US-SYRIA: Signs of a Thaw, But Differences Run Deep February 17th, 2009
Dear Editors,
I enjoyed your article but you must give more attention to the UN tribunal investigating the killing of Hariri. This should be a water shed moment in Lebanon, in which the rule of law supersedes non-state actors and militias. Please celebrate the never ending battle for truth, justice, and liberty.
CHINA-US: Clinton Urged to Press Beijing on Human Rights February 13th, 2009
Dear Editors,
Interesting article on Clinton’s up-and-coming visit to Asia/China etc.
In regards to human rights in China is there any credible evidence to
support a claim that US policy has any influence on the internal affairs of China? Over the last 20 years, China has enjoyed all the benefits of a friendly American partner. There are more Chinese graduate students in the US than other nationality. And where do these people go once their degrees are completed in the US? China. Over the last 20 years the US has traded with China with a consistent trade deficit in favor of the Chinese economy. China continues to expand its global role in controlling more and more key natural resources, private deals have been struck with Chinese oil companies and Iran, Venezuela. Although the US consumer has “benefited” from “cheap foreign labor”, the trade-off is permanent loss of domestic manufacturing, a net loss of working capital in the US and of course a growing national debt which requires more and more financial servicing in the form of US
taxes to make the payments on the debt.
The fact is the US is already losing a “trade war” with China. With
China’s influence in the financial markets growing worldwide how can Hilary Clinton meaningfully motivate the Chinese government to alter its’ human rights behavior? Two ways as follows: 1) devalue the dollar drastically and 2) place a “carbon tax” on any good or service that uses non-renewable based energy. China relies on a reasonably strong dollar to maintain its value of US treasuries and to keep oil relatively cheap (a cheap dollar drives higher oil prices). China cannot as easily transition to a carbon neutral manufacturing process as the US. There are sufficient water resources in the US for nuclear power plant cooling, sufficient wind resources and solar resources for a very credible renewable energy-based economy. China has severe water problems in the pipeline in the next 20 - 30 years and a short-sighted energy policy based on an excessive reliance on coal and natural gas. By placing carbon restrictions on any good/service (no matter country of origin, domestic or foreign) the US would effectively render Chinese-based manufacturing limited. By accelerating immigration
into the US and encouraging domestic population growth through immigration, the US could mount a credible alternative to humans rights abuses elsewhere - compete for people in a world economy needing advanced, skilled workers(especially in the renewable energy sector).
It will be interesting to measure by strict, objective metrics what
influence the US can credibly exert on what the Chinese government feel is an entirely “internal” affair.
ECONOMY-SOUTH AFRICA: ‘We Need Interventions’ February 13th, 2009
Dear Editors,
A team from GEDA came to America. They do not think SA has any problems and hence criticized American businesses. So, I guess American businesses are going to bypass South Africa for any FDI and new business ventures.
Just something that is happening behind the scenes.
POLITICS-US: Petraeus Leaked Misleading Story on Pullout Plans February 13th, 2009
Dear Editors,
President Obama needs to learn lesson # 1: He is commander in chief. He can fire or demote any military person at any time. Generals need to remember that they follow orders.
DR-CONGO: How Many More Will Be Raped? February 13th, 2009
Dear Editors,
Can you tell me how to make a donation to Dr. Mukwege’s hospital program? I understand that I can give to V-Day, and I’m happy to do that. But they run anti-violence programs all over the world and I’d like to be able to donate something extra directly to Dr. Mukwege’s work.
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision February 10th, 2009
Dear Editors,
I am glad to see that we have elected a president that makes the generals understand that they work for him. I also do not think that retired generals have any business in making any inputs on how our military is run.
Q&A:Israel May Escape War Crimes Charges February 9th, 2009
Dear Editors,
I agree with your statements 100%, now if we could get the people in the U.S. to listen. Apparently they have been brain washed for too long that the Israelis can do no wrong. How terrible it is that we still send money to Israel to support them in their theft of innocent peoples land. And murder I hope someone in the administration wakes up soon.
MIDEAST: So What Was the Assault All About February 6th, 2009
Dear Editors,
There is surely a lesson for Israeli governments from all parts of the
political spectrum to learn from the aftermath of the ‘67 war. In the
months after Israel’s stunning victory, instead of using the opportunity to come to an agreement which both Palestinians and Israelis could accept, the Israeli government had a rush of blood to its head. And felt itself omnipotent. It became haughty and disdainful and far too confident it had crushed the Palestinians for ever. This left the
Palestinians nowhere to go except towards the more radical elements in the PLO and stymied any debate within the Palestinian communities on just what would be acceptable as a settlement. It is becoming harder and harder for Israel to suppress discussion worldwide
on the Palestinian hopes and rights. The BBC worldwide poll this week
discovered that Israel is at the very bottom of world regard, alongside Iran and North Korea. Perhaps the Torah has something to say about this, namely that sitting down with your enemies is not cowardice. It could, as de Gaulle said about the peace talks with Algeria, lead to a Peace of the Brave.
Tim Symonds
Park Farm Oast
Bateman’s Lane Burwash
East Sussex
UK
THAILAND: Malay-Muslims Complain in Court of Torture February 5th, 2009
Dear Editors,
I agree this needs to go to court. I am concerned that the World community must be present to “hold court publically” and assure it is Just. I also would like to be part of an email campaign to show solidarity with these young men on their quest for Justice. If you become aware of one, please advise. It is not simply the verdict, but the process and conclusion of Thailand itself which will be the real outcome. This also has World effects re: UN Human Rights.
Thank you for this article and other great articles. Wishing you investigations and reporting success and safety.
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal February 5th, 2009
Dear Editors,
They have just begun a campaign to blame Obama’s troop withdraw plan for the ultimate collapse of political “stability” that they expect to follow a US withdrawal… Man, that is spun so fantastically…I’m impressed, possibly beyond coherent comment. President Clinton wasn’t that good - and he was the best.
Bunch of troops = political stability. Take troops away = political instability.
Buddy, that ain’t rocket science. If it happens that way, and there’s a 80%-20% chance it does, Patraeus won’t need a campaign, he’ll need a plane ticket to a non-extradition country because there’s no way the media is going to let the fall of Iraq land on Obama’s door step where it belongs. I guarantee you they will try to put a political collapse on anybody but Obama.
Well spun though. I was going to send the link to your piece to a buddy of mine but I decided against it when I got to the CYA Campaign. He’s not smart enough to figure his way around that mine field and I’ll end up having to explain that if you take an area that is politically stable and pull out 90% of what makes that area stable and it becomes unstable… Uh, where’s that rocket scientist when you need him.
POLITICS: U.N. Chief Sets Bar High in Aftermath of Gaza February 5th, 2009
Dear Editors,
Mr. Rabbani’s article hits the nail right on the head! The U.N. and all the other so-called moral or law-based entities are nothing more than podiums for those who possess the money and the power. I would welcome a renaissance whereby politicians actually pursued the objective letter of the law with impartiality but, as that takes a strong spine and the courage of ones convictions, I expect to see God descending from the heavens first as the world ends!
Here’s a thought, instead of wasting their respective taxpayer’s monies, they could disband the U.N. the E.U. and all the other hypocritical organizations that spout their fancy dialog while accomplishing nothing of real value and wasting time!
SUDAN: African Union Against Indictment of Al-Bashir February 4th, 2009
Dear Editors,
If Bashir is prosecuted, then any African leader who uses force to stay
in power can be indicted and with this I agree. It raises more questions than answers. When will we be allowed, as citizens, to indict Russian and Chinese oligarchs who sell weapons who make this repression possible? When will we be able to indict the leaders in world power nations? This indictment sets a precedent in international law and has severe implications for national sovereignty. At what point does it violate the UN Declaration right to internal sovereignty and to whom does this right apply?
Justin G. Steyn
IDASA
“Promoting democracy, active citizenship and social justice”
RIGHTS: ICC Investigating Israel War Crimes Charges February 4th, 2009
Dear Editors,
I read your story with great interest as I am concerned with war crimes and persecution of people everywhere. I have a question: Will the ICC in their investigation of these alleged war crimes by Israel also take into account the boasted fact that Hamas used civilians as human shields and that is why so many were killed? Seems to me not only sorted out information ought to be the evidence looked at. Thank you. I would direct my question to ICC but I don’t know how to do that.
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision February 3rd, 2009
Dear Editors,
Can they possibly believe that the American military is actually
protecting the Iraqis from themselves?
I can only imagine how difficult it is for these military men to see
that a bad war is better lost, and lost quickly, than won over a long
and bloody struggle. The truth is this war should not be won, because
it’s objectives are immoral and criminal. It will be better for Iraq
and for America if we admit the mistake and accept the failure that
must come from it.
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal February 3rd, 2009
Dear Editors,
Obama will not support the military. Our best bet is to make sure it is
well known what he and his ilk are doing to the safety of Americans and the
dishonor to those who have paid the ultimate price obeying orders and
fighting for Democracy around the world. Congress can override this
President. I don’t know if they will. You know the media will aid Obama.
U.S.: More Troops, More Worries, Less Consensus on Afghanistan February 3rd, 2009
Dear Editors,
What evidence do we have that the 9/11 terrorist trained in Afghanistan? I thought the 9/11 terrorist trained here in the US(flying lessons).
John Booke
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal February 2nd, 2009
Dear Editors,
Obama ran on an anti war footing and that gelled with the electorate; it would be political suicide, to reverse field now. Even Nixon lived up to the pledge he made in the end during the Vietnam era. If the Generals don’t like the notion of disengagement, let them do what those who opposed the Bush policies did by resigning because here Sir, the People rule, and they have voiced majority distaste for the conflict in very high percentiles for several years now. Saddy has met the hangman, and the WMD’s are not found. End of mission.
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision February 2nd, 2009
Dear Editors,
Perhaps the most telling part of the article was the discussions about “how to blame Obama” for a failure which they will probably engineer. They have never presented any kind of a plan for withdrawal as far as I can see, and why should they? They don’t want the conflict to end. The military -industrial complex is hugely profitable. They certainly do not care that they are spending taxpayers’ dollars, and a disproportionate sum of it is squandered on profiteering and out-and-out waste. There is no question in my mind that having no withdrawal plan in place is only exacerbating the problem by having the Iraquis see the US as occupiers who have no intention of leaving-and I’m beginning to think they are right.
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision February 2nd, 2009
Dear Editors,
Given Petraeus’s order from the current commander - in - chief , the one elected by the people of this country by substantial majorities of both popular and electoral votes to formulate a plan for removal of most US combat troops from Iraq within the 16months timetable, can someone explain his presence at the Superbowl ceremonies yesterday?
And as far as Keane and Odierno are concerned - I would strongly suggest that they quickly recognize that President Obama is their commander in Chief and that Bush has gone home!!! Unless they want to do the same - I suggest they get on board and follow orders - any failure to do so is I believe insubordination subjecting them to court martial.
CLIMATE CHANGE: New Findings Show Antarctic Warming February 2nd, 2009
Dear Editors,
You should do some research on this article and the people who wrote
it. It is about the same as the infamous “Mann Hockey Stick”
graph. It is a complete fabrication and goes against all actual
recorded data. These folks simply created a model to show the
results that they wanted.
It isn’t science when it is subject to ridicule by any grade schooler
that wants to look up the real data and check on what was done.
The magazine “Nature” has a history of biased articles and apparently
has never owned up to the errors of the Mann Hockey Stick.
There has been quite a bit of buzz on the Internet on this article
already.
That is the beauty of statistical studies - you can pick information
to support whatever side of the argument you want.
Wayne Delbeke, growing more and more skeptical of AGW by the day, but
not necessarily GW (or GC for that matter).
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision February 2nd, 2009
Dear Editors,
Of course, this brings back memories of the Truman-McCarthur flap over pursuit of the Chinese across the Yalu River. Will Obama rise to the occasion? Petraus is probably positioning himself for a future in 2012 politics.
US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal February 2nd, 2009
Dear Editors,
Generals should stay out of politics They should lead their troops instead of flapping their yaps on television. That is the Commander In Chief’s job, not theirs…
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