit worrying about our moral responsibility to put an end to the bloodshed.  The President opted out when the method was poison gas and the victims were children. Instead he made a deal with the devil to escape any moral responsibility.  Any responsibility at all.

It goes beyond that, however.  It didn't take long for the rebels whom we could have supported to be infiltrated by those wanting to make any new regime in their own image.  So now it's a three way war.
Some how denying access to medical aid and the most basic of foodstuffs isn't as bad as chemical weapons.  No matter that the people have been reduced to eating cats and rats if they are able to find and catch them being near death themselves.

This is just Syria.  Think about what they're doing to themselves.  They're killing themselves.  Not only children, but those who are of an age to bear children. Given enough time, there will be no one left.

Now let's go back to Iraq where we withdrew all our troops.  They are engaged, once more, in a bloody
civil war where the loser is having the most radical version of Islamic law reimposed. In Afghanistan the same is about to happen.  Do you for a believe Obama will choose the 10,000 troop option over zero troops?  The radical fringe is betting he won't and are just waiting.  Afghanistan cannot defend itself against them.

Iran has suckered us into believing they're going to play nice and give up their nuclear ambitions.  While we fall prey to that scheme they continue to threaten Iraq if they don't keep supply lines open to Syria so they can continue supplying troops and weaponry to Assad.

And now Pakistan is back in the news.  For quite some time Islamists have been killing aid workers trying to inoculate the children against polio.  It is running rampant.

Good news came that there seems to be some progress in efforts to release the doctor who helped us nail bin Laden.  The bad news is that his ploy was one of these inoculation exercises but that is was a sham set up by the CIA.  The end result is that every innocent aid worker trying to save the children are predetermined to be spies for the CIA.  The result?  Parents are afraid so they stay away from access points.

Again, a generation plus of the young will suffer death from disease while their parents die in the most unimaginable battles of just trying to save life and limb.

Maybe this is our President's policy.  Wait long enough, make the token gestures necessary to appease those few who still give us a thought, and the problem will resolve itself.  If that isn't it, then I'd suggest the President is paralyzed with fear.  That indicates to me he has no moral compass.  Rather like thinking smoking pot is no more dangerous than drinking alcohol.  That's comforting considering how dangerous drinking can be and that pot is still illegal at the Federal level.

Turn a deaf ear and a blind eye.  Like the tree falling in the forest making no sound if no one is present to hear it, perhaps war has no consequences unless someone is present to witness it.

Whack A Mole In The Mideast

It's a snowy Sunday morning. Everyone must be online for even our high speed is slower than molasses. That has given me time to peruse the headlines. I wish I had made a snowman instead.

We have two more holidays of the semi-religious sort before we get into the 'traditional' holiday season. Thanksgiving, which is self-explanatory, and Black Friday which is a pagan tribute to the shopping gods.

So how is the world faring as we look forward to December? Let's begin on our own shores. The Bishop of Providence Rhode Island has revealed that he asked asked Representative Patrick Kennedy, back in 2007, to refrain from taking Communion because of his political stance on abortion. It seems to have resurfaced due to it's inclusion in health care reform which, as a good Democrat, Kennedy supports. "Your position is unacceptable to the church and scandalous to many of our members." Well, they should know all about scandals - both the church and the Kennedys!

Moving on across the ocean the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury had to sort out some differences about the alleged recruiting by the Catholic church of unhappy Anglicans.

Then there is the news from the Middle East, the confluence of religions. We have Israeli jets bombing 'suspected' weapons factories in Gaza and Palestinians lobbing rockets into Israel.

We have al Qaeda doing it's best to cripple the Iraqi government as U.S. troops withdraw and the Iraqi government itself is ramping up attacks against what's left of Saddam's loyalists, the Baathists, before the January elections.

I won't even get into the stalemate in Afghanistan while the troops anxiously await their Thanksgiving and Christmas MRE's. It's getting difficult to keep track of the violence as the most holy of days approaches.

Most holy of days. I got to thinking...

holy |ˈhōlē|
adjective ( holier , holiest )
1 dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred : the Holy Bible | the holy month of Ramadan. See note at divine .
• (of a person) devoted to the service of God : saints and holy men.
• morally and spiritually excellent : I do not lead a holy life.
2 informal used as an intensifier : having a holy good time.
3 dated or humorous used in exclamations of surprise or dismay : holy smoke!

and

holiday |ˈhäliˌdā|
noun
a day of festivity or recreation when no work is done : December 25 is an official public holiday.
• [as adj. ] characteristic of a holiday; festive : a holiday atmosphere.
• chiefly Brit. (often holidays) a vacation : I spent my summer holidays on a farm | Fred was on holiday in Spain.
verb [ intrans. ] chiefly Brit.
spend a holiday in a specified place : he is holidaying in Italy.

Note their is no mention of 'peace' in either definition.

peace |pēs|
noun
1 freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility : you can while away an hour or two in peace and seclusion.
• mental calm; serenity : the peace of mind this insurance gives you.
2 freedom from or the cessation of war or violence : the Straits were to be open to warships in time of peace.
• [in sing. ] a period of this : the peace didn't last.
• [in sing. ] a treaty agreeing to the cessation of war between warring states : support for a negotiated peace.
• freedom from civil disorder : police action to restore peace.
• freedom from dispute or dissension between individuals or groups : the 8.8 percent offer that promises peace with the board.
3 ( the peace) a ceremonial handshake or kiss exchanged during a service in some churches (now usually only in the Eucharist), symbolizing Christian love and unity. See also kiss of peace at kiss .

Have I just stumbled upon the missing link?

"Failure Is Not An Option"

Have we really come to this? Both the President and the Attorney General have stated, unequivocally, that Khalid Shaikh Mohammad and his co-defendants will be found guilty and executed. What an appalling statement.

It's not just the fear a lot of Americans have about these terrorists being brought to New York City to be tried in Federal Court. It's what the rest of the world is seeing. The reason behind this faulty exercise is to showcase how wonderful our justice system is. How the United States is the shining beacon on the hill of fairness.

Well, perhaps at one time. Whatever happened to "innocent until proven guilty"? Even the most heinous of criminals, those we know are guilty, are given that right. So what about these self admitted terrorists? They've already confessed. Because there has to be a trial in a death penalty case even when one confesses. However, with those admissions having been obtained while they were under duress, how will it muddy the pool of evidence?

How can they possibly seat a jury of their peers? Or does that go by the wayside? What if no Muslim is in the jury pool? Would that be reason for appeal? Then add to it all that I've written in previous posts. It's a difficult situation now made more difficult.

It seems we're at a point where we see a decision not being made because Obama is "thinking things through" or a decision being made, credited to an underling, that has provoked a horrendous backlash. The underling, Mr. Holder, is bearing the brunt of the decision.

The troops in Afghanistan are bearing the brunt of the "thinking things through" mode. Now the delay in troop deployment is being extended while an exit strategy is being examined. I'm to the point I want to hear no more about how poorly the Bush administration handled Iraq. Obama is doing no better in his war of necessity.

Yesterday I stated my lack of regard for anything Sarah Palin including the opinion she is not nor ever will be Presidential material. I'm beginning to wonder the same about the man who currently holds the office.

Equal Opportunity Brutality

I never cease to be amazed at the depth of difference between the culture of Islamic nations and Western civilization.

I worry about the safety of our men and women in uniform who serve in these countries when, as in Iraq, the Iraqi government wants them to be subject to Iraqi law. Any one in our government who agrees to this should be hung and quartered. That's just about what Islamic law would demand should they be found guilty of a crime like rape or adultery! Well, actually, they'd be stoned.

I had thought that women bore the brunt of their 14th century mentality but it seems not. According to Radio Free Europe , an Iranian man has been stoned to death for adultery. In this case, the woman went unpunished because she repented. Wow. If that's all it takes!

I found a couple of things interesting while I was searching for information with which to flesh out this post. One being I could not find one single photo of a man being stoned, but as you can see, women could.

The expression on the woman's face says all that needs to be said. I guess if you're lucky, the first stone stuns you enough so you don't feel the pelting until it's ended with your death.

Here's how it goes. Women are buried up to their chests, men to their waists. The stones are not to be so large that they would kill you immediately. Next time a criminal in this country who has committed a heinous crime pleads that execution by lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment might be given the choice of an Islamic execution! For far less than the grisly, inhumane murders that bring about such penalties in this country!

Do you think Western influence will stop punishments such as this? I doubt it. Iran ordered a moratorium on stoning in 2002. This, of which I write, happened this year. This March. 2009. Two more happened in February. Some moratorium.

I guess the reason the we speak of Western civilization is because we are civilized. Culture is not a synonym!

Just What Are We NOT Abandoning?

I love this graphic by Arthur Hochstein that appeared in Time . It's as ambiguous as the headline that reads Clinton To Iraqis: US Not Going to Abandon You .

What do I see in it? One of two things or maybe a combination of both. One, the Americans pulling the last of their assets from the war torn country or the final putting in place of a long time presence Neither is ideal.

We already know we've built a kazillion dollar embassy complex that's larger than the Vatican. It's unlikely we're going to abandon it. Even without the diplomatic corp in place, merely the manning of it will take a huge American presence. Plus the military contingent that will be assigned to protect it.

On the other hand, we've vowed to keep to our time table on combat troop withdrawal. Clinton did indicate our future involvement would wear a different face. One of reconstruction more so than destruction. It will matter little. One side will continue to destroy what the other builds.

This was in response to the Iraqi government's concerns now that it's evident that their security forces aren't yet up to the task before them. That in itself is disturbing considering all the manpower and money we've invested in training them. Either they are very slow to lear, they don't want to learn or we are lousy teachers! We've been at this how long? Yet, who can blame them? Enlistment in any form of national security entity is inviting an early demise!

Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Iraq is still a divided nation at best. We had to "buy" Sunni co-operation. The Shia led government continues to sabotage their efforts to gain a modicum of equality in not only governing, but defending what too is their country. Then we have the "al Qaida in Iraq" influence that reaps the blame and the glory for everything that is not comfortably explained away with other rationales.

The suicide bombings are escalating once again, some of the more rash citizens fear the withdrawal of our troops for they know full well what's coming. Lot's of very learned people have warned of this for a very long time.

When Secretary Clinton says, "There is nothing more important than to have a united Iraq. The more united Iraq is, the more you will trust your security services. The security services have to earn your trust but the people have to demand it."

Sheesh. This is right out of "Idealistic Outcome 101" from the school of "How to Successfully Withdraw from a Mess of Our Own Making" .

Just once I'd like to see an administration, any administration tell it like it is. These people do not want peace, they want power unto themselves - all sides. The same scenario is gelling in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Has Obama learned anything? The indications are that he has not.

Clinton's vision may not be a pipe bomb; it is a pipe dream!

With $3.3 Billion in U.S. Aid Is This The Best Iraq Can Do?

I've spent several of my recent posts lambasting our government and those who run it. It has been an outlet for pent up (or maybe not so pent up) frustration. Then a story comes along that makes me repent, knowing full well this is the best country in the world. Especially for women.

The AP tells us that Iraq's state minister for women's affairs has resigned. Nawal al-Samarraie's task was to improve the lives of women left poor or abandoned by the war. Calling it a "full army of widows", al-Samarraie estimates the number at around three million. This does not include children for whom they are responsible.

Lasting only six months on the job, this gynecologist and mother of five, came into it full of ideas like setting up regional offices and vocational training. But her office and staff of 18 was not a full ministry and had little authority and fewer financial resources. Soon she found herself dipping into her own pocket to try and help.

Making up 65% of the population, many of the most desperate have been successfully recruited as suicide bombers. They have nothing more to lose.

If this doesn't drive home the point that many cultures consider women as nothing more than chattel I don't know what will. Iraq. Into which we are pouring billions of dollars of aid!

We have given Iraq $3.3 billion in aid. Al-Samarraie's budget was cut from $7,500 to $1,500 per month! To care for three million plus citizens of the newly democratic Iraq!

I had concerns about a female President being effective in such a climate. I also have the same concerns about a female Secretary of State. Protocol officers will make sure everything is according to Hoyle for the photo ops, but where it goes from there is any one's guess.

At this point in time, I wish everyone success. Our new President. Our new Secretary of State and those who would help their own like Dr. al-Samarraie. This is one reason why I get so frustrated with our own politicians who seem to have lost sight of country for special interests.

We don't have three plus million war widows - yet. We should not ignore the fact that there are other countries with which we are involved who do. When we are the ones who in large measure created the climate in which this can happen we need be aware there is no gender gap when it comes to bitterness and the corresponding desperate measures. When one has nothing more to lose.

Democracy Iraqi Style

One of my biggest objections during the Bush administration was that they governed by fear. This was American democracy in action and the world was watching. Especially the Iraqis upon whom we were trying to impose our vision of it.

The lesson, perhaps, was to do as we say, not as we do. They didn't seem to hear and have now taken it to their own level of governing by fear. Kill the opposition!

Provincial elections are to be held Saturday. Three candidates were killed today. They were all Sunnis. The current government is, of course, Shiia.

About 15 million Iraqis are expected to turn out Saturday with the Sunnis planning to turn out in large numbers. Tens of thousands of police and soldiers will supply security including curfews and a vehicle ban to discourage car bombings! I wonder if they ever thought of voting by mail!

When I read that the lead up to the voting has been less violent than feared, it makes me wonder just what the "surge" has really accomplished. And just exactly their take is on what "democracy" is all about.

When you consider the celebration in Grant Park after Obama's win and the crowds jammed into Washington D.C. for the inauguration, both of which went without incident, I get the feeling the Iraqis don't quite get it! I hope it doesn't turn into a blood bath. The verbal character assassination that occurs in our country is something I will gladly learn to tolerate if the Iraqi was is the alternative!

Meanwhile, Back In Iraq...

In our world of Presidential politics, we have John McCain speaking in platitudes about how all his "experience", like being a prisoner of war for five years in lieu of being in combat, has better prepared him for the role of commander-in-chief than the thoughtful Barack Obama. He has bragged incessantly that he had proposed the "surge" strategy long before it was adopted and in essence is taking credit for its success.

Right. Now that the Georgian/Russian situation is rambling on to who knows what conclusion and our ally, if a somewhat shaky one, Musharraf of Pakistan has been sent packing, it's time to return to the scenes of yesteryear! The war in Iraq!

Yep. It's still going on, so I decided to revisit the "surge" strategy to see if it's still holding. An AP article gave me a good start. First, though, we need to remember the reason for the surge. It was to quell the violence enough so the government had time to make some headway on goals we had set for them, including rebuilding their military to the point they can begin standing on their own.

We found this was easier said than done so we embarked on what I always felt was an ill conceived strategy. The Sunni portion of the population were getting tired of al-Quida, the out of country mischief makers, interrupting their efforts to regain their place from the Shiia who control the government. So they joined forces with the U.S. to defeat al-Quida Iraq. For a price; some $200 million total! We paid them and trained them and armed them. We made them mercenaries and because we were, essentially the highest bidder, they did our bidding. Not for just the money, mind you. As in any good drama, they had an ulterior motive. Get rid of al-Quida so they could get back to trying to vanquish the Shiia. They succeeded, to a point. Al-Quida Iraq has been pretty well decimated.

But, uh oh! A glitch! Now the Shiia are flexing their muscles against the Sunni fighters, our allies in the surge. They want no part of the Sunnis regaining any sort of foothold. One Shiia official said, "The continuation of the Awakening Councils as they are now is unacceptable."

From the opposing side, this,"We fought the Americans for four years and we fought al-Quida too. We are an experienced armed group. We are fully capable of bringing the house down." "An experienced armed group." Yep $200 million worht!

And from the American side, our guys in the middle, this, "It has put money in the local economy and reduced attacks on coalition forces. You can see where the money is going - an irrigation pump here, a renovated house there."

Do we need a reality check or what? They are lucky if they have electricity in Baghdad four hours a day!

The Sunni tribesmen who joined with U.S. forces were named the Awakening Councils. Yeah. They were wide awake to the multitude of benefits they might derive.

This is what the "surge" has wrought. We have helped rearm a contingent of the population bent on destroying those currently holding the cards. We are right smack dab in the middle. Does a re"surge"nt possibility of civil war ring a bell?

If this is the measure of success of which McCain boasts of being the mastermind, I'll take my chances with a more thoughtful Obama in a New York minute!

It's Over! Maliki Says So!

So where are the headlines?? In the Coeur'd Alene Press a two inch squib squeezed between an ad for the Schweitzer Bluegrass Festival and above another for an Internet service on page A12 is a two inch column headlined Iraqi PM: Government has defeated terrorism. Wow! I'd think it deserved more than that!

Everyone from the International Herald Tribune to just about every broadcast outlet and blog news aggregator I can think of had this news. It's of huge importance. It means we can leave! They've done it. They've been telling us for quite sometime that we are not wanted nor needed.

The implications for the upcoming Presidential election are monumental. Who do you go with? One who would extend our military presence to infinity or one who would begin an orderly withdrawal of our troops?

Oh, if it were only that simple. Never-the-less, don't miss the point of what Maliki is saying - again. We're not wanted. They can deal with it - in their own way and in their own time.

We should know by now force feeding our goals on those who don't share them leads to disaster. The spin on this by the administration should be interesting as will how the candidates will interpret it. Will it be debunked, heeded - or like our local papers have handled it - for the most part ignoring it?

"Money" Talks!

We were told our forces would be greeted as liberators. Wrong. Since then they have been asked to do more they have not been trained to do than what they have been. Police, diplomat, good Samaritan. For the most part the troops have responded splendidly.

Six years of war, however, is taking its toll. Suicides are at an all time high. The powers that be are trying to redefine Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because the financial burdens that come with the diagnosis are taxing the system.

It would seem a lack of clear thinking goes all the way to the top. I'm not talking about the double speak we and the Congress hear every time General Petreus gives a report or the rosy picture Senator McCain would have us believe about the success of the surge. I would guess it's the next level down. The names we don't yet know. Just like the names we never heard during the Abu Ghraib scandal.

This involves Marines distributing coins that promote Christianity. Not only are we looked at as hated occupiers, now we're acting like missionaries! A wire story from the McClatchy News Service tells of Iraqis being handed coins that read "Where will you spend eternity?" on one side and on the other "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16"

This just after a sniper used the Quran for target practice.

The military prohibits proselytizing any religion, faith or practice. So how is this happening? Someone had to have the coins manufactured, supply them to the Marines and order their distribution. That it is being investigated tells me no one is sure who is responsible.

It seems to me not only is the war itself out of control but that those who manage it are also losing their grip. It is time to bring it to an end before we dig ourselves in deeper from sheer fatigue and an inability to think clearly. We tried to shove democracy down their throats. That isn't working well. Now we're promoting Christianity in the Muslim world? Are we nuts?

It's like going into a synagogue and handing out rosary beads!