A September 27, 2007 BBC [Middle East] article reports a “Turkey-Iraq Kurd” deal.It is well-known that the Turks have had problems with the Southeastern Turkey Kurdish Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK). Called a terrorist organization by Turkey, Europe and the United States. According to the BBC article, Ankara has warned Baghdad to crack down on the Kurdish rebels or face a possible incursion by Turkish troops.
It seems that the Iraqi government (such as it is) has been negotiating a “hot pursuit” agreement with the Turks. This means that the Turkish army may pursue PPK “terrorists” across the Turkish-Iraqi frontier.
Though both parties have been quite, the Iraqi Kurdish population are objecting to this possibility, as could be expected.
Several questions arise from these developments. First, is this the license the Turks need to destroy what the Kurds in northern Iraq have currently going for them?
Second, can the so-called Iraqi government conduct negotiations that effect the Kurds?
Third, it was reported by presidential candidate Senator Sam Brownback (R Kansas), during the Tavis Smiley, PBS televised Republican Presidential candidate forum, that he and Senator Joseph Biden (D Delaware) are promoting a bi-partisan solution to the Iraqi governmental crisis. The proposal will mandate a tri-state loosely confederated three-state system with a (relatively) weak central government in Baghdad.
Now if all of the above comes to past, this could mean problems for the U.S. While disappointed with the present government of Iraq, President Bush tenaciously supports his “sovereign, fledgling democracy.”
It should be remembered that Turkey is (alleged to be) among America’s staunchest allies. The implications that follow from these developments are huge. What role will the Bush foreign policy establishment play.
And if the Turks become as intransigent as I remember them during a tour of duty in Turkey, it could mean trouble on the horizon.
Of course, it is possible that none of this come to past; keep an eye out for reports and developments in the future. In short:
stay informed
thebrotherman
Friday, September 28, 2007
Why Are We Not Aware Of This?
As reported by the BBC Press [Middle East]
First cholera death hits Baghdad
A woman has died of cholera in Baghdad, Iraq’s health ministry says, the capital’s first confirmed fatality in the country’s recent outbreak. The disease was first detected in northern Iraq last month.
Eleven others have died of cholera outside Baghdad, and at least 2,000 cases have been confirmed, the vast majority of them in the north.
The 40-year-old woman died on Monday after spending seven days in hospital. Her son is infected with cholera.
She lived in the Jisr Diyal area of south Baghdad.
CHOLERA RISKS
12 fatalities - most in north
70% of Iraqis have inadequate water, only 20% have access to effective sanitationSource: Oxfam/NGO Co-ordination Committee
The World Health Organisation has warned that problems in ensuring access to clean water and food in Iraq could cause the disease to spread further.
A report by the UK-based charity, Oxfam, and the NGO Co-ordination Committee in Iraq (NCCI) warned in July that 70% of Iraq’s population did not have adequate water supplies and that only 20% had access to effective sanitation.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
Patients, particularly children and the elderly, are vulnerable to dangerous dehydration as a result.
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/7014446.stm
Why is it that there has been no mention of this development in “duh” U.S. media, notwithstanding from the Bush administration State Dept.
Stay informed
thebrotherman
First cholera death hits Baghdad
A woman has died of cholera in Baghdad, Iraq’s health ministry says, the capital’s first confirmed fatality in the country’s recent outbreak. The disease was first detected in northern Iraq last month.
Eleven others have died of cholera outside Baghdad, and at least 2,000 cases have been confirmed, the vast majority of them in the north.
The 40-year-old woman died on Monday after spending seven days in hospital. Her son is infected with cholera.
She lived in the Jisr Diyal area of south Baghdad.
CHOLERA RISKS
12 fatalities - most in north
70% of Iraqis have inadequate water, only 20% have access to effective sanitationSource: Oxfam/NGO Co-ordination Committee
The World Health Organisation has warned that problems in ensuring access to clean water and food in Iraq could cause the disease to spread further.
A report by the UK-based charity, Oxfam, and the NGO Co-ordination Committee in Iraq (NCCI) warned in July that 70% of Iraq’s population did not have adequate water supplies and that only 20% had access to effective sanitation.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
Patients, particularly children and the elderly, are vulnerable to dangerous dehydration as a result.
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/7014446.stm
Why is it that there has been no mention of this development in “duh” U.S. media, notwithstanding from the Bush administration State Dept.
Stay informed
thebrotherman
The Real Iranian Mouthpiece
Hey America;
Once again a piece of information that duh American media fails to publish about Iran and the source of its governmental foreign policy. It is shameful how ‘duh’ U.S. media participates in a conspiracy of misinformation that keeps the American public ignorant. At the same time this is going on, they also become part of the Bush administration’s demonization of Iran’s President Mahmoud Amadinejad who has been characterized as irrational, uncivilized and outright crazy for his anti-Israel, anti-American rhetoric.
The truth is that Amadinejad is nothing less than the public mouthpiece for the real powers. In a display of one of Iran’s missiles that has a reputed 1800 mile range, the online news outlet DEBKAfile.com reports that the supreme ruler (of Iran) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei displayed a large slogan “The Iranian nation is ready to bring any oppressive power to its knees.”
According to the press release, “huge trucks carrying the missiles were marked with vicious slogans calling for ‘Death to America,’ ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Israeli should be eliminated,’ ‘No Muslim may recognize Israel’ and ‘Israel must be wiped off the map.’”
What is interesting about this news report is the absence of Amadinejad’s name from the display of anti-Israel, anti-U.S. disdain. Point here is simply that the Iranian President is the elected front man and mouthpiece for the “real ruling power” in Iran. And somehow, I think this is should not be omitted by “duh” U.S. press.
stay informed
thebrotherman
Once again a piece of information that duh American media fails to publish about Iran and the source of its governmental foreign policy. It is shameful how ‘duh’ U.S. media participates in a conspiracy of misinformation that keeps the American public ignorant. At the same time this is going on, they also become part of the Bush administration’s demonization of Iran’s President Mahmoud Amadinejad who has been characterized as irrational, uncivilized and outright crazy for his anti-Israel, anti-American rhetoric.
The truth is that Amadinejad is nothing less than the public mouthpiece for the real powers. In a display of one of Iran’s missiles that has a reputed 1800 mile range, the online news outlet DEBKAfile.com reports that the supreme ruler (of Iran) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei displayed a large slogan “The Iranian nation is ready to bring any oppressive power to its knees.”
According to the press release, “huge trucks carrying the missiles were marked with vicious slogans calling for ‘Death to America,’ ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Israeli should be eliminated,’ ‘No Muslim may recognize Israel’ and ‘Israel must be wiped off the map.’”
What is interesting about this news report is the absence of Amadinejad’s name from the display of anti-Israel, anti-U.S. disdain. Point here is simply that the Iranian President is the elected front man and mouthpiece for the “real ruling power” in Iran. And somehow, I think this is should not be omitted by “duh” U.S. press.
stay informed
thebrotherman
Thursday, September 20, 2007
On the latest Blackwater Incident
On the latest Blackwater incident in Iraq prompts the following commentary:
The employment of Blackwater Private Security to protect civilian VIPs avoids military “rules of engagement” which allows these mercenaries to “do whatever it takes” to protect their clients. Hence, allegations of “cowboy-like” behavior that manifests itself in indiscriminate killings in the name of getting the job done should not come as any surprise when such incidents make it into the press. Moreover; the problems associated with manning the “all volunteer force” virtually demands the privatization of this aspect of the Iraqi Freedom operations. What part of the Federal Government is next in line for privatization?
stay informed!!!!
thebrotherman
The employment of Blackwater Private Security to protect civilian VIPs avoids military “rules of engagement” which allows these mercenaries to “do whatever it takes” to protect their clients. Hence, allegations of “cowboy-like” behavior that manifests itself in indiscriminate killings in the name of getting the job done should not come as any surprise when such incidents make it into the press. Moreover; the problems associated with manning the “all volunteer force” virtually demands the privatization of this aspect of the Iraqi Freedom operations. What part of the Federal Government is next in line for privatization?
stay informed!!!!
thebrotherman
Bin Laden “Declares War” on Pakistan
In a new recording, Osama Bin Laden, according to Agence France Press (AFP), urges Pakistani Muslims to wage “holy war” against the government of President Pervez Musharraf in retaliation for the government’s put down of Muslim extremists who recently held up in the “Red Mosque.”
It will be interesting to watch this action; it may be that Bin Laden has bitten off much more that he can chew. This may have been a huge strategic error on his part. Unlike conditions in Iraq, that is, the absence of anything closely resembling a functional government and security forces. Pakistan does have a reasonably functioning government, notwithstanding, Musharraf’s declining popularity, and an extremely functional military that, as demonstrated by the incident at the Red Mosque, will take extremely harsh methods to combat any such increases in anti-government activity from whatever-the-source. Even though it is highly likely that President Musharraf will be assinated, the ensuing conflict will be long and bloody and in the end, the forces of the government will emerge victorious as a result of weariness and attrition.Keep an eye on this.
stay informed:
thebrotherman
It will be interesting to watch this action; it may be that Bin Laden has bitten off much more that he can chew. This may have been a huge strategic error on his part. Unlike conditions in Iraq, that is, the absence of anything closely resembling a functional government and security forces. Pakistan does have a reasonably functioning government, notwithstanding, Musharraf’s declining popularity, and an extremely functional military that, as demonstrated by the incident at the Red Mosque, will take extremely harsh methods to combat any such increases in anti-government activity from whatever-the-source. Even though it is highly likely that President Musharraf will be assinated, the ensuing conflict will be long and bloody and in the end, the forces of the government will emerge victorious as a result of weariness and attrition.Keep an eye on this.
stay informed:
thebrotherman
Capture of Iranian Agent
Germany’s Deutsche Welle reports that Tehran has condemned the arrest of an Iranian by US forces in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaymanyah. An Iranian government spokesman said however that the man was a member of a visiting commercial delegation that had entered Iraq legally. As reported from a number of sources, the U.S. asserts that this individual is part of Iranian special military forces known as the QUD. Well so what?
While the U.S. touts the exploits and use of its Rangers, Seals and Special Forces (under the command of “special ops”) with accompanying proclamations as to the importance of this group of elite fighting men in the cause of fighting the war on terrorism. Under the rubric of “national interest” the U.S. currently has special ops personnel planted in a number of countries in Africa and are currently in support of Ethiopia’s invasion of Somalia.
Why does the United States in consort with the media, scream foul when Iran, acting in its national interest supports those confronting U.S. forces in Iraq? Not only does it scream foul, it screams loud enough and long enough to establish Iran as a demon and the next threat to the U.S., ergo grounds for some sort of military action against Iran.Keep an eye on developments over time.
Stay informed
thebrotherman
While the U.S. touts the exploits and use of its Rangers, Seals and Special Forces (under the command of “special ops”) with accompanying proclamations as to the importance of this group of elite fighting men in the cause of fighting the war on terrorism. Under the rubric of “national interest” the U.S. currently has special ops personnel planted in a number of countries in Africa and are currently in support of Ethiopia’s invasion of Somalia.
Why does the United States in consort with the media, scream foul when Iran, acting in its national interest supports those confronting U.S. forces in Iraq? Not only does it scream foul, it screams loud enough and long enough to establish Iran as a demon and the next threat to the U.S., ergo grounds for some sort of military action against Iran.Keep an eye on developments over time.
Stay informed
thebrotherman
Saturday, September 15, 2007
General Patraeus, Success, and Some Reflections
Let me begin by acknowledging the intelligence of General Pratraeus. He has an earned Doctorate in International Relations; moreover; he surrounds himself with academics; two of his primary military advisors are full colonels, both are PhDs. His presentation before the House and Senate was and academic collection and analysis of the data. His preparation for his appearance before the Congress made that of the ambassador look mediocre. However; the pre-presentation hype accompanying Patraeus and his presentation lacked any consideration of the falibility of the general. To that end, I reveal a number of realities that any military careerist, past and present, are aware of, while the general American public is in the dark about.
Consider the overwhelming Senatorial support for the general's taking command of the Iraqi combat zone.
One of the qualifications/character traits that won Pratraeus favor with the U.S. Senate was his propensity for "straight talk" and "telling it like it is."
As a retired veteran of 22.5 years of military service with the U.S. Army, I must point out that experience informs me that U.S. Army officers do not become general officers on such a record.
Those who become general officers are "team players" who, regardless of the order or mission reply "yes sir," salute and carry out the order.
That said, the question becomes, at what point did General Pratraeus acquire this stalwart trait? And, like General Alexander Haig before him, Pratraeus jumped two stars in a two and one half year period, leaping over all of the three star generals in the U.S. Army.
Given excessively loud kudos, from some political corners, for what is happening in Al Anbar province, that is; getting the province's shiekdom to join his forces in pursuit of the destruction of Al Qaeda in Iraq. Two points should be noted here; first, it is a Marine Colonel who had developed the relationship between his troops and Sunni Shieks long before Patreaus landed in his present position and the successes, such as they are, have been attributed to him, second, a review of the history of early U.S. involvement in Afghanistan will inform us that the CIA was quick to flip the tribal leaders in the north of the country.
Regardless of who gets the credit for whatever "success" have been achieved, it is important that it continue. Whether or not the Al Anbar model can be applied outside of this province remains to be seen. I will have more to say on this subject in a future posting.
Stay informed
the brotherman
Consider the overwhelming Senatorial support for the general's taking command of the Iraqi combat zone.
One of the qualifications/character traits that won Pratraeus favor with the U.S. Senate was his propensity for "straight talk" and "telling it like it is."
As a retired veteran of 22.5 years of military service with the U.S. Army, I must point out that experience informs me that U.S. Army officers do not become general officers on such a record.
Those who become general officers are "team players" who, regardless of the order or mission reply "yes sir," salute and carry out the order.
That said, the question becomes, at what point did General Pratraeus acquire this stalwart trait? And, like General Alexander Haig before him, Pratraeus jumped two stars in a two and one half year period, leaping over all of the three star generals in the U.S. Army.
Given excessively loud kudos, from some political corners, for what is happening in Al Anbar province, that is; getting the province's shiekdom to join his forces in pursuit of the destruction of Al Qaeda in Iraq. Two points should be noted here; first, it is a Marine Colonel who had developed the relationship between his troops and Sunni Shieks long before Patreaus landed in his present position and the successes, such as they are, have been attributed to him, second, a review of the history of early U.S. involvement in Afghanistan will inform us that the CIA was quick to flip the tribal leaders in the north of the country.
Regardless of who gets the credit for whatever "success" have been achieved, it is important that it continue. Whether or not the Al Anbar model can be applied outside of this province remains to be seen. I will have more to say on this subject in a future posting.
Stay informed
the brotherman
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