This scene from Pakistan epitomized what happened this week. As I surveyed the areas impacted, my thoughts were with all those who had perished, lost all their belongings and had no where else to go. I had written about how Zardari was out of the loop while Pakistan drowned. Pakistan Government's own estimates note that there are some 20 Million People that have been affected by this calamity.
Pakistan has sent out an urgent appeal for the World for help. I hope that the World will step up and do what needs to be done. But, the World itself needs a shot in the arm. The World's Economic, Social and Environmental Challenges are profound. Over 6 Million People have to be fed and sheltered. What happened in Pakistan is just one indication of the pressures that our Mother Earth is under. It is the day after that would be tough to deal with it.
The Great Fires of Russia was spectacular, to say the least. Although the Russians did fight valiantly and the Russian leadership took decisive action (including Mr. Putin flying a firefighting plane), the fact remains that the changes in weather patterns has caused major calamities around the World.
Moving up north to Greenland, I saw with horror as the biggest piece of ice broke off one of Greenland's Glaciers. I have seen estimates that it is so big that it can prevent shipping in the Northern Part of our Mother Earth. If this is not an indication of our mother Earth warming, I don't know what is. I realize the climate sceptics who will continue to push this fiction that it is part of the natural order of things and that there is not much man can do about it. I have to wonder what their response is to the people of Tuvalu and the Maldives when their countries disappear off the face of the earth. What if the day after tomorrow actually arrives?
As the Third Year of "Outsiders" unfolds, I continue to remain hopeful. I continue to believe that we have to embrace change in its' every instance. I believe in true consesus building ideas so that we can all emerge stronger and more vibrant. There needs to be a sense of history and realization of what is at hand.
Just like many others, I was following the World Cup with great interest. As I write this, Spain has won the FIFA World Cup 2010. They were the underdogs and have confounded all skeptics--including myself who routed for the Dutch that the Spaniards defeated. I also congratulate South Africa for what it was able to achieve despite all that was stacked against it. I was glad to see Nelson Mandela sharing in the greatest moment during the final match. The question is how South Africa will be able to continue to transform itself as a result of this experience. The rift between the rich and the poor, Crime and a sense of hopelessness will continue to be the challenges faced by the South African Government.
As I was enjoying the partying in South Africa, my thought turned to the World. Life continues on. Afghanistan has a new Commander, but without a radical shift in policy. The past few days has seen more soldiers die as General Casey, the Former Iraq War Commander and current Army Chief of Staff, told the Aspen Ideas Conference of a minimum 10-year committment of war by the United States. What is clear is that this idea of a withdrawal is frankly a fiction to score political points. In the meantime, people continue to die while a very tiny minority continues to become ever more richer. What I find sickening is how the useless Karzai is held in such high esteem.
Afghanistan's problems are truly bothersome to me. I have to wonder when will the power brokers wake up to how bad things are? The problem is that there seems to be no one else to replace him. Also, what's the difference between the Good Taliban and the bad Taliban? One also has to truly ask what has been happening to the Civilian Side? How many schools have been built? How many hospitals have been built? As for the Afghan Army and Police, do we truly know how many of these guys can actually be counted on? I wonder.
Moving on to Pakistan, the war is continuing on in the tribal areas. I was horrified when I saw the reports of over 100 people being killed at a recent suicide bombing. The Pakistan Army took the flight to the Taliban and yet somehow elements within Pakistan support the Laskhar-e-Taybai and the Haqqani Network. Pakistan has been the creator and chief backer of the Taliban, yet some of the very Taliban did turn against Pakistan. While Pakistan continues the war, the Pakistani Main Street continues to suffer ever more. There is hardly an education system. The Economy is close to collapse. The Political Class continues to be ever more in the pocket of the United States while the Country continues to somehow be held together through sheer repression.
Moving on to the Americas, there is Haiti. I warned about Haiti falling off the World's radar screen--and they have. One has to really dig to see what's going on in Haiti now. Haiti is now relegated to the CNN Television newsticker. Over the past 24 hours, I have seen reports of Child Slavery and rape being on the rise. Haiti is basically a country in name only. I am quite pleased to see that the Bush Haiti Relief Fund is still operating and hope that it continues on. Here is the link: Really Long Link
There is of course the continued debate over Climate Change. The Eastern Part of the United States has been burning. Things got so bad in Iran that the Government ordered all Government offices closed for two days!!! This is as California has seen some rather peculiar weather--inclunding Rain in July!!! I regard it as a welcome development especially after two years of horrendous fires. Just the past couple of weeks has to give even the most sceptical of sceptics a moment of pause.
The week ahead will be quite busy. President Obama has been hitting the campaign trial, the Gulf of Mexico continues to die before our eyes, States continues to deal with profound budget challenges, California continues to operate without a budget and the Republicans are continuing their Jihad against big government. What is clear is that Republican are succeeding in their messaging so far. People are worried about jobs and the scenes of people on street corners holding up signs seems to be ever more commonplace.
There is one thing that is for sure: The show goes on ......
As Easter is Celebrated throughout the world, the tragedy of Afghanistan goes on. On Good Friday, a U.S. Marine came home for the last time. His name was Lance Corporal Rick Centanni of Yorba Linda, California:
This past week was exciting and scary on the political scene. It all culminated with the passage of the Healthcare Legislation. The Obama Adminstration should right now feel pretty good about what they have been able to achieve so far.
It all began with Healthcare. The legislation passed . I was in awe as I saw Democracy in Action. The debate was vibrant and frankly hillarious at times. The Republicans committed to run on a slogan to "repeal and replace.' What I found especially ironic was a clip on This Past Sunday's Meet the Press from then-Minority Leader Gerald Ford
The American Taliban has been captured after six years on the run. The Pakistanis picked him up in Karachi. He has been charged by the United States with Treason--and righthly so!!
I congratulate the Pakistanis on capturing this idiot. Although I am sure that he would be given his day in Court, he needs to understand the gravity of his actions and realize that it is the Taliban and the backward mentality they represent that is a menance--not his pronouncements about whatever it was that he did. It shows that the Pakistanis seem to be getting their act together. I await the day that they actually pick up Mullah Omar
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
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
As I wrote about the rejection of the National Reconciliation Ordinance yesterday in Pakistan, I jumped with joy when I saw reports that the Defense Minister of Pakistan was prevented from leaving Pakistan. I also saw reports that courts have issued for the arrest of the Interior Minister too. Maybe Pakistanis will finally begin to really know what the rule of law is like. The problem I see is that such manevouers do not put food on the table for the millions of Pakistanis who are suspectible to the lure of radicalism.
The struggle for the soul of Pakistan continues on. It is surely fascinating to watch
The rule of law is back in Pakistan in a big way. The rejection of the National Reconcilation Ordinance by the Pakistan Supreme Court means that Asif Ali Zardari and his gang will be subject to prosecution for all the charges which were nullified. Although some say Pakistan has been plunged into crisis I disagree. I think this will show to the people of Pakistan that the Taliban is not the way. Until such time as the people of Pakistan have reason to hope the Taliban will have something to say and something to have folks turn to for hope. It will be interesting to see how things will turn out.....
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
Saturday was quite a day!!! The useless Karzai refused to accomodate Dr. Abdullah, his main challenger as the country is gearing up for a second round. There have been stories throughout the day that Dr. Abdullah will withdraw from the second round. I even saw a New York Times report that Dr. Abdullah will in fact withdraw
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
The World continues to be patient as Iran continues to play around. Iran was given a deadline until this past Friday to agree to a draft resolution that the IAEA did in order to help break the logjam on the Uranimum enrichment issue. The Iranian Regime missed and said that they would get to them next week. Furthermore, France's role in this enrichment process was rejected becasue the Iranians don't like the French. Not withstanding Nicholas Sarzkosy's Domestic grandstanding, he has told the truth about Iran and Ahmadinejad. The Iranian Regime has a tough time accepting that.
As this comedy side show continues, there is the continued psychological war against the opposition. What the regime's thugs did to Karoubi is just sad
There is never a dull moment in Iran. I was gratified to see that Maziar Bahai, the Newsweek Correspodent, was released on 300,000 Dollar bail. However, I was shocked when I reviewed the reports on the death of Six Top Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders in the South of the country as reported by Al Jazeera earlier
As the war in Afghanistan rages on, Pakistan's fire continues to rage uncontrolled. Afghanistan is the key focus of debate. Although if one takes the nonsense coming out of Fox News, the Adminstration is more worried about Fox News than the war that currently is not winnable. The Obama Adminstration has a formidable challenge to "fix" Afghanistan. The American Taxpayer has spent billions and has nothing to show for it
There was a very interesting report in the September 16, 2009 edition on the situation in Pakistan. When I saw the title, "...An unlikely Survivor", my eyes nearly popped out.
Pakistan seems to have a stroke of good luck. It is clear that the Pakistan Army seems to have made quite a bit of headway beyond what was initially seen. It appears that General Kiyani's statement that "..when the nation stands together with the army, anything is achievable" has in fact held true. It seems as if there is a reasonable measure of stability. Although it appears that Mr. Zardari, the President, seems to have gotten its act together, the struggle still continues. The carnage at a market a few days ago was an indication of the fight still before Pakistan and its allies as they work to overcome challenges
As the surge intensifies in Afghanistan, the issue of "handling" the Taliban seems to be gathering steam. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband's call to "split" the Taliban is interesting. Yet, the so-called allies in the region seem to not again have their act together. This article that Ahmad Rashid just wrote for the BBC World Service has given me a lot of think about:
:The Battle for the Hearts and Minds is in Full Swing
The battle for the hearts and minds of the Muslim World is something that has to be done. Part of America's moral authority is its' belief in its' ideals and being the hope and beacon for the world. Barack Obama, I believe, is trying to make sure the world understands that. This was lacking in a big way during the Bush Years.
I have been frankly disappointed in some of the debates I have seen about those who question whether Obama is a Muslim. As Colin Powell so eloquently put it, so what is he a Muslim. Barack Obama reminded the world during a BBC interview that more Muslims live in America than in many Muslim Countries. Those who seem to dismiss Islam seem to forget that
It was a sad day in Iran yesterday. There was an attack on a Mosque in the City of Zahedan in Southeastern Iran, near the border with Pakistan. 19 people died while attending Friday prayers to commemorate a major religious event . According to the dispatch I reviewed from the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the wounded included a 4 year old child
The incumbent President has been on a roll. Throughout the past two days alone, he has hosted a summit on Afghanistan with the The Presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan, has had two news conferences and has been busy on the campaign trail. This is while his opponents are relegated as a afterthought in Iranian Official Media
I am right now seeing reports that the ban on Facebook has been lifted. I welcome it. This is while two interesting developments have occurred. A summit has concluded between Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's also a welcome development in my view--not withstanding the profound reservations I have had about all three men. HOpefully the dialogue will yield some positive results.
I have been assessing what has been going around Nancy Pelosi since her news conference yesterday. What is sad about this argument is how much of a diversion this has all become as we are faced with more of the same in Afghanistan.
I saw an archive of the news conference that led to so much over the last day or so. She was clearly unprepared and was not on top of her game. For such a savvy political player, blaming the CIA was also wrong. She played right into the hand of the punditry. Joe Scarbarough was brutal this morning on Morning Joe. She made herself into a laughing stock
Middle East and South Asia is always full of surprises. Monday saw the freeing of Roxana Saberi. It was an ordeal for her family. But, more importantly, it removed a potential obstacle. What is clear is that mutual suspicions do remain. Press Freedom in Iran continues to be under threat daily. The father of Iranian Bloggin, Hussien Derakhshan, continues to remain in detention. I also saw a report that another Iranian-American is in detention in Iran as well. So, although Roxana Saberi's case is closed, the pressure on the Iranian Judiciary should not seize.
Moving on to Afghanistan, the news over the firing of General David McKiernan continues to sink in. Secretary Gates was in Afghanistan a week ago. The decision does end General McKiernan's career. But, from what I have read of him, it has been a distinguished one. However, as the strategy is evolving, there needs to be a new perspective. The new Commander seems to bring that perspective to bear. However, the Taliban have not been sitting idly by. As I write this, Al Jazeera is reporting a major attack by the Taliban in the City of Khost. They have been attacking Government Buildings and the whole City has been shut off
Zardari and Karzai, the Laurel and Hardy of South Asia, have spoken on the predicament faced by their countries. Zardari was quite forceful and eloquent in laying out the stark choices. He is asking for more help:
The useless Karzai and the playboy Zardari have seen President Obama. I am sure that the President read the riot act to both of them. When I saw the President's statement, everyone was happy and gong-ho. I am still trying to understand why the United States supports such men who have been nothing but a disaster for their countries
I have been reviewing reports on the escalating violence in Pakistan. The Pakistani Taliban spokesman has just told Al Jazeera that the deal made by the Pakistan Government is dead. Refugees have been getting out in droves.
When the deal was announced, United States Government officials came out against the it. Maybe their judgement was right in that t he Taliban wanted to regroup and restart their offensive. The Taliban refused to disarm after they got the right to impose Sharia law in SWAT valley They have been quite sophisiticated in their tactics and will not stop now
I caught the program, Empire, that Al Jazeera's Marwan Bishara hosts talking about U.S. Foreign Policy and the future. The analysis done is chilling. The session he hosted had Seymour Hersch, Lakhmar Brahimi and Tariq Ali. Tariq Ali and Seymour Hersch are considered "lefties" by the Conservative Community. But, sometimes lefites have words of wisdom that should be listened to.
In Iraq, there is some consesus that there is reasonable security. Hannity, in his radio interview on Thursday with Governor Rendell of Pennsylvania, said that the United States won the Iraq war. My reaction was, really? How? The fact is that Suicide bombers are back in fashion as America begins to withdraw. If the United States did in fact win, then why do we still have 150,000 troops in that country? Why are people dying
There was a report attributed to a cleric named Sufi Mohammad, who is apparently the Cheif Taliban Cleric in SWAT. In the comments he made, he noted that any determinations that is hereby made by Sharia Courts in SWAT and then upheld by a proposed Darul qaza (highest Court) cannot be challenged in Civilian Pakistani Courts.
As I have contemplated the implications of this statement, I am ever more convinced that the decision Zardari made to accept Sharia Law in SWAT is a prelude to a nationwide implementation of SHARIA throughout Pakistan. This will mean that the secular institutions in Pakistan will be severely undermined. I wonder if Zardari and the Pakistan Political Elite truly thought this through when they decided to go down this path. It seems as if we are continuing on the road to no where in Pakistan. It is disturbing because there seems to be no viable solution in sight
The Pakistani President has signed off the deal with the Taliban implementing Sharia Law in the SWAT. What is significant is that the SWAT is two hours away from the Capital Islamabad. This deal is supposed to guarantee peace in SWAT. I doubt it. I especially doubt it in light of the total lack of crediblity that Zardari has throughout Pakistan. The only support he seems to have is with the United States.
As Sharia is being implemented in the SWAT, I see disturbing signs of trouble in Punjab, Pakistan's Industrial Heartland. Poverty and the desparation it breeds is something that presents the perfect storm for radicalism. The kid on trial in India for the Mumbai attacks right now is an extreme example of this. I wonder whether more money is going to solve the problem. Zardari lobbied John Kerry when he met with him earlier
The misconceptions about Islam has continued. Although the commentary by Ahmad Rashid is a bit outdated (due to the the worsening situation in Afghanistan today), the analysis he presents in this interview is interesting and insightful:
As I write this, Pakistan is on high alert. The Taliban Supremo in Pakistan has threatened to attack Islamabad if the US continues with drone attacks. Schools have closed, barracades have been set up in the so-called "red zone" to protect the city.
As I assess the situation, what is bothersome is how things have gotten so bad in Pakistan. I am reminded of the Tet Offensive in 1968 when the VietCong went all out. Although the VietCong were defeated, the psychological impact of the attack ultimately resulted in the end of the Vietnam war in 1975. I am not in a position to draw parallels yet. But, the idea of a failed state in Pakistan sends shivers down my spine.
Afghanistan has emerged as a central front because of all that has been going on. The new policy by the Obama Adminstration, in my view, will threaten to take the United States down the same misguided and lethal path that has led to eight years of failure. As I have written throughout the last number of months, the Taliban are winning.
One of the msot insightful analysis I have seen so far is this interview done by Paul Jay
I have continued to express reservations about Afghanistan and have profoundly concerned about the way ahead. I think Pepe Escobar's Report is as insightful as it gets:
Iran's Supreme Leader responded to President Obama's overture. Iran's Supreme Leader is the ultimate decider of all state matters in Iran. The Supreme Leader went to Mashad in Eastern Iran on the first day of the Iranian New Year to talk about this and other matters
Pakistan is a country of 175 Million People. The United States has apparently considered expanding the Afghan War to go deep into Pakistan. Right now, Pakistan is on fire. I have continued to warn against the Afghan War, the plight of the ordinary Pakistanis and Afghans and the instability it represents.
Zardari the Crook has no crediblity whatsoever in Pakistan. Yet, it seems to me that the United States has thrown its' lot behind Zardari and the elites in Pakistan today. The U.S. seems to make the same mistake again and again. Pakistanis want what others want: to have the right to determine their own destiny, to have the right to a decent living and the future. I think the Chief Justice being restored is a cause for celebration. I had reservations about whether The Chief Justice would continue his efforts. I continue to do so
The Pakistani Prime Minister has announced the reinstatement of all the judges sacked by Pervez Musharaf. It seems as if Nawaz Sharif and the Lawyers Movement has scored a major victory
Pakistan continues to be on fire. Nawaz Sharif is continuing to insist that the judges dismissed by Musharaff be reinstated. Sharif seems to forget that there is a massive insurgency in the country. Sharif seems to forget that he was one of the prime movers with the disastrous policy that has driven Pakistan to the edge of the Abyss. Every part of Pakistan continues to be challenging. Yet, short term political posturing continues to be driving these so-called leaders. As for Zardari, he seems to be as useless as ever.
It is quite a struggle. There seems to be no end in sight.
I consider Ahmad Rashid, along with Tariq Ali, as one of the most perceptive South Asia Analysts today. US policymakers should take the time to listen such men. This is an interview Ahmad Rashid did about the historical stance between the Afghans and the Pakistanis. This underscores how we have paid a heavy price for ignorance:
Sri Lanka's National Cricket Team was in Pakistan for a series of matches. I have been monitoring reports of a horrific attack in the CIty of Lahore. Asif Ali Zardari has condemned it. The cricketeres are expected to leave Pakistan shortly
Tariq Ali, in this interview, provides insightful analysis on Pakistan. What he discusses is chilling and scary. The history of the two countries has been interwined beyond anything commonly known or discussed. The images seen in the so-called mainstream media can't be further from the truth:
Afghanistan is Obama's War now. The surge in Afghanistan has been welcomed by the Force Commander, General McKernan. But, the problem is that the National Intelligence Estimate for Afghanistan reports that the Afghan Government controls just 10% of the country. The insurgency controls the rest. The Commander has said that at least 60,000 US Troops are needed for a number of years. This is a quaqmire that will continue to consume the United States.
What is for certain, in my view, is that the World is paying a heavy price for the misguided policies of the 80's that was done under the guise of fighting communism. I would argue that no Afghan State exists since the overthrow of Mohammad Davoud. Propping up the useless Karzai will only add fuel to the fire. As I have written before, it appears that the Obama Adminstration seems to understand that Karzai is part of the problem, not part of the solution. Yet, somehow Karzai seems to continue to be fetted by US Officials
I just reviewed reports that Karzai's "proposals" will be part of the proposed Obama Strategic Review of the options in Afghanistan. I laughed!!!
It is a big mistake to waste time on this man. He has been President for seven years. I am trying to understand what value does he bring to the table. if he had any sway over Afghanistan, the country would have been a lot better off than it is now. The drug trade is flourishing, the man can't even control his capital city, his brother is a major smuggler--and the Adminstration wants to listen to him. People continue to be killed every day as this tragedy unfolds
The Goverment and the Pakistani Taliban have agreed to a 10-Day truce in the SWAT valley. I welcome it. I think it provides an opportunity for everyone to step back, take stock on where things are and how things should be going forward.
I find the timing a bit curious. I am not sure whether Richard Holbrooke's visit had anything to do with it. But it came right after Holbrooke was in Pakistan and went on to Afghanistan. I think some movement towards calm has to happen. Violence is the road to nowhere. I wonder if both sides are courageous enough to overcome the deep mistrust. Time will tell.
Mr. Holbrooke is in Afghanistan. He has talked with the Hamid Karzai. I have just seen the latest dispatch from Al Jazeera noting how the U.S. seems to be turning on the screws on Karzai. The Obama Adminstration seems to be getting the message that all is not well in Afghanistan. Many of us have been saying this for a long, long time.
As I read the dispatch, I found the reports that Holbrooke insisted on meeting the Afghan Security Chiefs before meeting Karzai quite appropriate. The Afghan Security officials have to account for the fact that they can't even secure their own capital anymore. This was a scene from the chaos when the Taliban attacked the Justice Ministry and the Prisons organization
The Financial Times has reported on some rather scary emerging trends in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I have written about Afghanistan. I have noted the challenges and the useless role the so-called President of Afghanistan has played. The nature of Governments in both Pakistan and Afghanistan has meant that the so-called Durand Line which separates the countries has seized to exist.
One of the many realities on the ground is the fact that both Pakistan and Afghanistan is on fire. It is clear that both governments only control their capital cities. What was especially distrubing to me was how the Taliban have penetrated all parts of Pakistan. The Governor of Sindh said that that the Karachi underworld is helping to finance the Taliban. How Richard Holbrooke can bring back these two failed states back from the brink will be a miracle. I was pleased to see that he was appointed because he pulled off a near-impossible in Bosnia. As such, I will give him the benefit of the doubt to see what he can do. He does not have much time left
Barack Hussein Obama is now the 44th President of the United States. Throughout my lifetime, I have had the privilege to read on the traditions and was finally able to be a true witness to this momentous transfer of power due to the power of technology. I have continued to marvel at how someone with so much power gives it up so willingly because the people are truly sovereign in America. This was quite moving when the President and the First Lady escorted Former Mr. and Mrs. Bush
David Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, has written an Article for the Guardian Magainze and called this so-called "War on Terror" a mistake. He was right on when he noted that it brought together all the militants together. As I read this account in the BBC and visited the Guardian to read his column , I wondered why he waited so long. But, better late than never!!
The GITMO 5 who are right now on trial for the mayhem they caused wanted to plead guilty so that they can potentially face execution. President-Elect Obama is committed to shutting down GITMO and ending this blight on American Justice that has cost so much in American Prestige. The last thing that should be done is to kills these guys. They ought to spend the rest of their natural life in isolation 23 hours a day remembering what they did. Death will be too easy for them.
I saw in horror as victims were being pulled from the bombing in Peshawar. To make matters worst, the supply depot for US and NATO Forces was attacked this morning:
There is a report on Al Jazeera English right now about defections hitting Afghan forces. It quotes an Afghan Police Commander named Sulieman Ameri who was apparently a Afghan Police Officers who defected with 16 of his officers. He used to patrol near the border with Iran. They are taking weapons that the West has given them and are turning the weapons against the very people that they received the training from.
I have repeatedly warned about this in my comments. Their influence is spreading. I regard it as a threat. If the Taliban truly live up to their puritan beliefs and practice Islam in the fashion that accepted the enlightened role of women, embraced the role of education and technology, then the west may have something to talk about. But, destroying cultural icons, relying on poppy cultivation and keeping women in servitude is simply not the way. But, the useless clown who is the so-called President of Afghanistan is increasingly ineffective. He is a heck of a sales guy, though. He can truly sell the bridge to no where. When the West wakes up to the realities on the ground is another issue. As I noted in my previous comments, the U.S. Defense Secretary noted that a political understanding will eventually have to be reached with the Taliban. The U.S. cannot truly sustain the committment as it stands. The U.S. must tend to pressing domestic concerns and rebuild an image that has been tattered. The Republicans seem not to understand that. That's why when the clown Karzai said that Sarah Palin asked the right questions, I noted that even if Sarah Palin may have asked the right questions, Palin was asking the wrong guy
Pakistan's Capital saw an attack in the heart of the City. Suicide Bombers blew up the Marriott. This was near the center of the City and near the Parliament Building as Asif Ali Zardari was speaking to Parliament. If this is not a wakeup call to underscore how tough a situation Pakistan is in, I don't know what is. As I write this, the fire is still burning. The building may collapse. It is a horrific scene. The human toll continues to rise.
According to the reports, this is probably one of the most secure areas in Pakistan. What is the joke is that Pakistani Firefighters are having to withdraw to go back and refuel with water. On top of this disaster, the ability to deal with it is even worst. The world must be concerned. There are enough failed states without having to add a nuclear-armed one to it
The polls are starting to show that Governor Palin's star is fading. The Gallup Daily Poll taken on September 19 shows a 5 point lead by Senator Obama. He has continued to gain as the U.S. and the World has undergone an economic implosion that has been unprecedented and is probably indeed the biggest challenge since the Great Depression. The markets were up when Hank Paulson annouced the basics of the plan taking on all "bad debt" off the balance sheets. The markets liked it and they rallied worldwide.
But, the politics of the day still played itself out. There was a story in the September 18, 2008 edition of the Los Angeles Times. The report was on Governor Palin saying "yes to a road to nowhere". She changed her mind on the bridge to no where that has been the central tenant of her stump speeches. But, as folks have continued to investigate her record, the truth is starting to come out. So, the fiction that somehow she is "clean" is starting to unravel. Of course, the McCain-Palin campaign's standard line has been that it is the "elite media" that has been digging things under the guise of democratic operatives. Governor Palin pushed this "fiction" when she noted that organizers of an anti-Iran rally in New York pulled an invite from her under pressure from Democratic Operatives. Interestingly enough, Fox News also reported that Governor Palin will be at a Monday Reception hosted by President Bush. My assumption is that all candidates will be there to be "introduced" to other world leaders as well
Tariq Ali's new book "Duel" on Pakistan is interesting reading. I agree with him in that no one truly understands Pakistan today. No one seems to want to understand. That's why I wrote about the advise he had for Barack Obama. I am confident that the team advising Senator Obama is quite aware of this. Incursions into Pakistan, though, will not solve the problem. It will make matters worst.
There is nothing wrong with listening to voices of reason. We must understand the country, reach out to the civil institutions and overcome the mistrust. The question is whether we have the will or not. Pakistan's challenges will not go away overnight--whether we have a "Prince Regent" now as the so-called President
The idea of moving into Pakistan will potentially have profound consequences. Tariq Ali understands Pakistan. He called Zardari a thief before many of us truly knew him. The thief and godfather now claims to be a protector of Democracy. We are continuing to prop up the useless Karzai without any end in sight. Let's hope that reason prevails...
Mike Pouraryan
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