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OV Newsflash (9/9/2010): America At Its' Best

September 9th 2010 03:56
: A Story that has to be told
As the debate over the so called "Ground Zero" Islamic Center continues on, there is of course this story that shows America at its' Best:

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This is a story that has to be told again, again and again. The discussions here is telling--and all should take notice. Although I welcome Sarah Palin's declaration on her facebook page for Pastor Jones to stop this nonsense, she seems not to get the vision what the Cordoba House is about. She and all those who seem to condemn Muslims should begin to reach out and build bridges. Pastor Jones is just but an extreme example of what the debate has been.

Ms. Palin, Franklin Graham and all those who call for such mistrust and hate should take their queue from this wonderful congregation and Pastor Stone. Pastor Stone reminds us that Jesus has taught us all to love our neighbors. That's what Ms. Palin and others need to remember and embrace for the sake of all us. and what they've done to realize it. I have to truly wonder if Ms. Cheney and her gang understand that too.
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OV Afghan Watch (9/8/2010): The Burning of the Quran and the Tough Job Ahead

September 8th 2010 06:29
: Why Make it More Difficult than it is?
As the war in Afghanistan rages on, the wackos on the ground continue with their actions. The book burning that the man in Florida is planning for September 11 is just another symbol of the extreme polarization the country is dealing with right now as many leading Republican Luminaries stay silent:

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The Holy Quran is the holy book for 1.1 Billion Muslims in the World. America is fighting a war for the hearts and minds in Afghanistan and the entire Muslim World. I welcome how the Adminstration has come out forcefully in this regard. What is sad is how the same people who have led the campaign to oppose the so-called Mosque at Ground Zero stay silent now. I had to really dig around before finding a statement by those same folks. I was able to find one from Glen Beck deep within his new News and Commentary site, the Blaze. I was shocked and surprised by it. But, I welcomed that as well. The silence by other leading Republican luminaries is dangerous and just simply irresponsible.

The World needs to realize that the action of this so-called Rev. does not represent America at all. I am with Governor Dean when he noted that you cannot fight hate with hate. What this so-called "Rev" has done is to perpetuate a sense of hatred that will do more to set back the cause of the fight in Afghanistan and Iraq than any suicide bomber. I know that some will dismiss Governor Dean as a radical leftie who does not represent the so-called mainstream as defined by Fox News today. I would love to seen an argument that counters the basic Premise of the argument.

The essence of Christianity that I know is one of love. Also, America is better than this. I have been looking for at least something out of the Ultra-Patroit LIz Cheney talking about it in her KeepAmerica Safe site. I have not seen any. All I see is the campaign over the Mosque. So, then, it seems as if their belief in upholding the Constitution is only reserved for those who are of their belief.

KeepAmerica Safe also tells us that the current prosecution of the war has been half-hearted and wrong. But, they seem not to be aware of General Petraeus' comments about the action by this so-called Rev. He has told the world in no uncertain terms that this will serve as a boost to the wackos in Afghanistan. This has also been reitrated by other Commanders, the White House, leaders of faith throughout the United States and NATO.

I have constantly been of the view that U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan is wrong. I have written about it constantly. I am keen to see what the folks at the New American Foundation have to say about their view of the future of Afghanistan. I will also be looking for and assessing what others on the right will have to see about it.

As the debate continues, I realize that the President has made the committment and we need to support the troops. But, I take my queue from General Zini, the former US Central Commander, when he noted that we should not stay silent and "shut up". We have to question and reflect upon the actions for the sake of our soldiers who have been put in harms way. In my view , the General has a tough enough job to do without having to deal with such wackos back home.

What are the realities? Troops are dying every day. Afghans are dying. At the same time, there are further disturbing news coming out of Afghanistan that undermines the sacrifices being made every day. The saga of Kabul Bank is just one example. As the Afghan Government has been dealing with the aftermath, the only question I have had is how the brother of the Afghan President and the brother of one of Karzai's Vice President happens to be the largest shareholders. This is also a bank that is the main agent that processes all payroll for the Afghan Civil Service. Why did that happen? Why can't the Government itself handle this?

I hope that reason prevails and the Rev. will come to his senses and realizes the aftermath of his actions.
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A Wonderful Day in Washington

September 3rd 2010 06:12
: Reasons For Optimism...Absolutely!!!


The Day has finally arrived


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OV US Election Watch (9/2/2010): What a Way to Start the Month..

September 2nd 2010 07:47
: Some Funny...Some Not So Funny....
The "Greatest Show on Earth" did not disappoint on the first day of the new Month!!!

The day began, for me, taking a look at the current edition of Newsweek Magazine headling a Jonathan Alter er piece. Newsweek, of course, will go on under its new owner, Sidney Harman--who happens to be the husband of the California Congresswoman Jane Harman. Jonathan Alter talks It shows how Obama has been characterized as a terrorist-coddling, wall street loving, godless, Foreign-Born, Muslim--when in fact none of it is true. Between the Afghan Surge, drone attacks, rejecting nationalization of banks and pushing to get monies back from GM and Chrysler, the record is one of a comitted capitalist. What is now prevalent is a testanment to the power of the Right Wing Noise Machine having been as effective as it has been. I nearly fell off my Chair when Mitch McConnel noted that he took the President at his word that he was not a Muslim. This is not as bad as Rush noting that Imam Hussein Obama is here and now!!! Does Mitch McConnell live in the same America or is it a different America? I wonder


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The Day After Glenn Beck's Rally: Brief Thoughts

August 29th 2010 22:20
: It was quite an experience....
I caught glimpses of the Glenn Back rally and the Al Sharpton Rally in Washington to Dr. King's March on Washington. I also saw some of the post-mortems on Fox. I commend Glenn Beck for having developed and mastered the art of building brands as he has. But, I continue to have profound disagreements with him.

According to Beck's Fox Comrade-in-Arms, Geraldo Rivera, the so-called "main stream" press tried to take things out of context and put Beck's rally in a bad light. Some of the realities I have gathered have noted the number of attendeed. The estimates I have seen vary between 350,000 to 500,000 people. It was also a faith-based rally to bring faith back America. It was also a rally in support of the troops. Jon Stewart and others did mock him. But one thing people will agree on: Beck has a lot of supporters and the turnout clearly showed it


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OV Week-End (8/28/2010): Almost Glad the Month Is Over!!!

August 28th 2010 07:08
: Although..?!!?!?
It has been quite a month. America is about to enter the Mid-Term Elections. The latest primary results is bound to prove wonderful theatre based on all the pronoucements coming out of the Republican Candidates.

I fell off my chair when I read Politico's latest reporting on what the Republicans have in store. Darrell Issa has threatened, apparently, to begin a wave of investigations of the Obama Adminstration. I need to assess and realize what that will prove. Even this is not as "out there" as the latest pronoucements from Joe Miller, the apparent front runner for the Republican Nomination for Alaska's US Senate seat. Hiss latest comment has been that Unemployment Insurance is not constitutionally authorized. He also noted about the fact that he would have voted against the Fin Reg. Bill. Mr. MIller needs to wake up and realize that Alaska is a "one industry" state--Oil. What happens when the Oil Runs Out? What about all that is going on with Climate Change? Maybe Mr. Miller may want to listen to this bit of a clip from the West Wing


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The On-Going Saga of Cordoba House (Now Known as Park 51)

August 17th 2010 06:06
: Troubling.....
I have been assessing the state of the so-called Ground Zero Mosque over the past 24 Hours. The Republican Attack Machine has been in full gear since the President's remarks on Friday during an Iftar event at the White House.

The Right has been in a State of Political Rebellion over the so called Mosque. They say it should not be built. They say it should be moved. I have been trying to figure out where it should be moved. I have yet to see any "guidance" on this. It seems that they acknowledge the constitutional principles--but at the same time they are basically condemning it. If they want it moved, will six blocks be enough? will ten blocks be enough? should it not be located in New York City at all? The biggest lie is that iti is a Mosque at all. The strategy is exactly like Iraq--if you push a fictional account long enough, someone will buy into your hysterical admonitions


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OV Week-End (8/15/2010): Worrying Tidbits From Afghanistan & Iraq

August 15th 2010 08:16
: ...and the Happy Talk From Washington!?!?!
President Obama has been on the prowl telling the World that U.S. Combat Operations will end on August 31. I welcome that as I continue to be concerned that 50,000 US troops will continue to remain. I have also continued to be disturbed by reports by commentators like Tariq Ali who note that the U.S. will continue to have a long-lasting presence not withstanding what the Adminstration leads us to believe.

The cost continues to rise ever more. I am frankly numb at the monies spent in Iraq. The daily counter featured in "outsiders" signifies the continued spending being done with no apparent end in sight. Yet, Iraqis are lucky to get a few hours of electricity every day and even luckier if they have running water. I won't even begin to discuss the job prospects, the continued uncertainty in Kurdistan and the fact that there is not even a Government in place. As always, the Economist' Kal said it best


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Continued Concerns Over Religious Tolerance

August 8th 2010 21:42
: America Must Transcend.....
I continue to be profoundly concerned about America's tradition of religious tolerance being under threat. I have periodically written about it here. The front page of this Sunday's New York Times discussed the disturbing trends.

That concern has grown in a major way as the debate goes on in New York about the proposed Islamic Center near Ground Zero. Mike Bloomberg's speech in New York clearly rejects intolerance


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Personal Reflections

July 25th 2010 15:28
: Forever Blessed and Grateful.....
I wanted to take this point of personal privilege to simply say thank you. I wanted to thankyou to the Orble Team for giving me a shot to begin building this and OV's sister's sites. I wanted to thank the daily visitors who have made the visits, have shared their thoughts and engaged in some rather spirited debates at times. It has been an absolute privilege.

I will be taking this week off to tend to month-end committments due to a number of pressing business engagements. I look forward to continuing on with my daily "Write-Ups" with a special focus on the key features (Election Watch, Afghan Watch, Iran Watch, Economy Watch & the Job Search Chronicles). I will also be spending this week to again reflect and remember. As I take this "sabbatical" from my work here in "Outsiders", I hope that the community takes heart in the "Last Lecture" and remember to keep the faith, never lose hope and always look forward to the future


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The Firing of Octavia Nasr

July 9th 2010 06:17
: Why!?!?!
Octavia Nasr was the CNN MIddle East Editor and worked for CNN for over 20 years. She was mostly in the background, but did some good work bringing the Middle East perspective to bear especially during Iran's Green Revolution last year. She was asked to resign after praising Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, the founder of Hezbollah and a leading Shitte Religious Authority.

One's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter. This debate has been as old as history itself. This is ever more true about Hezbollah's status in the eyes of the West and the Arab Street. Hezbollah is listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Israel. However, what the World has to understand is what led to Hezbollah being born. The Sabra and Shatilla massacres of 1982 and Israel's culpability was the impetus behind this. Hezbollah also took it upon itself to begin serving the long-neglected Shitte community in Lebanon. It laid out a social service infrastructure that allowed it to be the dominant player in Lebanon. It was Hezbollah that also had the perception of standing up to Israel and forced Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. The Cold War between Hezbollah and Israel did actually break into a major war that essentially saw Israel level Southern Lebanon over a 30-day period with the United States basically sitting by the sideline. Yet, Hezbollah emerged stronger and is now a part of Prime Minister Harriri's Government


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OV Week-End (7/4/2010): As America Celebrates Independence Day....

July 4th 2010 07:44
: A Thought.....
As America Celebrates Independence Day with fireworks, barbeques and other festivites, my thought went back to the Founding Fathers of America. I thought about those who claim to be speaking for them. I wondered what would Washington, Franklin Jefferson & Madison, think of the Tea Party Movement, of the Militia Movement, the 912 Movement and all the so-called movements that want to take Congress and the Country Back. I wondered what would Jefferson's response be to those who believe that Islam is evil and wicked. Jefferson is the same man who bought a copy of the Holy Quran in 1762 that Keith Ellison, the only Muslim serving in Congress, swore his oath of office on. I wonder and yearn for a tolerant, understanding, just and compassionate America that seems to be falling by the wayside day by day with the increased polarization of the political discourse.

The political discourse continues to be fueled by the the well-known economic anxieties of the people. I have repeatedly written about and it becomes ever more so by the day with an actual unemployment rate of 16.5 Percent. I see it every day as I see people standing in street corners noting how they are in need of work as the remnants of the social safety net is gradually dismantled. The debate within the Presidential Commision is even going after Social Security, too


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A Brave Move by Israel

July 2nd 2010 04:13
: Aboiut Time Some Sanity Prevails....
I was surprised and frankly overjoyed at the Al Jazeera Report of a meeting held within the past few days between Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, Israel's trade and industry minister and Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey's Foreign Minister in Brussels.

For those who may not know who Ben-Eliezer is, he is a stalwart of the Labor Party in Israel and a former General. This shows that there is a realization that Israel has to figure out a way to make sure that it has at least Turkey in its corner


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OV Newsflash (6/27/2010): Karzai Talks to Haqqani

June 27th 2010 18:16
: ..and if it is true..wow!!!
I had to break my break to report and comment on this rather explosive development. According to Al Jazeera, Karzai has held talks with Haqqani, the leader of one of the most violent Taliban factions in Afghanistan. What is even more shocking is that Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff and the head of the ISI, Pakistan's Intelligence Service supposedly accompanied him to the meeting with Karzai. This is as Mike Mullin, the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff was in Afghanistan seeing the useless Karzai to assure him of the US committment.

This morning's New York Times featured a very moving story about the 1st Mountain Divison and the predicament each soldier is facing. There is growing concerns about the fact that there is no military solution. I do not want to seem to gloat, but what I have said is that the current policy is wrong and cannot simply be sustained. The stress on the troops is simply too great and the United States will pay a heavy price for it


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OV Week-End II (6/20/2010): The Middle East Over the Past 24 Hrs

June 21st 2010 01:41
: Never a Dull Moment!!!
The Past 24 hours has been quite exciting throughout the MIddle East. In Iran, the terrorist Rigi was executed. He was leading a Sunni Splinter group in Southern Iran who had used Pakistan's Baluchestan Region to launch raids into Iran and provide safe passage for drug runners who have used the nearly lawless Southern Iran for drugs coming through Afghanistan. There are some who may say that he was one of the brave ones who took on the regime in Iran because his group was behind the assassination of a number of Senior Revolutionary Guard Commanders . What his biggest crime was to perpetuate the regime because he played into the hands of the regime.
This is exactly the kind of fight that the current regime is vying for to rally the country. They have done it repeatedly throughout the last thirty years.
Iran and the World are continuing their cat and mouse game, too


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OV Iran Watch (6/12/2010): And Now!?!?!?

June 12th 2010 07:18
: Business As Usual (For a While)
The anniversary of Iran's Presidential Poll is upon us. This is the period whereby the whole country rose up to challenge the clerical dictatorship that usurped the original intent of the Revolution and began a process of finishing off any semblance of Constitutional Government in Iran. Some may say that it never existed. There were at least some semblance of respect for the law prior to June 12, 2009. It all went away.

The Green Movement is continuing on. However, the Government has tightened things in such a way that the key leaders have resorted to periodic pronoucements over facebook. They held a Virtual News Conference via Facebook to discuss what they are trying to do. I also saw YouTube postings on "God is Great" chants again througout Tehran. What I foresaw during the uprising has been proven true. HBO, though, produced a documentary on NEDA, the woman who epitomized the struggle and who gave her life during those tumulous days


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OV Newsflash (6/6/2010: The Rachel Corrie Is in Israel

June 6th 2010 07:58
: At least Israel seems to have learnt!!!
This has just been issued by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Source: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Received 6/6/2010


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The Gaza Attack: What Now?

June 2nd 2010 05:16
: Looks Like much ado about nothing....
I virtually attended the UN Security Council Meeting yesterday as the Foreign Minister of Turkey and other members of the Council voiced their indignation at Israeli Action on the high seas. The only notable restraint was from the United States. The Deputy US UN representative said that there had to be investgiations, that the facts were not known and basically forced a watered-down UN Security Council Presidential Statement which essentially entails that Israel will continue to sail through this latest firestrom.

The US Media, of course, have been quite supportive. Chris Matthews of MSNBC noted how this was an "unfair shot". Sean Hannity of Fox was leading another war party on his program and had John McCain on advocating how the United States must be in lock step with Israel. John McCain noted that Jerusleam is the capital of Israel, which goes contrary to all the UN resolutions. As for Israel, I was not surprised to see how the entire Israeli political leadership has rallied around the current Prime Minister. From what I am also seeing, the entire political establishment in Israel has rallied around the Prime Minister and to reaffirm Israel's approach to Gaza. The Israelis have continued to reinforce the fiction that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Who will continue to believe this fiction


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OV Newsflash (5/31/2010): Israel Attacks the Gaza Convoy

May 31st 2010 05:33
: ..and now?!?!?
Israel has attacked the Gaza convoy in International Waters. The reports I have just reviewed note that there are deaths and injuries.

The Government of Israel vowed to stop the flotilla. It made its' move. Israel's tough attitude against a relief flotilla is another further nail in the coffin for its crediblity. Of course, the Israelis will disagree and note that they were defending their sovereign right. They also continue to insist that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza


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OV Week-End (II): Israel On the March, again....

May 30th 2010 05:57
: Nothing Seems to Change
Israel's public relations campaign is in high gear yet again. This is the latest that the Israal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put out:

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OV Afghan Watch (5/20/2010): Bagram's Attack & Other Thoughts

May 20th 2010 09:05
: The Need To Question
The daring attack on Bagram continues to amaze me. As I wrote before, if the biggest NATO base can be attacked, then no one and no where is safe in Afghanistan. The U.S. Defense Department has announced that 5 U.S. Officers were among the dead.

I find talks between the Taliban and Afghan Government officials in the Maldives to be a bit of a refreshing development. The talks are going on, right now. As the war rages on, at least there is talking. I have repeatedly called for in my daily "write-ups". But, both sides have talked before and have not produced results. I remain hopeful


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OV Iran Watch (5/17/2010): G15 & Other Comments

May 17th 2010 03:48
: Never a Dull Moment
The last number of weeks have been quite startling, to say the least. As I write this, Iran is in the midst of a National Holiday to commemorate the death of the Prophet Mohammad's Daughter, Fatima. Last night saw Ayatollah Khameini preside over a remembrance in Tehran. Iran's National News Network is now broadcasting reflections on the Prophet's Daughter and the lessons that can be learnt from her life.

Events in Iran continue to be as quite dynamic as ever on the political front. As the opposition continues to be under pressure, The Government tries to portray an aura of normalcy. In a few hours, The G-15 Meeting being held in Tehran is slated to begin. The Turkish Prime Minister, the Brazilian President, the President of Algeria and the President of Senegal have been among World Leaders who have arrived in Tehran for this occassion


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OV Week-End (4/17/2010): What About Us?

April 18th 2010 02:38
: The Responsbility...
I was at the LA Grammy Museum for an event this past Friday. The Grammy Museum is part of the LA Live Campus created by AEG that has become an Entertainment Hub in Downtown Los Angeles. The Grammy features sound stages and a historical evolution of music as we know it. I was in heaven when I walked around and checked out the Jazz retrospective. It showed how Jazz was America, was unique and the simple and wonderful vitality of it.

The Grammy Museum has created a Michael Jackson Memorial that in and of itself is quite striking to check out. As I was walking around, I happened to notice a room that featured his Videos. As I walked in, I saw this


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OV Iran Watch: Never a Dull Moment

April 14th 2010 09:50
: Interesting Indeed
The Washington Nuclear Security Summit concluded yesterday. President Obama listed off the achievements and the committments. As I listened to him and the format, I noticed that he stole a page out of the Clinton Global Initiative. The challenge is to insure that the committments are lived up to.

The two juveniles, Iran and North Korea, were excluded. Iran has its' own summit, too. To top it all, Idiotnejad stole the limelight by giving an interview urging Mr. Obama to talk to Iran. To quote him, "...I urge him to talk to Iran because that would insure his re-election". He also disclosed that he had written a letter to Mr. Obama reaching out


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OV Newsflash (4/7/2010): Kyrgyzstan On Fire...

April 7th 2010 11:11
: People Are on the March....
Over the past number of hours, the people of Kyrgyzstan have been protesting. As I write this, Al Jazeera is showing live scenes of people roaming the street of the capital, Bishkent.

People want what everyone else wants: They want a better life. Corruption, mismanagement and hopelessness is what is driving it all. They have looted a TV Station, attacked government buildings and seem to be relentless in their demands. No one knows who is leading them. But, their aspirations for freedom and equality of opportunity is what all aspire to around the world


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What are the Terrorists Thinking?

April 2nd 2010 05:58
: After What is going on!??!?
As I write this, I am reviewing reports of Israel pounding Gaza City after the Palestinians fired rockets into Israel. I am trying very hard to understand what they have done. I really can't explain it.

Although I understand the frustruation with Israel, what the fools have done is to play into Israel's hands. The Obama Adminstration has put the pressure on Israel to change its tact. What the idiots have done is to torpedo what The United States is trying to do. Now, Israel and the US cheerleading squad will have a field day


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There Has to be a Better Way....

March 25th 2010 01:46
: Why Is it not condemned?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy


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As Healthcare is signed into law....

March 24th 2010 03:16
: Other Challenges Do Loom....Believe it or not....


The President signed the Healthcare reform into law yesterday. There are things that will begin to happen this year. The debate will continue and will be heated. I will be continuing to read on all sides and analyze it. It has been almost a century since healthcare was proposed as a right and not a privliege. No one on either side believes this to be perfect. But the cost of doing nothing would have been much worst. America has to change in order to survive. That's what has been achieved here


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OV Newsflash II (3/23/2010): The Continued Calamity in California

March 23rd 2010 05:55
: When will it all stop?
California's budget crisis continues. It is not, at the moment, dominating the headlines per se. But it is there and it is not going away.

Last week, the Los Angeles Superior Court announced the closure of Six Courts and the layoff of 329 workers. Now, this means longer wait time and justice being denied to many. Beyond what is being done to the Justice System, there is the continued onslaught on Public Education. What is happening to Public Education is irresponsible and should be stopped. I actually wrote about this through a proposal I submitted to the New America Foundation to create a path to Smart Schools. I had a chance to review Meg Whitman's Blue Print for Education that is available at Really Long Link The ideas are interesting, but the idea that somehow Charter Schools are the answer to all the problems is simply too simplistic a solution. I'll be assessing her ideas about tax cuts and spending cuts in future "write-ups". She does apparently want the job in a major way, though. She has spent 27 Million Dollars of her own money. I caught one of her commercials. She's doing all the talking while Jerry Brown stays silent


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The Greatest Show on Earth

March 23rd 2010 03:29
: Never a Dulll Moment
I begin the first Spring "Write-Up" here in Outsiders with a sense of optimism and hope. I believe that our challenges pale in comparison to the possiblities. I am reminded of Mr. Spock's admonition when he noted that, "...In Life, there are always possiblities". It is striving for those possibilities that drives me to further develop and reflect upon our world. We can ovecome differences, work to develop a sense of civil discourse that would help to serve us all. We have to remember that and embrace it.

I have titled this first write-up of Spring as "The Greatest Show on Earth". I am with Tom Friedman of the New York Times when he called it so during a recent appearance on Meet the Press. It is so because there is so much to talk about and reflect upon. As I continue to be hopeful, I continue to worry about the discourse that divides America today. I marveled when I saw the debate in the House. There are those who will say that the majority made an end-run around Democracy. Although I will be talking about what some refer to as "obamacare" after the President signs the bill later on today, the debate was vibrant and exciting. Unfortunately it had its ugly moments. The insults against Rep. Stupack and Rep. Frank were just not right. Beyond those ugly incidents, it was quite a show. It was Democracy in Action in a major way. It is frankly a day to be celebrated in America


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Enjoying La jungle - Musique de Gabriel Yared - l'Amant

March 20th 2010 05:17
: Remember the Possiblities!!!!

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OV Iran Watch: Final Strikes Before Y-End

March 17th 2010 05:24
: Good Grief!!!
Iran's Security Services have been quite busy. I just saw a report that Iran's Cyber Security folks had supposedly hacked 29 Websites that they suspected of counter-revolutionary activity. Supposedly, they distributed 70 Million worth of Anti-Filtering Software throughout Iran. Furthermore, Iran's Judiciary just announced that it has affirmed the faith of 86 people accused during the recent disturbances.

The Cyber Security Folks are a group that are affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. They are detemrined to perpetuate the regime at all costs. As for the Judiciary, it is pretty much non-existent for all intent and purpose. That same judicary branch has affirmed the sentence of 86 people. To top it all, the leading reformist Party has been banned from holding political activities. This is the party that finds amongst its members the brother of the Former President, Mohammad Khatami


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What a Disappointment....

March 17th 2010 04:44
: Someone blinked....
I sense a profound sense of disappointment after Secretary Clinton climbed down from her forceful rebuke of the Israeli Prime Minister. The Secretary of State basically went back on what she said on Friday about the conduct of the Israeli Government during the visit of the Vice President.

When I wrote on this, I was hopeful that somehow the work that was done to get indirect talks started would lead to some sort of a breakthrough. Well, someone blinked. Who blinked was the Obama Adminstration. No person that the Vice President of the United States was humiliated and the Israeli Government will end up getting away with it. The Government of Israel is doing whatever it pretty much wants and the United States has to simply take and accept what the Israeli Government says. Although there is vehement opposition to this within Israel, it appears that the Obama Adminstration will again sacrifice everything for the sake of appeasing Israel and the Israeli cheering crowd in the United States


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OV Iran Watch: As Iran's New Year Approaches

March 16th 2010 03:49
: The man has been busy....
Iran just adopted a new budget. The new budget has finally cut basic subsidies. Instead, it will be doing cash payouts. They took their queue from the block grant scheme that was done during the Reagan Adminstration in the United States. I find that a disturbing development because of the continued calamity within the Iranian Economy.

The Chief of the Coup Government (what the Green Movement calls Idiotnejad) has been quite busy. He just inaugurated a new double-decker highway in the City of Isfahan. He also has been criss-crossing the country again handing out goodies to all and has been quite hyperactive


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Why Do we have to deal with so many fools?

March 9th 2010 06:36
: Because they have no clue....
I was reading on an article on Kurzweil.Net about dangerous asteroids foound lurking around earth. Now, according to the same report, astronomers state that the objects runs into the tens of thousands. As I was reading this, I happened to catch a glimpse of the latest masterpiece put out by a group that calls itself "Keep America Safe". These are the same bunch of fools who have endowed us with so much I don't know where to begin. I will be commenting on them soon.

These are the same fools who want to spend more and more on the military while gutting public schools, insuring that a true society of haves and have nots are created. I have to really wonder what would their reaction be if we were subject to attack by astreoids? Will they note that it is the will of God? I hope they realize that we have to figure out a way to deal with this and not be so focused on the here and now that we forget that we have bigger things to worry about


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OV Week_End III (3/7/2010): Today's Tidbits from the Middle East

March 7th 2010 21:46
: Well!??!?
Iraqis went to the Poll. There was violence and some 35 people lost their lives. But the insurgents did not succeed. The reports I have seen show that the elections went well, was well organized and reasonably fair. It shows that the people are speaking with one voice--the need to change. Now the real work begins.

Iraq is a country that is frankly broken in many ways. People can't find jobs. The infrastructure is non-existent. More importantly, the Political leadership is mostly interested in perpetuating its own power structure than actually working to overcome and rebuild. Yet, I believe that the Iraqi People must be congratulated to have turned out in such force to speak for change


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OV Week-End I (3/6/2008): As Iraq Votes....

March 6th 2010 23:40
: What will happen now?
As Iraq begins to vote, the insurgents have been quite busy. One of the most worrisome was an attack near the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf. If any damage would have been done to the shrine, the implications would have been profound and who knows what would have happened.

As I await Iraq's vote, I was especially gratified to see the call by Moqtada Al Sadr for a large get-out-the vote effort. Sadr has been in Iran studying under the former Iranian Chief Justice to attain the title of Ayatollah. His news conference in Iran was a surprise. It was a welcome surprise. Grand Ayatollah Sistani's call is also a very welcome development indeed. More importantly, I regard the emergence of a third force in Kurdish politics to be even more significant. That's a development that should hopefully be a welcome development for the long-term development of Iraqi Democracy


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Karzai Shows His True Colors

February 24th 2010 06:59
: Not Surprised....
Karzai the Fool showed his true colors. Over the last twenty four hours, what he has done is to issue a decree bringing the Electoral Commision of Afghanistan under his direct control. He would be appointing all members going forward. He may thought that he was taking the place of his mentor: Zahir Shah. My reaction to this was this: I TOLD YOU SO!!!!

The man is a useless idiot who is being propped up by over 100,000 NATO troops. He stole the election, he is corrupt and his outright power grab shows that he has no legitimacy. This is akin to the President of the United States issuing an Executive Order appointing the members of the Federal Elections Commision bypassing the U.S. Congress. This should not be allowed under any circumstances. What I fear is that he would get away with it as NATO troops and Afghan civilians continue to die


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Kenya: The Next Failed State?

February 15th 2010 06:39
: Will a Grown-Up Stand Up?
I admit that I love Africa. I love Africa because of the possiblities. I have not had the good fortune to visit Africa yet. I hope to do so in the future. But, I continue to wonder why Africa continues to suffer. Between Somalia, Ethopia, Eriteria, Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Libya, etc., etc., I wonder. This is not to take away from the success stories of Rwanada, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and yes even Morocco. But, the number of States on the brink outranks the number of states who are trying to create the right conditions. Kenya ranks on top of that list.

Kenya went through a period of ethnic turmoil after the Election. Kofi Annan brokered an agreement whereby Odinga became Prime Minister while Kibaki retained the Presidency. This also resulted in a Cabinet that cost an arm and a leg to maintain. Now, Odinga's attempt to suspend two ministers has been vetoed by the President. As this tit-for-tat is going on, other Presidential Pretenders are starting to ready themselves for 2012. This is as corruption rages on and the Country becomes ever more paralyzed


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OV Week-End III (2/14/2010): What is Yulia Tymoshenko's Problem?

February 14th 2010 08:38
: I wonder...
For those who don't know who Yulia Tymoshenko is, she is the defeated Presidential Candidate in Ukraine. She was beaten by her opponent in the election. Now, she says that she will never accept her rival, Victor Yanukovych, as President. I am trying to understand what her problem is. I can't.

For starters, she and her Orange Revolution Partner made a mockery out of governing the Country during their time. The outgoing President was so hell-bent on destroying Yulia that he ended up sabotaging the very ideals of the Revolution. The country is in dire economic straits. The politics are just polaized. Why can't people sometimes go beyond the petty and focus on the broader picture? Despite whatever one may think of Al Gore and John Kerry, that's exactly what they did by putting the interests of the nation first above their own. Ms. Tymoshekno needs to accept the inevitable and graciously step aside and allow the peaceful transition of power to occur so that Yanukovych could at least try and bring some sense of normalcy back to that hapless country


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OV Newsflash (2/14/2010): The NATO offensive in Afghanistan

February 14th 2010 07:21
: We'll see....
The NATO offensive in Afghanistan to flush out the Taliban has been moving along. The "official" line has been that it is an Afghan led operations. Besides the official circle, I wonder who else really believes this fiction. I do not believe it. I also was glad to see that the Al Jazeera Correspodent on the frontlines also seemed to validate the realities at hand.

I welcome the offensive because the fight has to be taken to the Taliban. But, the problem is that the offenseive was hyped up by the useless Karzai for months. From the reports I am seeing, the Taliban were apparently ready. NATO has the technology. But, the Taliban have the knowledge of the terrain and can easily blend in with the local population. I also sense that the Taliban have also taken a page out of Sun Tzu about evading and not confronting the troops directly. There needs to be a better way


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OV Newsflash (2/11/2010): Iran Right Now!!!

February 11th 2010 08:37
: When will they realize that they're on the wrong Path....
The official celebrations have begun. This is as the Opposition has called for massive protests. I am monitoring Al Jazeera and there was just a report of clashes on Sadeghi Square. Mehdi Karoubi one of the key opposition leaders was due to arrive there.

As this was going on, the regime had restricted Internet Access and detained opposition activitists. Yesterday's New York Times reported that the wife and children of a jailed journalist were summoned to the Revolutionary Court for questioning. It was simply unbelievable. Google has been reporting that access to GMAIL was restricted. The opposition, though, was as ready as it could be. The main internal opposition site for the Green Movement had already sent out at least one proxy server for access to all a day before. I saw it and posted it to my own facebook account to help spread the word


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OV Week-End II (2/7/2010): Sarah Palin @ the Tea Party Convention

February 7th 2010 21:15
: Well?
Sarah Palin spoke at the Tea Party Convention. I found it to be entertaining, but frankly scary:


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OV Newsflash (2/6/2010): Bombings Again!!!

February 6th 2010 05:56
: When will the carnage stop?
There have been bombings in Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The bombings occured during a major religious ceremony. The idiocy of it all boggles the mind!!!

In Iraq, pilgrims were attacked at the Holy City of Karbala. Bombings caused deaths in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city. Public funerals are being planned right now. 31 people lost their lives. They were mostly women and children. After the first attack, a second attack occured at the hospital that the victims were taken too. Even worst, I am monitoring reports that a third bomb was defused by the Pakistani Authorities


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OV Week-End (2/6/2010): The Future of Islam & Iran's Green Movement

February 6th 2010 04:19
: Now What?

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Why Doesn't Lieberman Just Shut Up?

February 5th 2010 05:46
: I wonder....
After a period of silence, Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister opened up his big mouth. He made a speech basically telling Syria that if it contemplated war, Israel will defeat it and that Bashar Asad and his family will be "toppled". He is supposed to be the Chief Diplomat for Israel. Yet, it seems as if he has no clue how to act diplomatically!!!

Now, the Israeli Prime Minister came out and noted that Israel wants to work with Syria to achieve peace. The statement did note that if there is a provocation, they would respond. I could respect that opinion becasue I would do the same. Lieberman, of course, makes the Prime Minister look reasonable as Israel continues its neo-apartheid policies in the Palestinian Territories. If Netanyahu could have made the deal with Tipzi Livni and sidelined this neo-facist, at least there would be some move towards a dialogue with the Palestinians. That will not change the realities on the ground due to the continued Israeli land grabs which continues nonstop


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OV Week-End (1/30/2010): Grateful For All My Blessings....

January 31st 2010 06:24
: Can't even imagine....
Saturday was my boy's 9th Birthday. I am forever grateful for the privilege of having known him and am proud to call him the "big little man". I have been forever grateful for the p the honor to be his Dad. As I saw him hanging out with his buddies for the day, I prayed that I would do everything in my power to make sure he grew up to be better, wiser and stronger than I. This is what Fathers live for. That's why I could not even imagine what this Father went through:

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The Day After Scott Brown's Victory

January 21st 2010 07:26
: ...and!@??!??!
Well, today was the day after Scott Brown's victory. I think he is to be congratulated for running a very slick campaign. As I noted in my write-up , I think that he tapped into a profound sense of frustruation the people feel about the direction and the on-going anxiety the country feels. I reflect upon those very feelings constantly in my daily write-ups here in "Outsiders".

The Republicans have been having a field day, though. I saw John McCain taking the floor declaring healthcare "dead". I saw Mitch McConnel telling the Senate how the American People don't want Government-Run healthcare. I saw an email from John McCain demanding Scott Brown to be "seated immediately". Harry Reid said that he is willing to insure Scott Brown is seated as soon as the State files the necessary I also caught Sarah Palin's latest act on Fox News telling the Fox devotees how unimpressed she was with Barack Obama. It was amusing to see this as it was also amusing to see Keith Olberman's onslaught on Scott Brown. I think that Mr. Olbeman was a bit over the top when he ridiculed people for calling what happened an earthquake. I called it an earthquake and I stand by it. The question continues to remain what lessons will the Adminstration learn from it. What I see happened is what Bob Menedez, the head of the DSCC noted in his email blast when he said that, "...We must be aggressive in defining our opponents and framing the choice voters face. We cannot be timid about staking out our ground, and we must be strong in reminding voters what the Republicans did to our country and what they will do again if given the chance....". The Democrats have to begin to do that to present the choices. It begins with healthcare in a major way. Whatever Scott Brown did to support himself while in College is his business. Whatever he said prior to his election as a U.S. Senator is also in the past. The question is what is he going to do now


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The Attack on Kabul: The Day After

January 19th 2010 06:53
: Now What!?!?
I continue to be in a state of shock at the brazen attack by the Taliban at the Center of Kabul. Kabul is supposed to be the most secure city in Afghanistan. The center of town where the Afghan Presidential Palace, the Arg, is is supposed to be even more secure. The gunmen got really close and made a lot of noise. If that does scare and concern all major players in Afghanistan today, I don't know what will.

As I noted in my daily write-up, the parallels with Vietnam are so profound. The U.S. and the South Vietnamese did defeat the Viet Cong. But, the defeat came at a heavy price. Seven years later, the humiliation of the Ambassador leaving is something that should concern all policy makers right now. I have seen reports that security within Government Buildings was not compromised. But, that was not the point that the Taliban made. With a handful of suicide bombers, they were able to strike at the heart of Kabul. There is no confidence no matter what the Afghan political players insist


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OV Newsflash (1/18/2010): Kabul Under Attack

January 18th 2010 06:23
: Now What?!??!??
Right now, I am monitoring an Al Jazeera Report about a major attack by the Taliban. There have been large explosions throughout the City. According to Al Jazeera's Correspodent, some of the explosions were being held near the Presidential Palace. They have been using AK-47's and grenades. The City apparently is under lockdown as we speak. Some of the gunmen are on the roof of the Afghan National Bank Building!!!!

This is just like what the Viet Cong did in 1968. The Viet Cong were defeated. But, the stage was set for the eventual demise of South Vietnam in 1975. What I find troubling is that If The Taliban can attack at will as they have, what does that do to the Policy that the Obama Adminstration is trying to pull off. No one and no where in Afghanistan is safe. I will be anxious to see what the useless Karzai's spin on this latest daring attack by the Taliban. Richard Holbrooke noted how credible Karzai was even though the Parliament voted down more than 10 of his cabinet nominees just yesterday before he left Kabul. I wonder what he would say now


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OV Week-End (1/17/2009): Israel In Action

January 18th 2010 02:18
: Looking 2 the Future!!!!
Israel has been quite busy over the past week or so. I think they seem to have realized some of their mistakes when Ehud Barak was off to Turkey. This was after the latest back and forth that started with the Turkish Prime Minister walking out of a meeting with Shimon Peres at Davos during the World Economic Forum. At least Barak is one of the more sensible people in the Government after the stunt that Danny Ayalon, the Deputy Foreign Minister pulled in how he treated the Turkish Ambassador. Although the visit was scheduled before hand, it was still timely. Israel does need to have Turkey so that Turkey can be the true honest broker to help to bridge the divide.

Despite all the bellicose rhetoric coming out of Israel, It was also gratifying to see the Israeli Rescue team in action in Haiti. I saw images of them pulling out survivors out of the rubble in Haiti. It seems to me that for such a country that has such compassion, it should be able to overcome its fears of insecurity and figure out a different way to deal with the Palestinians. This does mean that the Palestinians have to get their act together too. I eagerly await the results of the meeting with Khaled Mashal, the Hamas Supreme Leader and Mahmoud Abbas to see where that leads. I also continue to await whether Gilat Shalit can be released and whether Marwan Bargouti can also be released to help pull all the Palestinians together


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What I've learnt from Haiti

January 15th 2010 06:38
: I wonder if the World will have the courage
The World right now continues to be focused on Haiti. The focus is so right in light of the utter devastation going on. The desparation is evident and the scenes are heart breaking. I cannot even comprehend what Kerry Sanders, the NBC News Correpodent is reporting right now:


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The Tragedy in Haiti

January 14th 2010 05:43
: Will Haiti Live?
I have been seeing the horrific scenes coming out of Haiti after I initially reported on the tragedy in OV's sister site, Smooth Political. The scenes are heart wrenching and horrific. The suffering is massive and Haitians are in as dire a need as ever. I have been seeing the reporting on how the U.S. Government has been mobilizing to get there and how the Social Media Movement has galvanized as never before to get people involved. I don't mind saying that I have been driven to near tears as I have seen those horrific scenes.

I agree with the reports that hundreds of thousand have died. I am seeing reports of over 500,000 dead. No one will really know how many have cherished. What I know is that The Presidential Palace, the Tax Office, Hospitals and the Cathedral in Port-O-Prince are all gone. Civil order is close to collapse. This was the big one indeed!!!! It is a moment for the world to take notice


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OV Newsflash (II) (1/12/2010): The Death of a Professor

January 12th 2010 18:23
: What a Tragedy


The death of Professor Massoud Mohammadi has been dominating the headlines in Iran for the past number of hours. The Professor was killed as he was leaving for Work. He taught nuclear physics at Tehran University


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Why has the Lord foresaken Palestinians?

January 9th 2010 05:16
: To What End?
The Palestinians continue to suffer as the world cotninues to talk the talk and no visible action is evident.

Over the last day or so, Secretary Clinton had a busy day of meetings. She saw the Jordanian Foreign Minister and the Egyptian Foreign Minister and talked up the need to start up the Middle East Process. What I continue to be concerned about is the fact that Israel continues on building settlements, taking Palestinian land and getting away with it. America has to step up and really force Israel to change its tune. Thankfully, the rise of J Street in Washington will give those in Washington who have bought into the AIPAC nonsense for so long another way to look at the world


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OV Newsflash (1/7/2010): The Gaza Siege Is Broken

January 7th 2010 07:04
: But that's a drop in the bucket....
Gaza continues to be under siege. Although I understand and am well aware of the position of the Israeli Government, what is clear is that the people of Gaza have not been getting the supplies. Even school textbooks are on the list of banned material that the Israelis do not allow in. But the Viva Palestina Convoy did get through. It got through after quite a struggle though.

What I found disturbing was how the Egyptians blocked the Viva Palestina Convey. The fact that one person died was one person too many. The convoy has finally made its way to Gaza. Aid is being distributed. What I hope will happen is the Palestinians will reconcile and figure out how to responsibly govern themselves going forward. The wild card continues to be the Israelis. The Israelis are continuing their settlement building and have continued their disregard of the wishes of the International Community in general and the Obama Adminstration in particular


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A Virtual High Five To General Flynn

January 6th 2010 05:31
: We Need More "Frank" talk
As I wrote about the carnage in Afghanistan, I nearly fell off my chair when I reviewed an analysis done by General Flynn of the US Army. This is available at Really Long Link

What General Flynn has outlined is another total disconnect in the way the intelligence agencies have operated and the absolute misunderstanding of the realities on the ground. The fact that General Flynn had the courage to speak up for the way things are right now should be another wake-up call. Although I was disappointed that the Pentagon Spokesman expressed "shock", this should be another sign that things have to change and change very quickly if there is even a slight chance of "success


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Can America Get its MOJO back?

January 6th 2010 05:13
: Not too sure!??!??


Yesterday's Giedeon Rachman Column in the FInancial Times should be a cause for concern for US Policy Makers. As America's blood and treasure continues to be sucked dry by all the wars around the world, the world seems to be moving on. To me the fact that the President was snubbed by the Indian Prime Minister during Copenhagen was just the latest example


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Scary Times......

January 5th 2010 05:33
: A page out of John Le Care
Now that the euphoria of the New Year has passed, it is back to reality!!!!

I have been reviewing reports about the carnage in Afghanistan. It turns out that the suicide bomber in Afghanistan that killed seven CIA operatives was a triple agent. He was a 36 year old Doctor who was apparently picked up in Jordan, was supposedly turned to target the Al Qaeda Number 2. According to Richard Engel of NBC News a Jordanian Agent was also killed who happened to be a distant relative of the King of Jordan. My reaction to this report was simply this: OMG


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OV Week-End (1/2/2010): Never Dull...

January 3rd 2010 05:09
: Always Exciting!!!

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Welcome to 2010

January 2nd 2010 01:03
: What's in Store?
Well, 2010 has arrived in style!!! I had the good fortune to see the infamous ball drop in Time Square on CNN with my Son. I also had a chance to catch a glimpse of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena and the weather was great. The Bowl Games were in full swing and there were winners and losers. Our world, though, never stood still. I sometimes wish it did...even for an hour!!!

As I took a few days, I thought about the past decade. I I took a little time on New Year's day to hang out at Table Rock in Laguna Beach, California. Of all the places in Laguna Beach I have had the privilege to hang out at, I think it is probably the most beautiful and serene of them all. I watched the pelicans fly over as the waves continued to crash into the shores. The sounds of the waves were occasinoally broken by the sounds of a few brave souls jet skiing around the shores. It was just simply beautiful


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OV Newsflash (12/31/2009): Cont'd Worrisome Development in Iran

December 31st 2009 03:08
: A sign of desparation!??!


Although I have been focused on closing out the year, I interrupted my vacation to report on Iran's latest developments. The world was witness to the latest propaganda offensive by the leading personalities of the regime. Ahmadinejad came out and denoucned the protests. Larijani, the Parliamentary Speaker, demanded justice. Others called for Mousavi's head. Adding to this facade, Government Workers were given a day off and apparently $ 150 Dollars to turn out en masse to "support" the regime. I almost fell out of my chair in laughter when I read all the tributes to the marches and how they punched the world in the mouth with their solidarity. The reality is quite different


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A New Year's Wish

December 30th 2009 12:27
: Praying 4 the Best 4 All
As we all bid farewell to 2009, I wanted to simply say thanks. I will be taking a few days off my regular write-ups to finish gearing up for 2010. I will be "back" in 2010 with a renewed vigour and focus on the key themes that I have focused on throughout the past year and a half and to hopefully continue my focus to hopefully help make a difference in our world. It is a world that is worth fighting for for the sake of our children and grandchildren everywhere.

Happy New Year


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OV Newsflash (12/28/2009): Iran Right Now

December 28th 2009 05:42
: Is this the trigger or not?

Iran arose again during Ashora. Ashora is the day Shias remember the martrydom of Imam Hussein the Prophet Mohammad's Grandson. The sights I saw was heartening and the bravery I saw took my breath away


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As We Continue 2 Say Goodbye to 2009....

December 26th 2009 02:08
: Lessons 4 Us All........


As I plan for 2010 and beyond, I have been continuing to reflect upon a very trying year and a very tough decade. I have been particuarly thinking about Obama's story. I remember him being in Los Angeles during the 2000 Democratic National Convention. He was denied entry. I remmeber him going to get money from his ATM and his ATM bounced. 9 years later, he's President of the United States flying on Air Force One for 10 days of vacation


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As We Embrace & Celebrate Christmas

December 25th 2009 01:22
: Reflecting Upon the Future.....

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Afghanistan's Moment of Truth

December 1st 2009 09:14
: ....Anxious!!!
At 5:00 PM EST U.S. today, Barack Obama will tell the world what he has decided to do on Afghanistan. I eagerly await his decision. But, the bits and pieces I have heard concerns me a great deal.

First of all, I understand that part of the strategy is to give up the rural areas to focus on the Cities. The problem is that Afghanistan is primarily still a rural country. Afghanistan is not Kabul. The idea of somehow 30,000 additional troops being deployed over a 2 year period seems to be frankly a drop in the bucket. Although the President has said that he intends to finish the job, the timeline is slated to go through 2011. The biggest mistake is to sustain the existing non-government that is a collection of self-serving thugs and killers. That's my biggest problem with this. Key world leaders have been briefed already


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Worrisome Developments in Dubai

November 27th 2009 08:00
: Sign of Things To Come?!??!
The last twenty fours saw Dubai announcing a potential deferment of debt payment by State-Owned Dubai World. The markets have continued to drop for a second day because Dubai World's debt is considered sovereign debt. Dubai has been on a binge over the last number of years and the bills are now due.

I constantly read about Dubai and how things were happening. I was curious. I asked a friend at one time to explain Dubai to me. His response was simple: Imagine being in Disneyland. My eyes popped out when I saw pictures of the indoor ski resort that was developed in the middle of th Arabian Desert. It looked as if Dubai can do no wrong. It had emerged as the destination of choice for all well-to-do folks from throughout the Persian Gulf. A lot of Iranian Ex-Pats invested a lot in Dubai. A neighbor of mine who was a long-term Real Estate Senior Executive was offered an Executive Position in Dubai. I urged him not to accept it in light of what I saw happening. When I read that Mr. Trump had jumped on the Dubai bandwagon, I knew that Dubai was on borrowed time. Now, the bills have come due


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The Dawn of Thanksgiving in America: A Personal Retrospective

November 25th 2009 18:31
: A Lot to be Thankful For
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in America. Despite all the challenges America faces, there is stilla lot to be thankful for. I have written about these very challenges in here and OV's sister sites because of the simple belief that the best days of our world are yet to come.

With all that is going on, it seems as if such optimism is far fetched. When I read about the long-term jobless and see the plight of those who seem to have lost all hope, I get discouraged. Yet, it is crucial to realize that faith, hope and optiimism are vital if our world is to emerge from the challenges it faces stronger than ever


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Afghanistan: The Dawn of Zero Hour

November 24th 2009 02:51
: ...and now?
As I write this, President Obama had concluded his 9th War Council meeting on option regaring Afghanistan. The advocates for a "surge" want it now. The conservatives have been on a warpath accusing the President of "dithering" and "being weak". Yet, these same conservatives seem to forget Vietnam and the lessons of Vietnam.

Over the week-end, Bill Moyers remembered President Johnson's dilema over Vietnam. There are many who will dismiss Bill Moyers as a liberal, left-leaning angry fellow. Yet, this one hour retrospective is so devastating in the parallels with what President Obama faces in Afghanistan today. President Johnson asked the right questions. He just made the call and made it to the detriment of the country. Click Here: Really Long Link retrieved 11/23/2009. How can America make a committment when there is no government. Although Karzai has been making noises, Karzai will be hung if NATO and the US moved out tomorrow


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Afghanistan: Where is the Money?

November 21st 2009 07:15
: what happens now?
Afghanistan has just come out with an annoucement that it will work to increase the military force to 240,000 troops. There is an estimate that each Afghan Army Troop will cost about 12,000 dollars, yet each American Troop will cost around 1,000,000 Dollars. Now, with all such staggering figure, the question that has to be asked is this: What has happened to all the money that has been sent to Afghanistan? Why is the country in such dire straits?

When Karzai took the oath, he promised action. He wants to reconcile with the Taliban. He also has promised to fight corruption. But, the reality on Main Street is different. Talk is cheap. Despite the apparent embrace by the international community, the question has to be asked: Where has Karzai been for the past 7 years? Why did he not make sure that The Taliban did not rear their ugly head? How can he emerge from his reputation as the "Deputy Mayor of Kabul" and really start to assert his authority? How can the cancer of corruption be eradicated from a society that knows no other way to do business? How can the people be given hope when they continue to be in the front lines and suffer the casualties


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OV newsflash II (11/4/2009): The UN is Leaving Afghanistan

November 5th 2009 05:13
: ...what will Karzai have to say to that?
The UN has just announced that it is evacuating 900 staff members from Afghanistan, citing security concerns. To me, this is another indicement of the useless Karzai who leads one of the most corrupt regimes in the world today. As I have written here and in OV's sister sites, Karzai is part of the problem. Dr. Abdullah's declaration regarding the election of Karzai being illegitmate is a step in the right direction. But, political instability is bound to continue and the Taliban will drive a mack truck through it. It will make matters ever more complicated.

If Karzai is such a great guy, then how come the UN has decided to leave? What does Karzai have to say to that


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OV Newsflash (10/28/2009): Pakistan @ War

October 28th 2009 07:50
: Will It End? At What Price?
I am right now monitoring a live report from Pakistan. There has been a major blast in the City of Peshawar, in the heart of the tribal areas of Waziristan. This is happening as Secretary Clinton has arrived for talks in Islamabad. Buildings have collapsed and are being reported to be on fire.

The Taliban are making their presence known. The scenes are horrific. I just saw a bloodied child being carried out. Just as what the Taliban pulled off in Kabul, what these guys have pulled off is spectacular in its impact. The Government can increase security and it can close schools and universities. These so-called measures are failing. What else can the Government do? When people feel that they are not safe anymore, then all bets are off


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Israel's Dilema & the Fate of the Peace Process

October 27th 2009 23:41
: Keeping my Fingers Crossed
I have seen some slight rays of hope over the last 24 hours. The whole world rose to condemn Israel for its part in the Gaza War. Yet, the only countries to speak against the Goldstone report were Israel and the United States. But, it appears that Israel is coming around.

Out of all the absurd things that came out of Israel, I thought the charge of Judge Goldstone being an Anti-Semite was the biggest fraud of all. Judge Goldstone is a South African Jew and the report I reviewed was just as critical of Hamas as it was of Israel. I welcome the apparent decision by Mr. Netanyahu, the Prime Minister, to convene an inquiry though. This at least will tell the world that Israel is listening. The possiblity of Israeli officials being subject to arrest when traveling is something that has to be prevented. I have seen reports that a number of Israeli Ministers could not travel because of an apparent threat of arrest


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Zimbabwe: The Symbol of the African Malaise

October 22nd 2009 20:35
: Doesn't Africa Deserve More?

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OV Week-End Notes (II): The Gaza Blockade

October 11th 2009 20:16
: Should the Children Suffer?
Gaza continues to be under a crushing blockade. There have been so many false starts to get Palestinians to get their act together that hope continues to diminish by the day. The Israeli Government has continued its policies in direct conflict and defiance of the efforts by the Obama Adminstration to get things back on track. The useless Egyptians have been "trying" to get things back on track. I was glad to see the video of Sgt. Shalit, the captured Israeli soldier. Hamas at least has had enough sense to treat the Soldier reasonably humanely. Israel continues to detain thousands of Palestinians without charge, though.

As this "stand-off" goes on, the only people who continue to suffer are the Chldren. I have just reviewed a report from Human Rights Watch available at Really Long Link that details the predicament of the Gaza Children. Israel tells the world that it has imposed a blockade for Security. Yet, kids have no books, no pencil or paper to go to school. How does kids not being able to go to school, study and try and make something of their lives is against Israel's security? I wonder what Mr. Lieberman and the Prime Minister have to say to that


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OV Week-End Notes: Reasons to Celebrate

October 10th 2009 06:15
: ..and why not??!?? What are we afraid of?? That we actually would like our life!!!
In the midst of all the political debate and the hot tempers, I always try and look for reasons to celebrate why we are here. One thing that truly excites me is the International Space Station. I just got done reviewing a dispatch on the founder of Cirque De Soleil hosting a Circus Show from the Space Station. Whenever we lose sight of where we are in the Universe, we should really go to the International Space Station Site and see these majestic scenes: Really Long Link

I continued exploring NASA's site and when I saw this picture, I nearly fell off my chair in awe


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OV Week-End: Iran's latest Rampage

September 27th 2009 17:26
: Truly Never a Dull Moment!!!!
Iran has been busy yet again. Between a new Uranium Enrichment Plant and new military manuevours, it is clear that Iran is trying to assert its' military might. The talks coming up on October 1 is going to be pivotal. What is bothersome is how Iran seems to be forgetting what is important vs. what is imperative. The U.S. seemed to have known before Iran voluntarily notified the IAEA. The Iranian Political leadership's crediblity is non-existent. I would love to be a fly on the wall to see what Saeed Jalili, Iran's Point man on the nuclear negotations, will do to talk Iran out of this latest fiasco.
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OV Newsflash: Afghanistan Right Now!!!

September 17th 2009 17:35
: When will this nightmare be over?


Earlier today, 6 Italian Soldiers lost their lives when a Taliban Suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into an Italian Military Convoy near the US Embassy in Kabul. This is right in the heart of the capital. This goes on as the uncertainty over the Afghan elections continues. There is one hopeful sign that I think must be explored. The Italian Prime Minister has come out noting that NATO has to leave Afghanistan. I find this signifcant because he has been on of the stalwarts of support for this campaign


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OV Newsflash: The UN Report on Gaza & the Israeli Response

September 16th 2009 05:12
: Not Surprised...frankly disappointed!!!
THE UN Fact finding mission has come out with its' report on the GAZA war. The conclusions are quite chilling. Judge Goldstone talks about it in this interview:

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Colonel Qadaffi's Libyan Paradise is 40 Yrs Old

September 11th 2009 07:06
: And??????????!!!???


Over the past two weeks, Colonel Qadaffi celebrated the 40th anniversary of his people's power revolution and the creation of Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya . What a mouthful of a country name!!! And I thought Mynmar was bad!!! His "idea" was to give power to the people. He wanted to implement his "Green Book", just like Mao and Kim IL Sung tried. The idea was to give power to the people. The reality is otherwise


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Afghanistan & the Fear of Failure (III)

September 4th 2009 06:14
: Will it get worst for "Obama's War"?
As I write this, reports are coming in that 90 people have died as a result of a NATO bombing in Northern Afghanistan. NATO went after a fuel convoy that was stolen by the Taliban. This comes on top of another incident that saw the death of a key Afghan Intelligence Official a few days ago that I commented on in an earlier write-up.

The question is this: Why is this significant? It is signifcant on several fronts. For one thing, the battle for the hearts and minds that is now the focus of US and NATO strategy is not working. I find Admiral Mullen's Stark acknowledgement that "Time is not on our side" especially chilling


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The Afghanistan Chronicles: 08/27/09 Edition

August 28th 2009 05:48
: About Time!!!!
This is the first formal "Chronicle" I have launched on Afghanistan. I have periodically written about Afghanistan here and in OV's sister sites, Kitten Politics & Smooth Political. With how things have evolved, this will be the first in a series of chronicles to reflect upon the tragedy that his Afghanistan.

I have just reviewed a report from the BBC noting an explosive meeting between Ambassador Holbrooke and Hamid Karzai. It is bad enough that only 30% of the people voted. The Taliban already have won because they were able to scare the people into not voting. That's the reality and it cannot be changed


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Afghanistan Decides: As Reported by the Daily Show

August 21st 2009 13:17
: What's Next?
As the world awaits the results of the Afghan Election, I could not help but report on the Daily Show's take on the Afghan Elections:


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OV Week-End: Wow!!!

August 17th 2009 07:47
: Truly Never a Dull Moment!!!
It has been a very busy week-end. There is of course Burma and the fact that Jim Webb got to see the Pro-Democracy Leader and the Chief Thug who runs Burma today. There is the burning debate over healthcare that dominated the airwaves over the week-end on U.S Sunday Talk Show Circuit. There was of course Afghanistan and the upcoming election. And last, but no tleast, there is of course Iran.

Here was a sampling of the debate over healthcare


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OV WTF Moment For the Month: The Detaining of Shah-Rukh Khan

August 15th 2009 23:58
: OMG!!!
Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, was detained at Newark International Airport in the U.S. and questioned about why he was in the United States, etc on Saturday. I nearly fell off my chair when I read the write-up in the BBC. I also saw the write-up in India's Leading Newspaper and have begun to realize the depth of anger by Indians. It took intervention by the Indian Embassy for him to be released. This is not the first time these guys have done this. The former President of India, Dr. Kalam, was forced to take off his shoes. Continental Airlines later had to apologize for it.

This incident shows the idiotic nature of the so-called "watch list" that the U.S. Transportation Safety Adminstration has. When Senator Kennedy and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez on this list, it seems to me that Shah Rukh Khan should not be too surprised. There needs to be a better way to figure out how to weed out the so-called undesireables. Although I was glad to see U.S. Ambassador Roehmer's committment to investigate this, the perception problem in the eyes of 1 Billion People is something that would be quite hard to overcome. Hopefully that will a trigger for changes that will serve us all. I wonder though


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The Courage of Nadav Tamir

August 9th 2009 17:56
: Why won't a Voice of Reason Prevail?
Nadav Tamir is an Israeli Diplomat who has served as the Israeli Counsel General in Boston. He was just recalled to Israel to "clarify" his comments over a memo he wrote about Israeli Relations with the United States. The Prime Minister's Spokesman rebuked Mr. Tamir for launching a "political attack". Libereman, the Foreign Minister, has demanded an investigation on how the memo was leaked. What is at hand is that it has caused a political firestorm in Israel.

What is clear is that the Israeli Prime Minister seems not to realize the damage he is causing by pursuing a policy of "NO" on dealing with the Palestinians. It also shows the thin skin that both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minster have. Once The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister realized that the so-called "understanding" they had reached with the Bush Adminstration was an outright lie, they have not stuck to their position of pushing for settlements to in essence relegate the Palestinians to Bantustan-Like conditions in the occupied territories


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The Iran Chronicles: 08/04/09 Edition

August 4th 2009 06:24
: Now What?


This past twenty hours the so-called "coup President" in Iran being affirmed in his office by his mentor, Iran's Supreme Leader. As I monitored Iranian Official Media, I was frankly shocked that the Regime's News Network did not break away coverage. The only coverage that I saw was PressTV, the Regime's English Language Service featuring some commentator looking forward to the next four years of the "Coup President


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OV Newsflash: Mr. Lieberman is About to be Indicted

August 2nd 2009 02:45
: Wow!!
Today's Haaretz Really Long Link is reporting that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Israel, Mr. Lieberman, is about to be indicated on corruption, money laundering and bribery charges. I view it as a shocking development and potentially a destabilizing development for the Israeli Prime Minister.

More to come........
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The Iran Chronicles: 08/01/2009 Edition

August 1st 2009 23:52
: Who do they think they're fooling?
The trial of some 100 people has begun in Iran:


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OV Newsflash (07/30/09): Dateline Nigeria

July 30th 2009 19:19
: I hope they nail him to the wall....
Over the past two weeks, Nigerian Security Forces have been battling a fringe Islamic sect that had become a major menance. The man, Mohammad Yusuf, was so radical in his views that I think he even put the Taliban to shame in Afghanistan. I am just seeing reports that Nigerian security forces have captured the lunatic Mohammed Yusuf. I hope that the full force of the law is applied for a change to him and he won't escape justice. Being that it is Nigeria, I wonder.
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OV Week-End: Iran Over the Past 24 hrs

July 26th 2009 05:17
: Never Lose Hope!!!!


Well, for every Laurel, there truly has to be a Hardy. The past week saw an uproar by Iran's Amen Crowd over the appointment that the "Coup President" made for the position of first Vice President. Khameini ordered the new guy to be "dismissed". The new guy obliged. Now, the "coup President", Mr. Idiotnejad, has appointed the same guy as the head of his office. This is the equivalent position of an Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff. As the "gate keeper", he will yield more power than the First Vice President. I guess family matters in such issues. I would also guarantee that idiotnejad cleared it with the Master anyway to avoid any further issues. So, the Laurel and Hardy of Iranian Politics is hereby presented to the World


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The Iran Chronicles: 07/25/09 Edition

July 25th 2009 15:19
: ..and who loses?
Over the last few days, a very disturbing developments has shown the true nature of the political elite that run Iran today. Iran's "Coup President" has been working on formulating his Government. Iran has 12 Vice Presidents, with the First Vice President being the first in equals. He (or she) chairs Cabinet Meetings when the President is not available and will take over in the event that the President is not able to tend to his duties.

When The "Coup President" announced his new First Vice President, it caused an uproar. It chose such an uproar that Khameini intervened and told the "Coup President" to dismiss the new guy. What this showed that the people have no role. What this showed was that the Islamic Constitution that notes that the vote of the people has no role in the decision making process by the Islamic Republic. Before this overt move, what was also quite distrubing was remark Khameini made at an event marking the birth of the Prophet. Khameini warned the "elite" against making overt moves to undermine the system. Furthermore, to make matters even more interesting, was a letter issued by the Council of Experts. The regime's media issued a statement signed by a majority of the experts expressing their support for the Islamic System and for the leadership of Khameini in particular. It praised his "enlightened" leadership . This is especially interesting in light of the sermon the leader of the Council, Rafsanjani made about the need for the Islamic system to reconnect with the voters. The signature noted that they were a "majority" of the council. But, there were no names assigned to it


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Afghanistan: Some Interesting Statistics

July 22nd 2009 05:33
: ..and we thought we've got it under control!!!
The news from Afghanistan is not pretty. A day does not pass without a death or an injury being reported. There is of course the showcase video being shown of the captured US Army Soldier being held by the Taleban.

There is another bigger picture that makes the upcoming election even more impossible to predict. According to the statistics I have reviewed from the Afghan Ministry of the Interior, there are 28,000 polling stations in the country. This is a country that is not the most developed in the world. According to the Afghan Interior Ministry's own data, 124 out of the 364 Districts in the country are unsafe. Major candidates are not venturing out of the major cities. With this lousy picture, how a credible election can be held is something I am trying to figure out. It will be quite a challenge to say the least


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Iran's People Power: Week-End Developments

July 20th 2009 05:58
: And now?
The Establishment has been up in arms against Mr. Rafsanjani's speech. This truly shows that the regime is nervous as hell. That's a good sign that the unrest is not going to die down at all. The attacks by the conservatives are continuing and frankly truly hillarious. But, that is to be expected.

The headline of the Islamic Republic News Agency is a Statement by Idiotnejad's office about a call to service to all Iranians to join the Government. I guess he decided to steal a page out of Obama's playbook. He also appointed his son's father-in-law as his first Vice President. He used to serve as a Vice President in charge of Tourism. I have been trying to assess his exact qualifications and impetus for the position. There is a real push towards "normalcy" and business as usual


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OV Newsflash (7/16/2009) : What a Week

July 17th 2009 02:31
: Quite Scary.....
It has been quite a week. Our world has been as tumulous as ever. On the economic front, The U.S. Economy continues to limp along. The so-called Green Shots the Obama Adminstration has been touting has been exemplified by Goldman and JP Morgan in the United States announcing record profits. I have been working on a write-up on Goldman which will be released within the next few hours. Right now, Al Jazeera is reporting on explosions on two hotels (Ritz Carlton and Marriott) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Back in Russia, Russian Human Rights campaigner was laid to rest in her home village in Chechyna. She was kidnapped and shot dead after she escaped. The shock of that brutal murder is still fresh in my mind which I will be writing about in OV's sister site, Kitten Politics.

In Afghanistan, British and American casualties continue to rise. While in Mexico, 20 Federal agents were tortured to death in Felipe Calderon's home State of Michoacan. The so-called drug war in Mexico seems to be backfiring in a major way. The future of Mexico and Central America hangs in the balance especially after the continued struggle in Honduras for the restoration of Zelaya. Meanwhile, back in the United States, Judge Sotomayor finished her testimony before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. As for California, despite some "optimism", there is yet to be a budget


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Iran's "People Power": What Now?

June 24th 2009 08:46
: Will the Regime Get Away with it?
The regime has shown its' brutal side. What I called the "Burma Option" in fact did occur. All instruments of repression was employed and the opposition has been forced to withdraw.

Although the regime seems to have shot its' way to short-term survival, the fight for freedom and democracy is raging on facebook, What I've found striking was the clergy joining some of the demonstrations


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Iran's People Power: The Continued Struggle

June 23rd 2009 06:41
: What now?
Iran's struggle to be free continues. I have not seen any updates from either Mr. Mousavi or Mr. Khatami in a number of hours. But citizens journalists are continuing their nonstop grassroot efforts. The struggle for the voices to be heard continues.

What I feared in fact has happened. The regime has shot its way into short term survival. Arrests have continued unabatted. Some have been released. But, people are worried. I received an email from an acquantiance that the official who revealed Mousavi's win had been killed in an auto accident. This assertion cannot be confirmed. The video showing Neda's death became a symbol. It has become a rallying point for all who understand that change is in the air. The fact that the brutality of the regime was shown is a sign to the world that there is no going back


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The Continued Drama in Iran

June 22nd 2009 05:26
: Will something happen soon?
There have been virtually no demonstrations since the disturbances on Saturday. What I feared did in fact happen. The Basij (the regime's goons) and the security forces saw to it that the protests are crushed. I reviewed Mr. Mousavi's latest statement where he urges everyone on with their protests about eight hours ago on Facebook.

Right now, I see a report on CNN stating that the Guardian Council has rejected complaints of voter irregularity. However, the statement from the spokesman for the Guardian Council says that they are ready to address specific complaints from Mr.Karoubi and Mr. Mousavi. I was laughing as I read the statement. The utter contempt and lack of regard for true process was really shown in how he made his statement to the press


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OV News Flash: Iran Street Scenes....

June 21st 2009 06:27
: Those Brave Souls.....

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