UPDATE!!!
Update to earlier blog entry about a local St. Louis area Housing Discrimination/Conservative morality (culture wars) case that has national implications. New information has emerged regarding this case over the past few days.
New information here. (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF ENTRY FOR UPDATE)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
UN Security Council Agrees to Ceasefire in Lebanon
The UN Security Councils P5 and Israel, finally agree to a ceasefire deal in Lebanon.
However, the deal is very shaky in my opinion. Too many questions left open or unanswered.
One thing to remember is how volatile of a region this really is. In the 50+ years of war in that part of the world, the UN Security council has always resisted sending peacekeepers to the area to keep fighting parties apart. Why? Most experts agree that any robust Army of peacekeepers (especially U.S. troops), would get sucked into a conflict there. This is because truces and agreements are always shaky in the region, and often collapse into more fighting.
UN Peacekeepers are risking being the targets of an insurgency, much like the insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan. The question is, will they be allowed to fight back, and if so, to what extent? Another question will be.... how long are they willing to hold out against such attacks before they pull out? Most experts have stated in the past that a Guerilla type war is likely if foreign troops are introduced into the region in or around Israel. This would be a disaster for that part of the Middle East.
U.S. troops understand this very well. In the early 1980's the U.S. marines experienced a devastating attack in Beruit. The U.S. hasn't been back since. Israel itself invaded Southern Lebanon 2 decades ago and stayed for many years, but they paid a heavy cost. The Israeli occupation of Lebanon is known in Israel as the Israeli version of the Vietnam War. The only UN troops that have been there have been a small contingent of observer troops (about 2000) with no firepower. International troops have been in the Sinai region for many years (Egypts border with Israel), but these are not heavily populated areas, so an insurgency never took root there.
So the idea of foreign troops in that region has been a no no.
But I agree that something had to be done. We shall see what happens. Hopefully this will ease the suffering of the civilian population in Israel and Lebanon.
__________________________
Article from the Guardian
Annan sets 5am Lebanon ceasefire
Sunday August 13, 2006
United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan announced today that the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel would end at 5am tomorrow (6am BST).
Mr Annan said he had been in touch with prime ministers Fuad Saniora of Lebanon and Ehud Olmert of Israel to discuss the exact time and date when the cessation of hostilities called for by a UN Security Council resolution would enter into force.
He said: "I am happy to announce that the two leaders have agreed that the cessation of hostilities and the end of the fighting will enter into force on 14 August, at 0500 hours GMT.
"Preferably the fighting should stop now to respect the spirit and intent of the Gaza decision, the object of which was to save civilians' lives, to spare the pain, the suffering that the civilians on both sides are living through.
Continue Here
However, the deal is very shaky in my opinion. Too many questions left open or unanswered.
One thing to remember is how volatile of a region this really is. In the 50+ years of war in that part of the world, the UN Security council has always resisted sending peacekeepers to the area to keep fighting parties apart. Why? Most experts agree that any robust Army of peacekeepers (especially U.S. troops), would get sucked into a conflict there. This is because truces and agreements are always shaky in the region, and often collapse into more fighting.
UN Peacekeepers are risking being the targets of an insurgency, much like the insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan. The question is, will they be allowed to fight back, and if so, to what extent? Another question will be.... how long are they willing to hold out against such attacks before they pull out? Most experts have stated in the past that a Guerilla type war is likely if foreign troops are introduced into the region in or around Israel. This would be a disaster for that part of the Middle East.
U.S. troops understand this very well. In the early 1980's the U.S. marines experienced a devastating attack in Beruit. The U.S. hasn't been back since. Israel itself invaded Southern Lebanon 2 decades ago and stayed for many years, but they paid a heavy cost. The Israeli occupation of Lebanon is known in Israel as the Israeli version of the Vietnam War. The only UN troops that have been there have been a small contingent of observer troops (about 2000) with no firepower. International troops have been in the Sinai region for many years (Egypts border with Israel), but these are not heavily populated areas, so an insurgency never took root there.
So the idea of foreign troops in that region has been a no no.
But I agree that something had to be done. We shall see what happens. Hopefully this will ease the suffering of the civilian population in Israel and Lebanon.
__________________________
Article from the Guardian
Annan sets 5am Lebanon ceasefire
Sunday August 13, 2006
United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan announced today that the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel would end at 5am tomorrow (6am BST).
Mr Annan said he had been in touch with prime ministers Fuad Saniora of Lebanon and Ehud Olmert of Israel to discuss the exact time and date when the cessation of hostilities called for by a UN Security Council resolution would enter into force.
He said: "I am happy to announce that the two leaders have agreed that the cessation of hostilities and the end of the fighting will enter into force on 14 August, at 0500 hours GMT.
"Preferably the fighting should stop now to respect the spirit and intent of the Gaza decision, the object of which was to save civilians' lives, to spare the pain, the suffering that the civilians on both sides are living through.
Continue Here
Political Analysis of Recent Events
Political Analysis of Recent Events from NPR's Ed Gordon Program, News and Notes.
Host of this segment is NPR reporter Tony Cox.
From NPR
Three incumbents in the Senate and House loose their primary bids. Are more to come? Or were Tuesday's upsets merely a blip on the political radar? Tony Cox talks about how the losses could affect mid-term strategy with Robert George, an editorial writer with The New York Post, and Jennifer Palmieri, vice president of communications at the Center for American Progress.
Listen to Segment Here
Host of this segment is NPR reporter Tony Cox.
From NPR
Three incumbents in the Senate and House loose their primary bids. Are more to come? Or were Tuesday's upsets merely a blip on the political radar? Tony Cox talks about how the losses could affect mid-term strategy with Robert George, an editorial writer with The New York Post, and Jennifer Palmieri, vice president of communications at the Center for American Progress.
Listen to Segment Here
Commentary On Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway, the Soul Legend of the 60's and 70's, was remembered last week in a written NPR Commentary. A great read. I too am a fan of Donny Hathaway and try to remind people about him whenever I can. He also happened to be from my hometown of St. Louis, MO.I tried to start an effort to get his name placed on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.... (a well known location here where we celebrate the great artists, actors, political and civic leaders who came from this area). However, the effort stalled. Why his name has not been included is beyond me. He's probably the greatest St. Louis Musician who has yet to be honored here.
SIDE NOTE:
For those who may not know... the St. Louis Walk of Fame is nothing like the Hollywood Walk of Fame... two totally different kinds of organizations. The bar is much much higher for honorees on the St. Louis Walk of Fame (has been so far at least). Choosing honorees is more stringent and is more tied to talent and real impact on the Arts, the community and the wider society. Someone like Britney Spears for example (who is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame) would not cut it for the St. Louis Walk of Fame.... she wouldn't even get on the ballot, lol.
_________________
Here is the NPR Commentary
Thursday, August 10, 2006
New Terror Plot Disrupted In Britain
The Angry Independent: I Imagine that the U.S. Threat Level Might Be Raised At Some Point, Since These Planes Would Have Been Headed For the U.S.
UPDATE: U.S.<-->British Flights Put At Threat Level Red. Other Flights Put At Threat Level Orange.
A terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid-flight from the UK to the US has been disrupted, Scotland Yard has said.
It is thought the plan was to detonate up to three explosive devices smuggled on aircraft in hand luggage.
Police have arrested about 18 people in the London area after an anti-terrorist operation lasting several months.
Security at all airports in the UK has been tightened and delays are reported. MI5 has raised the UK threat level to critical - the highest possible. According to MI5's website, critical threat level means "an attack is expected imminently and indicates an extremely high level of threat to the UK".
More Here (Updated Reporting From BBC)
_____________________
Additional Source
The Moderate Voice Has More Coverage of This Story.
Egyptian Students Disappear After Entering U.S.
11 Egyptian Students Disappear After Arriving in the U.S.
The U.S. Has Still Not Fixed One of the Main Vulnerabilities that Led to the 9/11 Disaster.
I have been saying for years that the Immigration entry programs should be overhauled, particularly the student visa programs. Nothing was done after 9/11 to tighten or restrict this program. This gaping hole in U.S. Security remains, 5 years after 9/11.
This is why the Visa programs should be cutback. Student Visas should be limited or eliminated for certain sensitive parts of the world. I know this is controversial, but I see few other choices.
However, I have proposed in the past, several alternatives. The U.S. government should encourage U.S. schools to make courses available to foreign students, by building campuses overseas...in Asia and Europe. Courses could also be offered through online programs. If foreign students want to attend a U.S. College or University, they should have that opportunity. However, it does not necessarily mean that they must come to U.S. soil to accomplish that goal. There are several U.S. Universities that already have campuses overseas. This concept could simply be expanded to accommodate more students.
One of the main complaints of U.S. schools has been that they would lose revenue. This is overblown. I am not suggesting that ALL student Visa programs should be eliminated. They should be severely cutback or eliminated for Students from certain countries, where we know there is an increased threat to the United States. Anything less than this is negligence on the part of the U.S. government.
For those few student Visas that would be allowed from sensitive parts of the world (in my plan) those students would be investigated more extensively. This would be the purpose of limiting the number of applicants- to allow U.S. authorities to ensure that the remaining Visa applicants are properly vetted. Currently this is not happening. U.S. Consulate offices around the world are handing out U.S. Visas like candy, just as they were before 9/11. This provides easy access for Terrorists who wish to enter the United States. Incidents like this one, involving the Egyptian students, apparently occur several times a year.
This is why I say that Bush & Co. is blowing a lot of smoke when they tell the American people that they are working hard to protect the nation in the so-called War On Terror.
The U.S. is not much safer now than it was before 9/11.
_____________________
Article On the 11 Egyptian Students.
As of today at least 3 have been located and taken into custody. Search still on for remaining 8 subjects.
The U.S. Has Still Not Fixed One of the Main Vulnerabilities that Led to the 9/11 Disaster.
I have been saying for years that the Immigration entry programs should be overhauled, particularly the student visa programs. Nothing was done after 9/11 to tighten or restrict this program. This gaping hole in U.S. Security remains, 5 years after 9/11.
This is why the Visa programs should be cutback. Student Visas should be limited or eliminated for certain sensitive parts of the world. I know this is controversial, but I see few other choices.
However, I have proposed in the past, several alternatives. The U.S. government should encourage U.S. schools to make courses available to foreign students, by building campuses overseas...in Asia and Europe. Courses could also be offered through online programs. If foreign students want to attend a U.S. College or University, they should have that opportunity. However, it does not necessarily mean that they must come to U.S. soil to accomplish that goal. There are several U.S. Universities that already have campuses overseas. This concept could simply be expanded to accommodate more students.
One of the main complaints of U.S. schools has been that they would lose revenue. This is overblown. I am not suggesting that ALL student Visa programs should be eliminated. They should be severely cutback or eliminated for Students from certain countries, where we know there is an increased threat to the United States. Anything less than this is negligence on the part of the U.S. government.
For those few student Visas that would be allowed from sensitive parts of the world (in my plan) those students would be investigated more extensively. This would be the purpose of limiting the number of applicants- to allow U.S. authorities to ensure that the remaining Visa applicants are properly vetted. Currently this is not happening. U.S. Consulate offices around the world are handing out U.S. Visas like candy, just as they were before 9/11. This provides easy access for Terrorists who wish to enter the United States. Incidents like this one, involving the Egyptian students, apparently occur several times a year.
This is why I say that Bush & Co. is blowing a lot of smoke when they tell the American people that they are working hard to protect the nation in the so-called War On Terror.
The U.S. is not much safer now than it was before 9/11.
_____________________
Article On the 11 Egyptian Students.
As of today at least 3 have been located and taken into custody. Search still on for remaining 8 subjects.
Americans Unaware of When 9/11 Occurred
Report from AFP News Service
September 11 -- what year? 30 percent of Americans don't know
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Some 30 percent of Americans cannot say in what year the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against New York's World Trade Center and the
Pentagon in Washington took place, according to a poll published in the Washington Post newspaper.
While the country is preparing to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and shocked the world, 95 percent of Americans questioned in the poll were able to remember the month and the day of the attacks, according to Wednesday's edition of the newspaper.
But when asked what year, 30 percent could not give a correct answer.
Of that group, six percent gave an earlier year, eight percent gave a later year, and 16 percent admitted they had no idea whatsoever.
This memory black hole is essentially the problem of the older crowd: 48 percent of those who did not know were between the ages of 55 and 64, and 47 percent were older than 65, according to the poll.
The Post telephone survey was carried out July 21-24 among 1,002 randomly selected adults. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.
__________________
The Daily Kos is also covering story here.
September 11 -- what year? 30 percent of Americans don't know
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Some 30 percent of Americans cannot say in what year the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against New York's World Trade Center and the
Pentagon in Washington took place, according to a poll published in the Washington Post newspaper.
While the country is preparing to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and shocked the world, 95 percent of Americans questioned in the poll were able to remember the month and the day of the attacks, according to Wednesday's edition of the newspaper.
But when asked what year, 30 percent could not give a correct answer.
Of that group, six percent gave an earlier year, eight percent gave a later year, and 16 percent admitted they had no idea whatsoever.
This memory black hole is essentially the problem of the older crowd: 48 percent of those who did not know were between the ages of 55 and 64, and 47 percent were older than 65, according to the poll.
The Post telephone survey was carried out July 21-24 among 1,002 randomly selected adults. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.
__________________
The Daily Kos is also covering story here.
Analysis of Joe Lieberman Loss
Hear analysis of Joe Lieberman loss from Public Radio (NPR).
NPR's All Things Considered
Talk Of The Nation
Morning Edition
The Moderate Voice is Also Covering the Aftermath of the Lieberman Defeat.
NPR's All Things Considered
Talk Of The Nation
Morning Edition
The Moderate Voice is Also Covering the Aftermath of the Lieberman Defeat.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
