Greetings Readers,
These notations coupled with my commentary are taken from international networks, that are mostly Asian and European. Frequently I find these news items more accurate and enlightening than U. S. domestic media sources.
- The former President of the United Nations General Assembly was arrested on corruption charges. He allegedly was bribed and compensated with 1.3 million dollars. It is presupposed he spent part of the lucre for family vacations and to erect a sports court at this home. This is peanuts for this official and any long-term in power reputable political figure. I wonder what else may be uncovered. Still, many politicians are bribed and corrupted legally and nothing is said, no prosecution taken. The U. S. Congress and others elected bodies over the world are prime examples. But, I guess We’re all vulnerable. Well, probably not the Pope.
- Every political system draws corruption and corrupted individuals whether capitalist, socialist, liberal, conservative, theological, and or tribal. Corruption lies in the heart of self-centered, egotistical, greedy men and can only be eliminated by basic moralistic educations that should be available to everyone. Think about, what is the most, the most dangerous evil in the world today? It’s ignorance.
- “Snowdon will accept prison if returned to the U. S.” This fellow is an idealist, and one who endangered the established system. Snowdon forfeited an excellent, secure, prestigious, and well-paying position while living with his fiancé in Hawaii before blowing the whistle on what he believed was a surveillance organization gone out of control jeopardizing the privacy of individuals and the governments of other counties. He was brave in breaking the law. We should welcome the debate he caused. In my opinion Snowdon should be dealt with fairly and temperately.
- For the first time the Chinese Yuan has overtaken the Japanese Yen in world currency value. China is the largest consumer of raw materials on the globe. (See Notes Off the Cuff last week)
- The East Ukraine rebels have postponed their planned local referendum until 2016. The outcome may decide the few provinces that will meld with the Russian Federation or remain with the central government. Definitely a democratic and civilized process that should have been carried our near the outset of the Ukraine, Rebel east, and Russia conflict two years ago. It wasn’t. It is somewhat pleasing cooler heads have prevailed and all sides hope for the best on their own terms of course
- Global Forecast reports 12 nations have quickly, quickly inked the TPP, Trans Pacific Packed, with the United States. It’s no wonder. I can understand their urgency. The treaty will benefit them more than the U.S.. Seems with every officiated trade and business agreement, whether it by Clinton, Bush, or Obama, American workers lose jobs. No wonder Trump calls our politicians and leaders “Stupid.” We have lost more than we gain and I’m sure those countries know it. Who authors these trade treaties? The answer is big business not the people, environmentalist, or unions.
- The Haze conditions is the big stories in southeast Asia. During the dry season, jungles and fields are taken by flame as new and old ground is cut to accommodate crops, people, resources, and animals. This causes polluted smoky, foggy, unhealthy, toxic air. Singapore, and Malaya are chief protesters. Most of the smoke comes from Indonesia’s Island of Sumatra. The complaint from the Malaya is bogus because they originate their share. This atmospheric effect has been going on for over 30 years and has never been resolved. It happens every year almost on schedule. The President of Indonesia, Wodo, has stated, unfortunately the problem will occur for another several years. Just today the President revoked the licenses of 30 companies contributing to the current haze crisis.
- The mistaken U.S. airstrike at Kuduz, Afghanistan was a tragedy that killed 12 Doctors Without Borders personnel and ten patients including three children.We can’t imagine the true cost in human terms. The potential these doctors and nurses possessed was lost forever. Their medical skills, and talents gone into the ether, and let us not neglect the lives of other victims. After the blame game was over the U.S. admitted the deeply regretted error. Because our support troops numbering several thousands, and aircraft will continue to be stationed in the country after 2016 similar episodes may occur. This is a necessary strategy, but is it a formula for a quick withdrawal should the Taliban succeed. The Muslim guerrilla army have staying power and chances are the Taliban will. It does not depend on the West, it will be up to the Afghanistan government to defend itself with tasted U. S. assistance. But, why and what are we doing there in the longest war in American history, so far? Was it a mistake? Was it a mistake to invade in the first place? Presidential candidate Ben Carter thinks it was an error of judgement. The candidate put it out in forum and print several years ago. Once brought to the attention of other ravenous candidates the soft-spoken Carter was lambasted for the earlier comment. Taking the position not to invade at the time were liberals and a few others, mostly academicians. They advised against the invasion realizing “easy in and hard to get out” not quite imaging at least 14 years to accomplish the goal. I was one of them. Our stance was, as it turned out, justified. The 300 Afghan tribes had been fighting among themselves and against foreign intervention for centuries. However, it was difficult not to invade at the time. We were struck by 9-11 fever several months before and the American public demanded revenge. Bush went ahead. Looking back with 20-20 hindsight, a few well-trained brigades and special forces should have attempted to take out bin Laden and al Qaeda . They tried unsuccessfully in the short Bora-Bora campaign. (well reported and analyzed) Successful or not, a measured withdrawal would be in order, leaving behind local special Intel. and commando units to harass and contain the spread of the spread of the terrorist group. The remaining troops would leave with regrets to the radical Taliban for the invasion. Case closed. A fourteen year quagmire would have been averted.
- Financial America quotes: “U. S. bank profits are racing to records levels, and Wall street profits projected to be 18 billion dollars by years end.” They are making money hand over fist.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu “We will do everything in our power to abolish the current wave of Palestinian Terrorism.” After the stabbing of a couple last week 15 suspects were arrested. Lethal fire against stone-throwing terrorist was authorized. It is a bit disconcerting and sad to watch French and Britain’s Sky TV and observe young 16-18 year old “terrorist” kids slinging stones with tear gas clouds in the background. It’s no way for Palestinians to live. Two more stabbing occurred thereafter, and one Palestinian demonstrator was killed and another attempting to attack the police. Perhaps 13 “terrorist’s domiciles were demolished while Palestinian desperation continues, and the conflict appears to be renewed with street demonstrations every other day over some incident. To call the Palestinians terrorist on their own land is a stretch. They are fighting for a right to have their own nation against an oppressor. They’re not the only conquered territory, Israel has other occupied lands in Lebanon and the entire Golan Heights. These zones have been heavily fortified and militarized by IDF, the Israel Defense Force.
- As I conclude this post Russia has launched missiles and sent additional fighter planes against Assad’s main enemies and ISIS. The Pentagon states Russia’s military intervention into Syria is a big mistake. Maybe. We have already made our critical mistakes in Iraq and in Afghanistan. If an adversary is about to commit suicide do we stop him?
- That was almost all of the news fit to print.
- All the Best. Ron Miller.
