Iraq-Isfahan: Video shows huge anti Ahmadinejad protest

US: Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is increasing suicide tendency among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans

Press TV reports:

At least 13 American soldiers have committed suicide in March as post traumatic syndrome is increasing suicide tendency among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. The latest figure has brought to 56 the number of US soldiers' suicide cases in 2009, according to figures released by the US Army, a press TV correspond reported on Monday. According to US medics, with 23 soldiers committing suicide in January, the number of those killed themselves was higher than the number of soldiers killed in combat-related incidents. Eighteen other suicide cases were also reported in the US military in February...Continue.

Iraqi Forces Prepare to Take Over from Coalition Forces on January 1

Arab countries lack power to influence Iran on nuclear issue-Expert

On December 16 the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the United States, Britain, France, China, and Russia plus Germany, which make up the 5+1 group, met at the UN with representatives from nine Arab countries -including Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia- to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme.
Unfortunately little was achieved. In essence this was gesture politics. No Arab country will attack Iran at the behest of the US. In addition each has its own internal difficulties-whether ethnic,religious or economic.
MEHRNEWS.com quotes International affairs expert Ali Khorram as follows:

Khorram insisted that Arab countries cannot influence regional or international developments. For example, he said, although Arabs are aware of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, they lack power to resolve this problem.

“The complexity of Iran’s nuclear issue is far greater than that of the Gaza Strip” and the Arab countries which have not been able to find a formula to resolve the Gaza crisis, are highly unlikely to influence Iran’s nuclear issue, he explained.

It is difficult to argue with the logic of this argument. It is highly unlikely that the incoming Obama administration will convince Iran to drop its nuclear development programme. This increases the probability of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear installations.

Presidential Debate- Nashville ,Tennessee: McCain V Obama: McCain enhances his Credentials on Economy

In the economic section of the debate John McCain was more specific. Obama tended to rely on populist generalisations. His solution appears to be more and more state involvement. Obama is a true Socialist. The state will solve all problems. The difficulty with his approach is that more state involvement requires higher taxes. There is no such thing as a free lunch. If voters opt for Obama on the health care issue they will pay a heavy financial price in increased taxes.

McCain caught out Obama on Freddie and Fannie. Obama being the second highest recipient of campaign contributions from Freddie and Fannie. McCain outlined how he attempted to introduce regulation on Freddie and Fannie. Obama was no place to be seen. McCain outlined a plan to buy up bad house loans and stabilise house values- cost 300 billion dollars. New mortgages at present values would be provided to those house owners. This just might work. I believe that this should come from the 700 billion rescue package.

McCain outlined how his tax policies would benefit the middle class and small business owners. McCain stressed energy independence: more off shore drilling and nuclear.
He outlined plans for public expenditure freeze (except military spending). This would help fund tax cuts.
McCain hammered Obama on spending and earmarks. Obama voted for 94 tax increases. Obama according to McCain has plans for 860 billion dollars in new spending. I suspect that it is much more. Clearly Obama’s tax promises cannot be fulfilled.
As McCain stated: “Nailing down Obama’s tax proposals is like nailing Jello to a wall".

Obama criticized McCain on Freddie and Fannie and on deregulation. Obama did not adequately answer McCain charges on Freddie and Fannie.

Obama outlined his ideas on middle class tax cuts. He attempted to inject class warfare into the debate. He criticized McCain proposals to lower tax burdens on industry. Obama fails to realise that various European countries have embarked on reducing tax burdens on industry. Failure to reduce taxes on industry will lead to job outflows. Obama pressed universal health care. Once more failing to realise that such a policy would ignite a taxation time bomb. It would cripple taxpayers. McCain challenged Obama's plans for fines. Obama failed to respond.
McCain performed very strongly on the economy. He certainly gained the upper hand on this key issue.

He exposed major contradictions in Obama’s plans. Obama stressed more and more state involvement and regulation. Even on energy Obama was economical with the truth.

Both candidates sparred on foreign policy: On Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Russia. McCain won this hands down. McCain made it clear that he would defend Israel in the event of an attack. Obama waffled. On Pakistan, Obama came across as naive.

Obama's biggest blunders

McCain outpoints Obama in spirited debate at OXFORD, Mississippi

This was a highly spirited debate. John McCain looked particularly fresh. This is amazing considering his exertions in recent days.
On the economy McCain burned Obama badly. Obama voted for 932 million dollars worth of earmarks. McCain hit him particularly hard on this. Obama could not explain where he would cut expenditure. Obama had plenty of populist sound bytes. McCain stressed a spending freeze. When confronted with this Obama funked the question. McCain caught Obama on the oil industry. McCain trumpeted his long opposition to earmarks. Obama had no comeback.Obama's plans for increased business taxes will speed an outflow of investment from the US. Workers have much to fear from an Obama presidency. Obama spoke about middle class tax cuts but then had to admit that many of the promises could not be implemented because of the deficit. So essentially these promises are hot air.

On foreign policy McCain had a greater overall grasp. Obama got caught out on Iran and Russia/Georgia and a potential attack on Pakistan. McCain showed a far greater grasp of foreign affairs. Obama trotted out some rehearsed answers that were naïve. He appeared rather lightweight. McCain’s reference to Putin –“I saw three letters KGB in his eyes sums up the reality of foreign policy. Obama’s approach appears more wishful thinking – a hope for the best approach. McCain exposed a frightening naivety in Obama’s approach to Iran. Quite simply John McCain is better able to deal with the worlds hard men.
On energy McCain stressed off shore drilling nuclear and renewable. Obama stressed renewable. On energy the advantage was with McCain.
To independent voters McCain appeared more presidential. McCain exuded gravitas and experience. Eight times in the course of the debate Obama commenced a sentence with the words "You are right John". Game set and match to McCain.

Obama and Biden preach the politics of envy and class warfare at Springfield, Illinois

The selection of Joe Biden as Obama's running mate was the final insult to Hillary Clinton who had won 18 million votes in the primaries whilst Biden amassed the "huge" total of c9,500.

A large segment of Biden's speech was devoted to talking down the US economy. The word disaster was used. Certainly there are some severe economic problems not alone in the US but also throughout the world. But since when is a 5/6% unemployment rate a disaster? Biden and Obama preach about the loss of 3 million jobs and attack free trade. A return to protectionism will drive unemployment closer to 10%. In general low paid industrial jobs in Europe and the US are moving to low cost destinations. This is a fact of economic life. An Obama /Biden Presidency using protectionism will not stem the flow. To pretend otherwise is just dishonest.

Today Obama and Biden preached a policy of class warfare -a policy beloved of Marxists and extreme left Socialists. This is anathema to most Americans.
Demonising John McCain on the basis of the number of residences which he owns is cheap gutter politics designed to stir up envy. Are Biden and McCain advocating a policy of confiscation of assets belonging to those who have done well? A cursory glance at the Democrat's tax policies indicates that those who work hard to build up businesses are to be penalized with higher taxes. This is a recipe for higher unemployment and economic stagnation. So much for an enterprise culture.
Incidentally Obama earned $4 million in 2007 whilst Biden is not exactly poor.

Obama and Biden favour a windfall profits tax on oil companies and bemoan petrol at 4 dollars a barrel. Yet they are opposed to off shore exploration, which would provide the extra oil supplies to force down prices and reduce the dependency on unstable regimes in the Middle East. Falling prices would soon curb the excesses of the Russian bear. Russia has flexed its military muscles buoyed up by a huge inflow of oil revenue.

Biden attacked what he termed the Bush/McCain foreign policy. Is not Biden the man who voted for the Iraq war? This is the ultimate in hypocrisy. Is this not the politician who stated in 2007 that he would not serve as a Vice President and who in reference to Obama stated that “the White House is no place to learn on the job”. Biden also said that “I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off.” Now Biden the attack dog is at odds with himself. He is living in a political glasshouse.

Both Obama and Biden express concerns for the middle class yet favour the doubling of capital gains tax and a public expenditure splurge of $1,000 billion. The middle class will fund this.

Biden the Catholic agrees with Obama’s principles. His support for abortion and the appointment of pro abort judges to the Supreme Court is an insult to Catholic voters.
An Obama /Biden presidency will cripple taxpayers. Their taxation policy is based on envy and is designed to attack the coping classes.

John McCain is interviewed by Sean Hannity

Barack Obama contradicts himself on Iraq (GOP Video)

Apache And Cobra Takes Out Insurgents Hideout With 30mm And GAU-17 Mini-Gun At Night In Iraq

US Marines from 3/7 Kilo called in airsupport to take out insurgents hiding in a building at night in Ramadi, Iraq.

Obama’s lack of foreign policy experience a huge threat to American security

So Barack Obama would withdraw US troops from Iraq in 160 days. Irrespective of the rights and wrongs of the decision to send US troops to Iraq the reality is that a US withdrawal in 160 days would plunge Iraq into chaos. Civil war would develop between Shias and Sunnis. Saudi Arabia has stated that in such an eventuality it will support the Sunnis. It is highly probable that Iran would neutralise Iraq. In essence Iran would begin to dominate the Gulf area.
This would threaten oil supplies and add to the upward spiral in oil prices as supplies from the Middle East began to dry up.
It is highly unlikely that Israel would stand idly by and allow an emboldened Iran to threaten its own security. The Middle East would be plunged into a military conflagration.

Obama has also threatened to intervene in Pakistan in pursuit of Osama Bin Laden. This would immediately precipitate the fall of the Pakistani Government. Moslem extremists would then seize power and take possession of the Pakistani nuclear arsenal. This would bring about a nuclear Armageddon.

Obama’s lack of foreign policy experience has frightening implications not alone for American security but also for the security of the West and friendly Middle East countries.
On security issues Obama lacks maturity and sound judgement. Countries such as Iran are more likely to challenge an inexperienced President. John McCain is strong on foreign policy issues. Hence it is unlikely that unfriendly countries would be too anxious to test his resolve.

New Orleans Speech:McCain outlines his vision for the future and proves that he is the real candidate for change

Bobby Jindal in his introductory speech was effusive in his praise of McCain.

In a wide-ranging and skilfully constructed speech tonight, John McCain outlined his blueprint for change. This would involve huge support for renewable energy, education reform, stringent curbs on wasteful expenditure, reduced taxes and a strong military. He would work with Republicans and Democrats alike to increase the prosperity of the country.

He opened by paying tribute to Hillary Clinton and made a strong play for disaffected Clinton voters.
He skilfully outlined his differences with the Bush administration on the war in Iraq, federal spending, emergency aid and the environment.

He stressed that he believed in change for the future-the right type of change whereas Obama believed in the wrong type of change- a change to the failed policies of the past.
He emphasized his determination to ruthlessly prune wasteful Government spending. He explained how he had opposed the Bush administration and Democrats on escalating federal expenditure. He strongly opposed Big Government; in contrast Obama continuously voted for ever increasing Government expenditure. Obama has the most liberal voting record of any senator in the country.

He explained how Obama would increase taxes on the old, those who invest in the stock market and on families.


McCain outlined how he had put the country before party whereas Obama had failed to take on special interests within the Democratic Party. McCain had opposed corruption in both parties.

He outlined the dangers posed by Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. He described how Obama had voted to deny funds to the soldiers in Iraq. How he had failed to travel to Iraq. He stated that the course advocated by Obama would draw the US into a wider war.
He criticised Obama’s promises to row back on free trade. Such a misguided policy would not restore lost jobs. It was pointless offering false hope to workers.

McCain has made a good start to his campaign.

Philadelphia debate a damp squib as neither Clinton or Obama lands a knock out blow

Hillary Clinton may have shaded the verdict. However she failed to land a knock out punch on Obama. Issues -such as Obama's comments on "bitter small-town Pennsylvanians"; his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.; and the absence of an American flag in his lapel- figured in the debate as did Iraq. However it is unlikely that Clinton gained much political mileage from them.

On the economy both candidates were unconvincing. When asked about McCain's accusations that the Democratic nominee would raise taxes, Clinton ruled out a tax hike on middle-class Americans, whilst Obama claimed that he planned to lower taxes on the middle class, but he left open the option of raising capital gains taxes. Both candidates were economical with the truth. The economic proposals of both envision a greater role for the state in people's lives and a plethora of new programmes and quangos. Such programmes will require an enlarged bureaucracy. Ipso facto taxes must rise under an Obama or Clinton presidency.

Special Operations Firefight in Sadr City, Baghdad, Iraq ( Special Forces )

This stunning video shows American and Iraqi special forces in action inside Sadr City, Baghdad in an operation to capture insurgents.The powerful video conveys the reality of war. Certainly the soldiers involved are fearless. Nevertheless the cameraman is probably crazy to put his life at risk. Thanks to him. Note the sound of what appears to be the M249 SAW, semi automatic weapon.

Iraq War protesters disrupt Easter Mass at Holy Name-Chicago and commit sacrilege

Now not even Catholic churches are safe. Six members of the anti-war group "Catholic Schoolgirls Against The War" staged a dramatic die-in during the 11AM Easter Mass at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago's most prominent Catholic parish. When Cardinal Francis George began his homily they shouted their opposition to the conflict.
They squirted fake blood on themselves and on parishioners.

The protesters were all charged with felony criminal damage to property and two counts of simple battery for squirting the blood around the auditorium and onto worshipers' clothes, authorities said. Chicago police identified the six arrested as Donte D. Smith, 18; Ephran Ramirez Jr., 22; Ryane Ziemba, 25; Mercedes Phinaih, 18; Regan Maher, 25; and Angela Haban, 20.

Hillary Clinton Lies about Bosnia

In a speech on Iraq policy delivered Monday at George Washington University, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton recalled facing "sniper fire" on her 1996 trip to Bosnia to visit U.S. troops on a peacekeeping mission. But reporters traveling with the then-First Lady made no reference to any "sniper fire" at the time, and pictures of Clinton arriving at the main air base in Tuzla (see attached video) don't show anyone ducking or covering.

Hillary Clinton's claims of foreign policy experience are an enormous sack of gas. Clinton would be better employed writing a novel Hillary's Fables.

Dr Muravchik in staunch defence of US foreign policy on Newstalk FM

This morning Karen Coleman conducted a fascinating interview -with neoconservative Dr Muravchik-on US foreign policy.

Dr. Muravchik made a strong defence of US foreign policy.
He stated that it led to the defeat of Nazism , Fascism and Soviet Communism. Certainly the arms race which formed the cornerstone of Ronald Reagan's foreign policy helped bankrupt the Soviet economy and probably led to the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe.
He argued that with the weakness of the UN, US strength,generosity and self interest helped to prevent a Third World War. He stated that -depending on your point of view- we were either in the midst of a war on terror or in the initial stages. He stated that after 9/11 the US decided to wage war on terrorists. This fight back is making the war more intense.

He stressed that when -US invaded Iraq -that it was at war with Saddam Hussein but not with the Iraqi people. He agreed that the war in Iraq had not gone well but predicted that- if there were not a premature withdrawal of US troops -the world would be a safer place.

George Bush in surprise visit to Iraq

In a surprise move George Bush visited Iraq on Monday September 3rd, accompanied by his defence secretary, Robert Gates, his secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, as well as the commander of America’s forces in Iraq, for a meeting with the country's prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki.

While General Petraeus will will state that some progress has been made on the military front the warring Shia and Sunni factions are as far apart as ever. There is little prospect of a unified Shia and Sunni government evolving. This is the kernel of the problem. The Shia majority having long suffered at the hands of the minority Sunnis is in no mood to be too conciliatory. The situation appears hopeless. Partition is inevitable.

This visit may boost George Bushes popularity in the polls temporarily but the reality is that he must develop a coherent strategy for withdrawal of US troops. No fixed date for final withdrawal should be set. This would play into the hands of terrorists. The process of withdrawal must have begun prior the 2008 elections. It must be gradual and noticeable. Otherwise the GOP will suffer severe losses in the Congressional Elections and lose the Presidency in 2008.

The British have shown the way in Basra. A planned withdrawal is the only realistic approach. It is time for Iraqis to assume responsibility for their own affairs.

Taliban to release 19 Korean hostages??

According to Reuters-Taliban insurgents said on Tuesday they would release 19 South Korean Christian volunteers they have held for nearly six weeks provided Seoul pulls out its troops and stops Korean missionary work in Afghanistan by year-end.
South Korea's presidential office issued a statement setting out the terms of the agreement, and Taliban representative Qari Mohammad Bashir confirmed a deal had been struck........... ....

There is no mention of the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan Government. Two Christian hostages have been murdered by the terrorists. And all for what? I will believe this statement when those hostages are back safely in South Korea. The Taliban have broken their promises on several occasions already.

There is a high level of intolerance and hatred towards Christianity in Moslem countries such as Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia Iran and now increasingly so in Iraq. Yet Moslems resident in the US and Western Europe have freedom to practise their religion and are quite vocal in their demands. Some even speak in terms of winning back Spain for Islam.