Thursday, November 30, 2006

How Bad the Oil Crisis Has Become


Experts say oil is running out, and we need to find alternatives for it fast! In the Gulf of Mexico, US oil companies have found oil deep in the ocean, but that compared with our annual consumtion is pennies. In the Middle East, we all know the Arabs are sitting on all the oil, but the instability of the region makes it hard to keep a steady flow of supply. A Chinese airliner, in all their mathematical wisdom, has calculated it takes a liter of fuel to flush the toilet at 30,000 feet in the air. They are urging customers to use the bathroom before boarding. But what if we could use that water in the toilet as our fuel. The fact is we can! We have the resources and supply (5 oceans), then why aren't we jumping for joy? The fact is until the oil has not completely run out, interest groups in Washington will continue to lobby against such measures. Oil is a very profitable industry, its scarcity makes it even more popular. So hurry, use the oil, so we can get to the water.
(Picture: Toilets (w/o paritions), see the power of the flush, picture it in your car)

The Wrap Up





Todays top stories are:
  • Iraqi force can take over by June 2007. In an exclusive interview with ABC News Prime Minister al-Maliki of Iraq said his government and forces will be able to take over security commandy by June 2007. The transcript released by ABC says "I can say that Iraqi forces will be ready, fully ready to receive this command and to command its own forces, and I can tell you that by next June our forces will be ready."
  • Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. CNN.com calls him a "Washington outsider with heartland appeal." Senator Hillary Clinton still remain the Democratic front-runner.
  • Bodies were found today near Baquba, Iraq. Official say that at least 80 bodies were found in mass graves with sign of torture and gun shot wounds.
  • Former President Bill Clinton's foundation anti-AIDs initiative has achieve success. Today Clinton and two Indian pharmaceutical companies came to an agreement to cut prices of HIV and AIDS treatment for children. The foundation says the plan will allow treatment to reach children for less than 16 cents a day.

Rice Holds Separate Talks with Israeli and Palestinian Leaders

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held talk with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (Israel) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Her talks with both sides were in regards to a ceasefire declared in Gaza over this past weekend. She is looking to find a permanent peace agreement in which two countries would be able to live side by side in peace with one another. Rice said:
“Everybody recognizes that the creation of a viable, independent democratic Palestinian state that can live side by side in peace with Israel would be not just a remarkable achievement but a just achievement”
The Prime Minister of Israel said that this is “important step that was likely to both contribute towards calm and advance the peace processes in the region." He continued on urging the Palestinian people and government to move forward with peaceful negotiations and to stop the violence towards the State of Israel.

This is a very important step in the Peace Process, which stopped in 2000 when President Bush took office. Former President Bill Clinton had made significant strides in the region and I think Secretary of State Rice is attempting to pick up where his administration left off.

Iraqi Prime Minister & President Bush Met Today

Today President Bush and Prime Minister al-Maliki of Iraq met to discuss different strategies in the increasingly difficult war. CNN.com Reports:
President Bush on Thursday expressed support for Iraq's prime minister and said the United States will speed a turnover of security responsibility to Iraqi forces.

Bush also insisted the U.S. will stay "until the job is complete."

He's the right guy for Iraq," Bush said of al-Maliki after the two met Thursday.

These comments made by President Bush mean several things. First he said that U.S. will stay, he does not mention armed forces, this could mean diplomatic and financial assistants will stay. The reason I mention this is because yesterday the Iraqi study group announced that they plan would include a withdrawal of troops from Iraq. As well Bush attempted to reassure the world that al-Maliki is the "right guy" for the job. This came after parts of the Iraqi government walked out on al-Maliki and memo by a top U.S. official was leaked yesterday concerning his abilities to lead.

I think that President Bush has learned something from the mid-term elections and the mounting turmoil in the Iraq situation. He has learned that in order for his legacy to not be worsened then it has become he must change his policy as well if he wants the Republican party to hold the Presidency in 2008 he must change.

For more information on the Press Conference Click Here

What do you think of the new Bush Policy towards Iraq?
11/30--First Post coming after 10:20 AM

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Wrap Up


Its that time of day heres the run down of what has happened so far in the news:
  • President Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki of Iraq was postponed after the NY Times published a letter regarding doubts of the Prime Ministers abilities as a leader. The meeting now scheduled for Thursday should be a "robust" meeting according to the White House, the White House also denies that the meeting was postponed due to the letter.
  • CNN.com reports that 2,700 troops, a total of 3 battalions will move into Baghdad. NO new troops are being deployed. However troops in more peaceful parts of the nation are being sent to the capitol city in order to deter sectarian violence.
  • The Baker Commission is scheduled to release its report on the Iraqi War to President Bush on December 6th. We will report more on their recommendations when they are released.
  • President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran today published a letter to the American people. It said that the U.S. should pullout its troops from Iraq. The letter also charged the Bush administration of waging a war based on "coercion, force, and injustice."
  • In coming Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced today that she will not place leading Democrat Alcce L. Hastings of Florida as chair of the Intelligence Committee. She has decided this due to Hastings tainted past. Pelosi is looking to ensure little scandal fallows the Democratic Parry in the next 2 years leading up to 2008.
  • NATO leaders who have been meeting in Latvia this week announced today that they will ease some restrictions governing rules of engagement in Afghanistan but only in Emergency situations. According to a NATO spokesmen 26,000 of the 32,000 troop in the country will be more usable.

Walmart Not Welcome


Walmat, the retail giant that sells just about everything, is facing hostility as it tries to expand into more metropolitan areas. Just recently the city council of San Diego turned out a bid to establish a Walmart Supercenter in their area. They passed a law prohibiting stores of more than 90,000 square feet that use 10 percent or more to sell groceries. Walmart sells groceries and averages about 183,000 square feet. The Major of San Diego will veto the bill; city council will need a five member vote to override.
San Diego joins New York which also banned a Walmart bid to open in Queens. While many argue Walmart will bring in a lot of jobs and lower priced products for the average family, it also has many negative impacts to consider. Small businesses will be out of business because they will not be able to survive the competition and large retailers lead to more traffic and pollution in any given area.
Walmart - good or bad for the community?
(Picture: Walmart the Movie Ad)

Election 2008 Update

According to the Washington Post Political Blogger Chris Cillizza:
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) will not run for president in 2008, according to sources close to the politician. Read more...
Further election updates, in a recent likability poll released by Quinnipiac University former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani is the most liked "possible candidate." I will continue to endorse the McCain-Giuliani ticket, however in recent months Condoleezza Rice has seperated herself so much from the Bush administration. I have not seen her and the President make an appearance together in some time. As well she has stepped up her diplomatic initiative in the political hot bed of the Middle East, could she be doing this for a potential nomination, I am not sure. I think it would be political suicide for the Republican party to nominate her or anyone closely associated with President Bush and his administration.

Below are the poll results for more information click here
1. Rudy Giuliani:       64.2 (9)
2. Barack Obama: 58.8 (41)
3. John McCain: 57.7 (12)
4. Condoleezza Rice: 56.1 (7)
5. Bill Clinton: 55.8 (1)
6. Joe Lieberman: 52.7 (16)
7. Michael Bloomberg: 51.4 (44)
8. John Edwards: 49.9 (20)
9. Hillary Clinton: 49 (1)
10. Bill Richardson: 47.7 (65)
The road to 2008 is still in its earliest days however by January or February of 2007 I expect we will see clear cut answer as to who will and will not be running.

Who do you want to run for President?

Iraqi Prime Minister has a problem.

Just ahead of President Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Maliki's support is dwindling in the U.S. and in Iraq. Today a report by the New York Times sites a memo written by
"President Bush’s national security adviser expressed serious doubts about whether Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki had the capacity to control the sectarian violence in Iraq and recommended that the United States take new steps to strengthen the Iraqi leader’s position."

What does this mean for the United States policy towards Iraq? It means a few things, first that we will see policy changes in regards to Iraq. Second we will probably see an implementation of the Baker commissions plan, to increase the United States diplomatic initiative in the region. The U.S. is not leaving Iraq in shambles, I feel that we will be there for decades to come. The American people must realize that although mistakes have been made along the way, we must now fix those mistakes in order to make the world safer then it was prior to September 11, 2001.

The Iraqi leader has also lost support in his own government. Just hours after the NY Times report, members of the Iraqi government who support the Mehdi Army militia loyal to anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. First of all, I think that its a big problem that his own cabinet is turning their back on him, the Iraqi people need to start taking responsibility for their actions against one another. CNN.com reports:
Cabinet ministers and members of the Iraqi parliament loyal to al-Sadr underscored al-Maliki's shaky position, saying they would stop participating in his government.

The al-Sadr supporters had said earlier they would take such action if al-Maliki went ahead with a meeting with Bush on Thursday in Jordan.

I think its horrible that these government officials do not support the dialog between the U.S. and Iraq. This means that they do not support peace in their country. Both sides of the conflict are going to have to make concessions in order for their to be peace.

President Bush's meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister will probably not change much in the region. It will just be political discussion of what both side, the U.S. and Iraq needs to do in the coming months. President Bush's policy of staying till the mission is complete is something that may hurt the chance of the Iraqi government taking control and responsibility for their own country.

What do you think of these new developments in the Iraq War?

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Israel-Palestinian Conflict

The Associated Press reported today:
Jordan's king said he will press President Bush to focus more attention on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict when the two meet this week.

In a speech to Parliament Tuesday, King Abdullah II described the Israeli-Palestinian dispute as the "core" issue in the Middle East.

He indicated that when he speaks with Bush, he would underline the need for the United States to push for peace.

Bush, however, is likely to steer the meeting toward Iraq's deteriorating security when he starts a two-day visit to Jordan on Wednesday for talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, hosted by Abdullah.

But Abdullah and the leaders of two other U.S. allies in the Middle East -- Egypt and Saudi Arabia -- argue the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the most pressing crisis in the region, and fear Islamic militancy will strengthen if it is not resolved.

This could mean great things for the region if President Bush stays focused on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. All the anger and hatred towards the western world by Radical Islam can be traced back to the conflict. I believe, if it were resolved and both sides were happy with the outcome we would see a dramatic decline in terrorist support by the Palestinian people. Electing Hamas to their government does show that they support the terrorist group. I feel that they do this because, although they use the wrong means, Hamas is the only one fighting for Palestinian rights. I think that the American government must once again step its diplomatic initiative within the region so that we can see peace. Former President Clinton had made significant strides in the region, however when President Bush took office he dropped the ball on this matter.

What do you think will make peace in the Middle East?

Stem Cell Research Tops Senate Agenda


Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has announed his priorities for the Senate: Stem Cell research, ethics reform, and raising the minimum wage. Stem Cell research, which was past by the 109th Congress, was the only bill to have been vetoed by President Bush. Reid says he hopes the President is willing to work with the new congress, but thus far does not see much of an effort. The Senate, which holds a hairline Democrat majority, lacks to guarantee the two-thirds majority that would be needed to override any possible vetoes. Also, Reid wants to achieve a fiscal overhaul in Congress, much of which he blames the Republican majority for damaging. "Citizens Against Government Waste, a taxpaper watchdog group, said there were 9,963 such projects in the spending bills for the 2006 budget year, costing $29 billion." As far as the minimum wage, he hopes to raise it from $5.15 to $7.25. This is the only proposal that the White House has shown any interest in.
(Source: Associated Press)

Bush Won't Pull Out


Despite news from the "coalition" in Iraq that they may be pulling out, President Bush remains adamant about remaining there. "There's one thing I'm not going to do, I'm not going to pull [out]," Bush stated in a speech on his oversees tour leading up to his meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister. Earlier this week Britian, Poland and other nations who still have troops stationed in Iraq said they may have complete withdrawal by the end of 2007.
(Source: Yahoo! News)

President Bush meeting with Iraqi Leaders

According to the Washington Post:
President Bush said Tuesday morning he will press Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a plan to contain the country's escalating sectarian violence, though he refused to characterize the situation in Iraq as a civil war.

Previewing the message he will carry with him to Amman, Jordan, where he will meet Maliki for a summit later this week, Bush said he will ask the Iraqi leader, "What do we need to do to succeed? What is your strategy in dealing with the sectarian violence?"

President Bush's diplomatic approach to change in Iraq is a more then welcomed event. I see this as to opening the Pandora's Box of Iraqi control. This is possibly the start of transferring the power in Iraq to the Iraqi government. President Bush wants the Iraq Prime Minister to take control and make decisions of what will happen next. I see this as an important step in avoiding the impending civil war, although many media outlets are calling it that already.

What changes do you think need to happen in the Iraqi government in terms of their control over the war in Iraq?

The War in Afganistan over in time for 2008

President Bush is in Estonia today ahead of his meeting with the countries of NATO. There he met with the President Estonia and he began his mission of urging NATO allies to provide the necessary forces to fight the war in Afghanistan. NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said at the 2 Day summit that "Afghanistan is Mission Possible," he also said that by 2008 NATO forces will begin transferring power to Afghani security forces. He urged that their will not be a complete withdrawal of allied forces. On Presidents Bush first meeting with NATO since the mid-term upset he said that NATO forces and countries must be prepared for anything in Afghanistan. He is referencing that these types of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can change very quickly. We may be winning the war in Afghanistan today and tomorrow we may not.

Personally I think that it is amazing how Americans barely recognize that the War in Afghanistan is still happening our media is to focused on Iraq. However I think its interesting that great success is schedule for 2008 right ahead of a Presidential election. This "success" could do 2 things, first it will allow American forces to come home and second it will shift what the American public is watching. Americans who saw the country going nowhere in the "War on Terror" will see us as victorious. As well it will allow American forces to focus completely and solely on the War in Iraq, which I doubt will be over. What do you think the end of the war in Afghanistan will mean for America?

Rice meets with PA

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to meet with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority today in Jordan. The conversation will include topics such as: the ceasefire in Gaza, and Hamas' role in the PA. As well the State Department reports that Rice could meet with both the Israeli Government and Palestinian Authority with regards to negotiating a "permanent" peace agreement. According to a report by Reuters Prime Minister Ehud Olmerts has said as of today "there were no plans for him to meet Rice."

This meetings however change daily, we will try to keep you posted.

Monday, November 27, 2006

It's Official: Iraqi Civil War 2006-200?

Major news networks have begun to call the new phase of the Iraqi War - the Iraqi Civil War. President Bush has repeated denounced such a label, which may cause the US to have less of a say in the future of Iraq. In a civil war, diplomatic negotiations are usually dealth with internally or regionally (Iran's hosting of Peace Summit). Rule from across the Atlantic will be less meaningful if the War in Iraq is seen as an internal conflict. However, this in no way means that we cannot support a side. Thus far we have been supporting the Shia majority in Iraq, but this could alienate the Sunni worldwide majority.

The Wrap Up




Its that time of the day, its a little after 5 O'Clock lets see whats going on.
  • United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan reports that Iraq is on the verge of Civil War. This news comes at a time when the Bush Administration has begun working harder on its diplomatic efforts to resolve and stabilize the situation in Iraq.
  • Vice President Dick Cheney met with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah over the weekend. Meeting notes included; the developments in Iraq, Irans influence in the region, the status of Hamas in Gaza, Syrias diplomatic status, and Syrias role in Lebanon's government.
  • President Bush will be meeting with NATO later this week. The White House says that he will be asking for more NATO forces to fight in Afghanistan. As well he wants less restriction what these forces can and cannot do.
  • Iraq's President Jalal Talbini arrived in Iran earlier today to meet with his Iranian counterpart. Their conversation included finding a way to calm the escalating violence in Iraq. These talks also show Iran's growing diplomatic strength in the region.
  • The draft proposal of the Iraqi Study group came out. It sets forth a Middle East diplomatic initiative including face to face talks with Syria and Iran. However it sets no time table for troop withdrawal. Little debate is expected over the diplomatic initiative however the lack of time table will see much debate. Congressional leaders will continue their screams for a troop reduction in Iraq. Members of Congress feel that until the U.S. sets forth a time table for troop withdrawal, the Iraqi government will continue to be slow in creating an effective military force.
  • Israel and Palestinian leaders have committed to a ceasefire in Gaza.

In Informed Students news we are working on 2 new features for the blog--a podcast version of the Wrap Up and a weekly wrap up live Radio show on the WCDB Albany. They are both in the very early planning stages however we hope to have these features up by the New Year.

Dem's Investigatations Soon To Come

After sweeping the Congressional elections this past month, Democrats have promised to begin the much-anticipated investigations of several "wrongdoings" in Congress. The Chairman of House Energy Committee, John Dingell (D-Mich), announced inquiries his Committee will make to assess the damage the Republicans have caused from the past few years in control. Among the investigations include spending on Government contracts in Iraq and an energy task force overseen by Dick Cheney.
Some Committee leaders such as Charles Rangel have said that he does not wish to fight with Bush, rather prove that the Democrats can govern. The investigations can be key in further damaging Republican credibility for the upcoming Presidential Election in 2008.

Changes in Iraq

The United Kingdom has announced large troop cut backs by the end of 2007, Britain's Defense Minister Des Browne said. Their are only 7,200 British troops in the region currently. This could place mounting pressure on the Bush administration to bring U.S. forces home. Britain has been the United States' longest standing ally in this war in Iraq, once they pull-out the U.S. will be left alone. Unless we see dramatic changes in the war I see the U.S. leaving with out victory before the 2008 Presidential election.

It is funny how politics play into a war. Personally I think that it is only natural for politicians to make decisions for the country based on the politicians own best interests. It is natural for human beings to want for themselves and therefore would base their decisions on that. Although that maybe horrible for the nation at large it is only natural, I feel that politicians find a balance of what is good for them and what is good for the nation. Politicians will always be motivated by reelection. What do you think the impact of the impending Presidential election has on Iraq policy?

Cease-Fire in Gaza

Over the weekend a cease-fire agreement was reached between Israel Defense Forces and militants in Gaza strip. Reuters reports:
Israel will be prepared to release many jailed Palestinians, including long-serving prisoners, in return for a soldier militants seized in June, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday.

In a major policy speech, Olmert said he was reaching out to the Palestinians for peace -- offering a series of humanitarian and economic incentives if violence against Israel ceased.


The cease fire and Olmerts offering may strike up peace talks or even an agreement in the coming weeks. However, I feel that as long as a terrorist group, Hamas continues to control the Palestinian Authority all hope is lost for peace in the region. The cease fire will most probably do two things. It will allow Israeli and Palestinian citizens to return to their homes. And it will allow the militants to rearm themselves and create larger scale attacks across the border, just as Hezbollah has done on Israels northern border with Lebanon. Prime Minister Ehud Omert has made it clear however that peace talks will only happen if certain steps are taken by the Palestinian Authority, the PA must form a Unity Government based on the requirements set forth by the west.
    • It must recognize the state of Israel.
    • Renounce violence.
    • Except existing peace agreements.
Personally I think nothing will change dramatically in the region. It looks at this moment that peace in the region is nearly impossible after the ceasefire was signed Saturday, more rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza.

It has been said that the only way to reach peace in the Middle-East is to resolve the Israel Palestinian conflict. What do you think about the chances for peace in the Middle East?

Iran is "ready to help" Iraq.

Later today President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran is scheduled to meet with his Iraqi counterpart President Jalal Talabani. They will meet in Tehran, Iran in order to discuss issues in Iraq. Pressure has mounted quickly after this weekends attacks, the deadliest Iraq has ever seen. Leaders from all groups are pressuring for an end to sectarian violence before an all out civil war starts. This meeting comes at a time when the Bush administration has been working to get Iraq to begin handling its own affairs in the region. President Bush has said that only way for stability to be reached in Iraq is for outside forces to stop helping insurgents, he has lead as to believe that these "outside forces" are coming from Iran and Syria.

The Iraq-Iran Presidential meeting today should be very interesting. I do not think the U.S. government is very trusting of Iran because of its nuclear ambition and this meeting could just be a way to showing the world that Iran is a "peaceful" nation. As well I think a ceasefire could be a very good thing for the Bush administration. It will allow U.S. troops to help train Iraqi forces and start returning the country to the Iraqis.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

The Wrap Up




So its the 5 O'Clock hour and its time for the wrap up. Here are todays biggest news stories.

  • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today postponed providing aid to Iran. Iran had asked the IAEA for technical aide. The IAEA provides this with no questions member nations particularly the United States are not sure that the Iran is looking to use this technology for peaceful means. The resolution will be put up in front of the entire 35 member Agency later this week.
  • The United Nations reports that October was the deadliest month in Iraq, stating that 3,709 Iraqi were killed in October. Furthermore thousand of Iraqi are fleeing the war torn country.
  • A CNN Poll states that most Americans liked the former President George H.W. Bush over President George W. Bush

Justification of the Draft

According to an editorial published in the Daily News by Rep. Charles Rangel, the reasons he was calling for a draft were to see what members of Congress would do if their sons and/or daughters were the ones fighting the war. He feels that Congress does not see how was affects those who are fighting and their families. Read his editorial in the Daily News by Clicking here.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Gates Has Tainted Past


Secretary of Defense Rumsfled's resignation led to the nomination of Robert Gates (no relation to Bill Gates) as his successor. Gates, who is known from his role as the Director of the CIA under Bush Sr., is expected to take the position without Democrats blocking his nomination. All the Democrats hope is that he understands the need to take a new direction in Iraq (direction the Democrats want). At this moment, that is questionable. Gates' CIA director nomination in the early 90's was blocked by Democrats because they claimed he fudged intelligence conclusions to fit Regan's political agenda, turning a blind eye on the Iran Contra scandal. If Gates is still as obedient to his boss (President Bush), he may see to it that troop levels in Iraq remain as is. The Democrats want the complete opposite.

The Wrap Up





So its 5 O'Clock in the afternoon and its time for the new daily wrap up of todays biggest stories.

  • Lebanese politician Pierre Gemayel assassinated earlier today, was a supporter of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority. It is suspected that Pro-Syrian terrorist groups carried out the attacks. Todays events will most likely result in more violence in the region.
  • President Bush made his last stop on his Asia-Pacific tour today in Honolulu, Hawaii. Their he had breakfast with troops stationed Hickam Air Force Base. As well as made a speech their condemning the assassination in Lebanon.
  • According to a new CNN Poll Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton leads the race for the democratic nomination over Sen. Barak Obama.
    • Sen. Clinton 33%
    • Sen. Obama 15%
    • Sen. John Edwards 14%
    • Former Vice President Al Gore 14%
    • Sen. John Kerry 7%
    • No other possible candidate received over 4%
  • Key Democrats, including the incoming House speaker, House majority leader and chairmen of the House and Senate armed services committees, said they do not support a resumption of the draft.

Feared the draft?

Well as reported yesterday Rep. Charles Rangel (D-New York) is looking to reinstate the draft, a system that has laid dormant since the Vietnam war. However the democrats oppose. ncoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday the House Democratic Party leadership would not support a call by Rep. Charles Rangel to reinstate the draft.

Any member of Congress who supported the reinstatement of the draft would be commiting political suicide in terms of reelection in 2008. I am not worried neither should you.

Poll Results

According to a recently released CNN Poll 58% of those polled said that yes the U.S. war in Iraq has turned into a Vietnam like situation. This was done through a sampling of 1,025 Adult Americans. My question to you is, what do you think, is the situation in Iraq turning into the War in Vietnam Part II?

Iraq and Syria Friends Again

After nearly a quarter-century of severed ties, Iraq on Tuesday resumed diplomatic relations with neighboring Syria -- a move seen as a possible step toward stemming some of the unrelenting violence in Iraq.

The Iraqi and Syrian presidents also received invitations from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to weekend meetings in Tehran to tackle the chaos in Iraq, Iraqi lawmakers said.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's spokesman said his boss would attend but that Syrian President Bashar Assad would not.

This will prove to be extremely important to this powder keg of a region. America has been pressing for a summit like this to take place, now it is. However under Iranian leadership which could spell trouble. I think that it is amazing that the Iraqi government is finally taking steps towards peace on their own this is what the American government and armed forces. The Iraqi government needs to take advantage of it new found democracy, train its forces and run their own country. It will be interesting to watch how the U.S. watches what comes from this summit, as we have our own personal interests in the region, for example oil.

Lebanese Chrisitian Politician Assissinated


According to the Associated Press:

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) -- Prominent anti-Syrian Christian politician Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in a suburb of Beirut on Tuesday, his party's radio station reported.

His fatal shooting will certainly heighten the political tension in Lebanon, where the leading Muslim Shiite party Hezbollah has threatened to topple the government if he does not get a bigger say in Cabinet decision making.

Gemayel was rushed to a nearby hospital seriously wounded, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corp. and Voice of Lebanon, the Phalange Party's radio station, reported.

The party radio later said he was dead.

Gemayel, the minister of industry and son of former President Amin Gemayel, was a member of the Phalange party and supporter of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority, which is locked in a power struggle with pro-Syrian factions led by Hezbollah.

Monday, November 20, 2006

No Child Left Behind

Early in President Bush’s first term in office Congress passed a new set of Laws regarding education, it is known as the No Child Left Behind Act. Its goal is to close the proficiency gap between white and minority students by 2014. Many educators and members of Congress are questioning the success of the law so far and what it will or will not accomplish by 2014. The law, which needs to be reauthorized by Congress this year, is not closing the gap fast enough. There is still a huge gap although shrinking slowly. The Bush administration would like to hang a “Mission Accomplished” banner over the No Child Left Behind policy however its doubtful that this will happen. Ross Weiner a principal partner at the Education Trust, a group that works to accomplish the goals set forth by the policy, say the results of law are “profoundly disturbing.” He attributes the prolonged gap to financial troubles that hit minority dominated schools. These schools get less money and in turn are less capable of hiring qualified teachers as well as providing students with the resources needed to provide adequate educations. There are many issues with the No Child Left Behind policy. Studies show that white children entering kindergarten arrive with more reading skill then minority children do, in order to fix this the government needs to provide money for early education programs. These programs could help to start all children on the same level, rather than allowing one group to start at a higher level then the other. As well the law provides money to create tutoring programs in low achieving schools however it does not provide money to turn around this horrid academic institutions. Not only is it important to provide a quality education, it is appropriate that the surroundings students are educated need to be improved. The low achieving schools are also the ones in the worst physical situations. Some schools have made great achievements at closing the gap however as a nation we have left children behind. We need to take steps to fix the problems in our low achieving schools and provide adequate educations to all children.

The I.A.E.A. and Iran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) serves to purposes in the world. First is to slow the use and gain of atomic weapons. As well they are responsible for promoting Atomic energy as a source of alternative energy. The problem is has run into the New York times reports is that when producing nuclear energy, the nuclear waste created can be used to create Atomic weapons. The Iranian government has requested technical help from the I.A.E.A., Iran is constructing a nuclear reactor, which could be completed as early as 2009. Iran urges that is being constructed for peaceful energy purposes. However, the United States and it allies disagree, saying that Iran is making attempts to build the atomic bomb. They fear that if Iran achieves this then their Presidents mission of wiping out the western world could be accomplished. The I.A.E.A. say that “a rejection of technical assistance would be unprecedented and some of them want to press ahead.” This conflict with in the I.A.E.A. addresses a pressing question in our Atomic world, can the I.A.E.A work as an Atomic Policemen and a nurturer of Atomic energy. Iran’s ambassador to the agency says that, “the international community has the right to see the reality of the exclusively peaceful nature of our activities and our full cooperation with the agency.” The ambassador say “full cooperation with the agency,” however Tehran has yet to explain the discovery of traces of Plutonium as well as answer some pertinent questions asked by the Agency. Robert J. Einhorn of Center for Strategic and International Studies, say that Iran has been looking for ways to achieve nuclear war power for sometime now and this is the way they have found to do it. He said “this project conceived long ago as providing Iran another route to a nuclear weapons capability.” The reactor will be able to produce enough plutonium to produce to bombs per year. It is doubtful that when the I.A.E.A meets next week, that it will approve Iran’s request. Since after Iran refused to halt it enrichment program, the agency reported Iran to the U.N. Security Council. The Security Council has been in limbo ever since discussing possible sanctions and pressure to place on Iran. It will be interesting to see what comes out of the agencies meeting next week.

Charlie Rangel (Powerful Man, Democrat) Wants DRAFT


Charlie Rangel, incoming chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, has long held a view that instituting a draft will be the best way to ensure all levels of society are represented in the army. It is not a secret that the military in Iraq overwelming consists of people from lower socio-economic classes. When John Kerry made his infamous joke that "If you don't study, you'll end up in Iraq," he wasn't far off. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House-elect, is not a supporter of a draft and says that is not on her priority list. She still defends Rangel and said he is "a strong voice for social justice," his support for the draft "was a way to make a point." (Associated Press).

Pelosi Showing Her Guns

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House-elect, the third most powerful seat in Washington, has said the top priority for 110th Congress is to "relieve the middle class." Not Iraq, not immigration, not taxes form, but the relieving financial burdens of the middle class will be the first item Congress hopes to pass legislation on. As Speaker of the House Pelosi has the power to proritize issues that will be up for debate and voted upon. She has mention she will meet with the House Minority Leader (Republicans) to find common ground. But that of course does not really matter since the Democrats have won a nice lead in the House to pass any votes they wish. Pelosi just has to make nice-nice with Joe Liberman who will be the sway voter in the Senate.

Iran Doing Bush's Job For Him


Irani President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called the Presidents of Iraq and Syria to a summit discussing solutions to the post-invasion outbreak of violence in Iraq. Both countries have agreed to attend the meeting, which has left the US out. The "civil war" in Iraq has led to the deaths thousands of Iraqi civilians, reaching record highs in this month of November. Syria, which shares a border with Iraq, has done little to prevent Al-Qaida members crossing over and helping out the Sunni minority. They continue to harbor key officials of Saddam's regime.
The US recently had formed its "Iraq Study Group" to deal with the same problem. Only they left out a key component which may helped them understand the situation a little better - Iraqis.

Political Cartoon

"After the Republican's election defeat, Bush and Cheney wore Democrat-blue tieswhile congratulating Democrats. Considering who Republicans elected to lead them this week, that may be as much change as we can expect."

I feel that political cartoons are the best way for Americans to poke fun at politics while staying on the topic, this one I found on "Cox & Forkum Editorial Cartoons," check out their site http://www.coxandforkum.com.

Lebanese Confirm Arms Flow To Hizballah


Lebanese civilians close to the border with Syria on Thursday said that weapons for Hizballah were being brought in by the truckload at night, The Jerusalem Post reported. The newspaper’s correspondent, on the ground in Lebanon, observed a long line of trucks at the Lebanese-Syrian border and spoke with local residents about Hizballah’s arms-smuggling efforts. “Of course weapons are coming from the border,” said one man. “Everybody here knows that. They’re coming from both Iran and Syria and also China and Russia.” U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 demands a cut-off of all arms shipments into Lebanon, requires Hizballah to give up its weapons and calls for a secure Lebanese-Syrian border.
(American Israel Public Affairs Committee-Daily Briefing [www.AIPAC.org])

Changes in Iraq Policy.


"I haven't made any decisions about troop increases or troop decreases, and won't until I hear from a variety of sources." President George W. Bush said at a joint Press Conference with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. His visit to Indonesia, the most Muslim populated country in the world, was flanked by protests against the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Bush said that the protests were a sign of a healthy democracy.

I think this is important that he is awaiting a final decision after hearing from all his sources. Something that he and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld should have done from the very beginning. Whether or not he takes the appropriate advice from his informants is yet to be determined. However I think within six month we will see a turning point in this war. When pressured about Sen. John McCain's (R-Arizona), call to send more troops to Iraq. Bush responded that all the options are on the table. President Bush, is being very careful about what he does, his goal now is to improve upon his already wounded legacy as a President.
(Photo Courtesy of Reuters)

Friday, November 17, 2006

Presidents Sanction Wish List Shrinking


Today the White House announced that President Bush said he would consider shrinking his list of proposed sanctions on Iran. Earlier this year,he had asked the United Nations to impose a list of heavy economic sanction on Iran until it halted its Nuclear Enrichment program. The U.N. Security Council resolution should aim at denying technology to Iran for its nuclear industry and its enrichment programs but not crimp Iran's oil and gas production. As well the President wants this to be the first stage of sanctions, future sanctions could be worse if the Iranian government does not respond to these sanction. Furthermore the President would like for Russia and China to be on the same side of the table as the United States and the European Union. This another change in President Bush foreign policy I feel that their will be many more to come.

The Issues to Watch For

Now that the Democrats have taken the House and the Senate, they have two years to prove themselves. Will they be as incompetent as the Republicans?

The Issues:
Iraq - What do we do now?
Budget and Taxes - We're in trillions of dollars of debt! Continue Bush's tax cuts?
Trade - Vietnam, China, and other Asian nations looking for trade agreements with the US. Democrats: "Not so fast."
Energy and Environment - Greenhouse Gases, Ozone depletion, Less gas more ethanol...
Immigration - What do we do with the 12 million illegals?
Judges - Justice Paul Steven retiring soon... Definately not getting a conservative replacement. What will this mean for Bush's policies in Guantanamo, abortion, gay marriage...

(Source: NewsWeek)

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Women - You Cant Live With Them, You Must Live Without Them


The scenario for many lesbians in the United States is that they cannot live together in the same sanctity of marriage like your mom and dad. Massachusetts, one of few states to still allow gay marriages, is thinking about banning it. Correction: Gov. Mitt Romney, potential 2008 Republican Candidate, wants to ban it. He is calling for his legislature to vote on the issue, but they have voted to go on vacation instead.
Members of the Gay community say it's just a political stunt being played out by Romney to get the conservative vote. He'll have something to base his campaign on if he chooses to run in 2008. Gay marriage is no longer a matter of right and wrong, rather a political issue being used to garner votes.
UPDATE: South African highest court has ruled in favor of gay marriage. This makes it the fifth nation in the world to make such a move.

Democrats choose speaker


In a unanimous vote Democrats chose, Nancy Pelosi (D-California) to be the next speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaker-Elect Pelosi has officially become the third most powerful person in Washington, she is third in line to the Presidency. As well she is the first women to ever hold this high of an office.

What do you think of this?

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Congress Cannot Hamper the Military Forces in Iraq.


U.S. Iraq commander Gen. John Abizaid warned Congress Wednesday not to hamper the military, but added the current situation was not acceptable. "We must significantly increase our ability to help the Iraqi army by putting more American troops with Iraqi units in military transition teams," he said. This is important for many reasons, the U.S. Congress must realize that the Armed Forces are their for a purpose and must not allow politics to get in the way. The constant want for a withdrawal from Iraq by Congress is not going to help the situation. We must help the Iraqi forces and train them so that they can protect their own country and the American forces can come home.

I think steps need to be taken to also work with the new Iraqi Government to take charge over their country. American forces should no longer be the dominate force in the decision making the Iraqi government needs to learn how to control their own country. As well I think that if American Generals feel we can accomplish the task at hand then we should. Until American generals start reporting that we can't win this war or stabilize the country then Congress should support them. We need to do what Donald Rumsfeld should have done at the beginning, listen to the commanders and generals on the ground.

What the US doesn't want you to watch


Al-Jazeera, the infamous Arab network that plays all the Bin Laden tapes, has officially launched its service in English. It’s currently available in over 80 million homes, expect for the US. Major Cable companies such as Comcast and Time Warner have rejected it; Dish Network and Direct TV are considering making it after of their additional programming. The US government (Bush administration) denounces the network claiming it incites un-American sentiment. But what's wrong with a little balance of propaganda. FOX has openly promoted the Republican agenda; we continue to bear their bias.
Al-Jazeera's new service has recruited acclaimed reporters from CNN, BBC and even ABC. They hope to tap into their competitor's viewers by being the only major station broadcasting from a non-Western perspective. It available in HD too!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

A New Direction For America



Foreign Policy - we don't have much left of it. What we do have is foreign invasion, occupation, sensation, temptation - let me not get carried away. The fact is our government does not know what to do about Iraq. It has become a lose-lose situation for us. If we choose to stay, we will piss off more people and indirectly breed a new generation of terrorists to attack us (A study has shown the war has made us more vulnerable). We will lose more lives of both American soldiers and Iraqi civilians. If we leave, it show's our incompetence and many will say we have failed. But have we really failed? We were after Saddam, we got him. Now its time for the people who live there to decide how they should run their government.
We've invested in Iraq (trillions), but its time to cut our losses. It time to create true foreign policy which is establishing treaties, trade agreements, cultural exchange, tourism - all can be achieved through DIPLOMACY.
(Picture Source - http://www.distributiondrive.com/)

Democrats don't know what to do.



An Associated Press poll states that 3 out of 5 Americans believe that newly elected Democrats do not have a plan for Iraq. The Democrats slogan this election year was "A New Direction for America," the question is what direction is that. During the campaign season we heard repeatedly that we need to resolve the conflict in Iraq. Democrats have offered no plan, the only thing that they are saying is to pull out the troops. I have already established that I do not agree with that course of action, I think that we need to finish the job. We need to complete the mission in Iraq in order to protect Americans at home and abroad. Congress and the President need to figure out a way to resolve the conflict.

What do you think should be done in Iraq? Do you agree that Democrats have no plan?

Who's attitude needs to change?

The White House reports that their open to talk with Iran if Iran changes their attitude and starts to play a constructive role in the region. Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council said "The collective attitude of the world is that Iran needs to play a constructive role in the region, not meddle in Iraq, and stop its enrichment activities."Iran however says that it will not stop its enrichment acivities and will not sit down for talks till the U.S. changes its attitude. In the wake of the Democratic victory last week, Congressional leaders are calling on President Bush to open dialogues with Syria and Iran in order to resolve the situation in Iraq.

I agree that the United States must begin talks with these countries and that in this instance diplomacy is Americas only chance for resolution. I personally think that President Bush and a team of American diplomats need to sit down with these nations in neutral a neutral place in secret. The reason to meet in secret is because if these talks were publicized I think the terrorists would take actions against the talks. I am drawing this conclusion from the terrorist constant attacks when Israeli and Palestinian leaders plan to talk. Both sides are going to have to have to make concessions on this matter, and I think that the United Nation may play a key role. If the U.N. asserts its power over nations and plays an active role in talks. This will not be a unilateral conversation it will have multilateral effects that could change the world forever.

What do you think?


What do you think of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claim that the country will have Nuclear power by the years end? As well Iran has recently made it clear to the United States that it would sit down to talks about resolving the conflict in Iraq and other regional problem but continues to refuse to discuss it nuclear ambitions.

What do you think all this will mean in terms of U.S. Foreign Policy towards Iran?

Monday, November 13, 2006

2008 Presidential Bid



First person that will come to mind when thinking of the 2008 Democratic nominee is Hillary Clinton. The past few years she has spent more time commenting publicly on national issues than informing her constituents in New York about what she was doing for us. She is clearly trying to remain a national figure and has done a good job of being heard. Although she still has not placed her name in the hat, the possibility is almost indefinite. She did not build a war chest (campaign money) with millions simply to seek another Senate term in six years.
Who else is running on the Democratic ticket? A bunch of no-name governors and any one else who would like to waste their money will launch exploratory campaigns. Many believe Barrack Obama, first black senator of Illinois, will also run. Obama who has great oratory skills is highly popular with the Democrats. But next election year is not the right time. Obama certainly has a bright future, and may indeed be the first black president of the United States (just not yet).
Note to John Kerry: Save yourself the embarrassment.

With the Republicans the moderate John McCain is certainly one of their front runners. But if the 2008 election is a repeat of 2006, his favored policy of the war in Iraq may overshadow everything else he stands for. McCain who is favored by many Democrats, may lose that support, jeopardizing what should be an easy victory.

New Iraq Policy


As the Dem's have seized the House and hold a slight majority in the Senate, they hold much power to legislate the future of American policy in Iraq. Certainly a big blow to the White House, the Dem's now have the power to chair key committees. Senator McCain, an admirant supportor of deploying more troops into Iraq, would of headed the Senate Armed Services Committee should the GOP have won. But that seat will now be in the hands of Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich), who is a supporter of leaving Iraq asap.
The Dem's are already on a collision course with President Bush, as they have released a plan to gradually bring troops back within the next four months. The key word there would be gradual. The Dem's will delay suggesting complete withdrawal until 2008 where they will continue to make it an election issue.

Rudy Giuliani the next president?


Time Magazine Named him Man of the Year in 2001, and he assumed the role of "America's Mayor," former Mayor of New York City Rudolph Giuliani is taking steps to a Presidential Bid for 2008. What does this mean? He has established the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee, Inc. This Committee allows Mr. Giuliani to travel all over the country raising money and testing the nation for support. For Giuliani this means attempting to sell his liberal social agenda to the Republican conservatives around the nation. This is something everyone has labeled as a flaw in his attempt for candidacy as a Republican. I will stick to my guns and continue to say that he would make a better Vice Presidential candidate. However in the long run this could be beneficial if he does become a Vice Presidential candidate the funds he had raised will go directly into that campaign.

I still support John McCain in 2008.

President Bush meets with Prime Minister Olmert


Todays meeting between President Bush and the Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert, brought Iran back into international spotlight. It has been over two months since the United Nations Security Council’s demand that the Islamic Republic immediately halt its efforts to enrich uranium, a key step toward developing atomic arms. The risk of Iran having a nuclear bomb is harmful to Israel, American armed forces in the region, and Americas home front. President Bush during the meeting today called for worldwide isolation of Iran until it "gives up its nuclear ambitions."

I think we are going to see a very different policy towards the Iranian threat. The Bush administration cannot afford another Iraq. I think we will see a diplomatic driven policy towards Iran, we will not see American forces move into Iran anytime soon in my eyes. However, I do think that if we do not treat Iran has a real threat to the world we are just fooling ourselves. We need to work with the United Nations to ensure that Iran does not achieve its goals of destroying Israel and the Western World. I think the Bush administrations decisions however are being and will continue to be politically motivating, following the ousting of the Republican party from Congress.

President Bush meeting with Iraqi Study Group


Todays meeting with the Iraqi Study Group was just a step towards fixing the issues in the Iraq war. President Bush's ultimate goal in Iraq is still "a government that can sustain, govern and defend itself and serve as an ally in this war on terror". Which I think is a very important belief at this stage of the game. We are not able to just leave Iraq, we would leave the Iraqi citizens virtually powerless to a Civil War. A Civil War in Iraq would be bad for the entire region and the rest of the world at large. Today we no longer fight individual wars with individual endings each conflict, causes changes in the others, they are all connected. We must look to resolve the current conflict. One way to resolve it is to end it like America did in Korea, by splitting the country. The problem with that is that in this new world with terrorism allowing the terrorist to exist in any part of Iraq would leave the world open to more terrorist attacks. The resolution offered by Sen. John McCain which Americans as a whole do not seem to agree with. He says that in order to win this war we must see a dramatic increase in ground forces. I agree with Sen. McCain, the only way to win this war is to redeploy troops into Iraq, going back in with a larger force finishing what we started. I do not think this will end like the first Gulf War, with America pulling out before the job is done.

What do you think?

Congress Reconvenes

Below is an excerpt from the Associated Press:

ongress returns this week with triumphant Democrats and vanquished Republicans focusing more on the upcoming change in power than on President Bush's wish list for the final few months of GOP rule.

The main order of House business planned for Monday was consideration of a free-trade bill with Vietnam, ahead of Bush's scheduled visit there Friday. Also planned are orientation meetings for more than 50 incoming House freshmen.

The real action, however, will be off the floor as the speaker-to-be, Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., prepares to take the reins of the House and Harry Reid, D-Nev., does the same in the Senate.

Jockeying in several House leadership races has exposed divisions among Democratic and GOP factions.

I feel that the next few weeks in Congress will not be all that interesting. The Republican are virtually powerless after last weeks elections. Now they must sit back and enjoy the ride, in order to ensure that support for those Republicans who have not been ousted from office remains. As well the Democrats will just wait till the years end to start with their political agenda. Any legislation we see come out of Congress in the next month or so will probably be the most bipartisan legislation we have seen in the six years since President Bush took office.

Today in Washington.


Today should be one interesting day in Washington DC. First President Bush is scheduled to meet with the Iraqi Study group to see how the course in Iraq should be changed. Cnn Report that "White House aides have signaled a new openness to change in Iraq policy, but have rejected Democratic proposals to translate electoral success into a redeployment of U.S. troops within months. With support growing for talks that would include Iran and Syria."
Later in the day, President Bush is scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert. On the flight from Israel, Mr. Olmert was asked about the Iranian Nuclear threat, a topic which will be discussed at todays meetings. Mr. Olmert said "they [the Iranians] have to be afraid of the consequences if there isn't a compromise." In the past President Bush, has held an iron fist concerning Iran. However, after Tuesdays election I believe we will see a rise in diplomacy coming from the Bush administration. Personally I believe Israel has a right to be worried about Iran's nuclear threat after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's repeated calls to destroy Israel.

As the day progresses I will try to post the most up to date news from Washington as it unfolds.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Bush to Meet with Iraq Study Group.


Tomorrow as planned President Bush will meet with the Iraq Study Group. The President has established that he is open to looking for a new course in Iraq. I think we will see good results from this meeting and a possible change of course in Iraq. I think that we will not be pulling out anytime soon. I think that we will have a completely new plan on the ground. Which in the next year or two will prove to be sufficient to fix the problems which we have started in Iraq. Although the number of casualties will increase, I think Sen. John McCains belief of increasing troop numbers is our only option for a speedy finish to the Iraq war. As well I would like to see what Democrats think should be done in the region putting aside the option of automatic pullout. A pullout strategy would leave Americans at home and abroad in a very dangerous situation. We cannot return to an isolationist perspective, that will only cause us to be a sitting duck for future terrorist attacks.

New Writer Added to Informed Students


Today I have teamed up with a good friend of mine Tanvir Hossain to be the second writer on the Informed Students blog. His first post will be up shortly, as well I think he will provide a different perspective on key issues. Informed Students will continue to take steps to add more to the blog everyday.

What do you think?

Do you think that America and the rest of the free world should continue the fight against terror or should it sit by and wait to see them disappear on their own?

My answer is that we should indeed continue to protect ourselves from the terrorist threat. The terrorist threat is not something that will go away on it own, as well it will not go away through diplomacy. The only way to rid the world of terrorism is to hunt, capture and kill them. Although this seems very drastic its what is needed to protect the people of the free world.

What do you think?

"Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against The West" - Abridged Version



If this doesn't awaken America to the threat we face in the world, nothing will and we might as well start learning Arabic for those willing to convert. It doesn't really matter if you are Republican or Democrat, but this threat will not disappear under the rug and may seriously impact our children and grandchildren. This means that America and the rest of the free world in my opinion must continue to protect itself from terrorists all over the world.

What do you think?

Will Hamas leaving the Palestinian Authority and Hezbollah leaving the Labanese Cabinet change the current situation in the Middle East?

Hezbollah out of Lebanon's Government

Reuters reports that five pro-Syrian Shiite Muslim ministers from Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, resigned from Lebanon’s cabinet on Saturday after the collapse of all-party talks on giving their camp more say in government.
I think that this shows immense steps for peace in the Middle East. This combined with the expected resignation of Hamas from the Palestinian authority, show that the Arab people need support from the western world. This will prove in my opinion to show attempts for peace in the coming months. By no means do I believe that this will bring an end to terrorism in the region and around the world. Slowly these governments are showing that terrorist groups do not have a place in their governments. We could see major changes in the region in the coming months.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Republican VP.



So I have been asked who I think could run as John McCains running mate for 2008. If the Democrats nominate either Sen. Clinton or Sen. Obama, I think the Republicans would be smart to pick Condoleezza Rice. She will be able to draw in a large percentage of female votes and African American voters. However I still think she lacks enough political experience and she is a member of the Bush administration which will be a major turn off. Another option is former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He is seen by many Americans as a beacon of excellence in government, since his dealings with the September 11th attacks. I think he will be a hard sell to conservative Republicans, since he supports abortion and gay rights. I would support a McCain~ Giuliani run over a McCain~Rice run. I would put my money on McCain~Giuliani, personally.

What do you think?


This past week Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging for committing crimes against humanity in the 1982 killings of 148 people in a Shiite Muslim town.

Do you think his hanging should be aired on International TV?

Friday, November 10, 2006

Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) set to be the most important women in Politics


What does it mean that the third in line to the Presidency is going to be a women?

The Speaker of the House to be Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) is in an interesting position. She is the first women to hold the position, this sets the stage I think for a female to run for President in 2008. If for some reason she fails at this position she will indeed hurt her fellow party members intentions of running for President. I think it will be interesting how the political game plays out through her new position. Prior to the 2006 Election, many did not know Mrs. Pelosi however her new position will bring her out onto the National Stage.

The New York Times describes her as someone "who has been a San Francisco congresswoman for 20 years, became minority leader and then guided her caucus to victory by enforcing remarkable party discipline. She curbed the demands of those who share her often-caricatured liberal values, while making a place for the partyƂ’s conservatives, for whom San Francisco is sometimes as distant as the moon."

She has been handed a very difficult task sustaining the Democratic congress for more than two-years. As well she is going to run into the problem that those Democrats elected this week are the most diverse class of Democrats to ever be elected. A strong group ran on the platform to pull out of Iraq right away. Other Democrats are so conservative they often sound like Republicans, as well she must work with those across the aisle. Lastly she is forced to work with President Bush, someone who she has come to political blows with during the last 2 years of campaigning.

Hamas Offers to End Rule if Aid Resumes


The possible end of the Hamas lead Palestinian Authority, I must be dreaming. At Fridays pray session Ismail Haniyah, the current Hamas Prime Minister, said that he would resign within "two or three weeks," he continued on to say "let us end the siege and let us end the suffering of the Palestinian people." Could we be seeing the end of Hamas' war against Israel and its people. I think not, I think that the Hamas controlled PA needs the American and European Aid which has been held since Hamas took control of the PA. I think that Hamas is trying to keep the people happy, I still fear Hamas' continued call for the destruction of Israel and the United States.

It will be interesting to watch what happens in the region following his resignation. Usually drastic events like this spark two things extreme happiness amongst the general population and it sparks violence within the militant group.

McCain '08


Sen. Jonh McCain (R-Arizona), has officially announced that he has established an Explorartory Comittee, to explore the possibility of running for President in 2008. For Repbulicans this is good news because if anyone else were to run the Republicans in my opinion would not get the Presidency. It is most probably the Republicans only chance for the White House in 2008.

"Vowed to die for g-ds sake."


According to Al-Qaida they have mobilized 12,000 militants in Iraq, that have "vowed to die for g-d's sake" and say that they are winning the war faster then they expected. This could mean more bad news for the already fractured Republican party. I think that with the meeting planed on Monday, with President Bush, his national-security team, and members of the blue-ribbon commission. The goal of this meeting is to plot a new course for the unpopular war in Iraq. The independent, Iraqi Study group is set to report its recommendations by the years end. After the election loses served to the Republicans Tuesday, President Bush is open to new strategic option in Iraq. I think his plan is to still "stay the course" however, on the ground strategies must change in order for the Republicans to make advances within the public.

Bipartisanship Bush had not planned on?


In the final months of Bush's Republican controlled congress, he plans to make sure that his nomination of John Bolton to the UN Ambassador position goes through this congress. He also hopes to move quickly with legislation authorizing the National Security Agency's domestic surveillance program. However, Sen. Lincoln Chaffee (R-Rhode Island) has announced his plan to block Bush's nomination of Bolton. Chaffee has expressed that based on Tuesdays election results the American people want change in Foreign policy and Bolton in his eyes is not the man for the job. He has also said that he is "not going to endorse something the American people have spoke out against." I personally think if Bolton is not brought before the senate before the end of the year, their is no chance of his name ever coming up in front of a Democrat controlled congress. I also think the Republicans will think twice before the approve anyone or past any legislation this month and next because the American people are watching, and have already expressed great discontent with Republicans. The Republicans can't afford any more loses.

Senator Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island a Democrat?

According to the Associated Press, Sen. Lincoln Chaffee (Rep-Rhode Island) is looking at his party options after losing in Tuesdays mid-term elections. His options maybe liberal or democrat. Chaffee has been the most liberal Republican in his 7 years in office. He was the sole republican to vote against the War in Iraq, as well has argued several points against his fellow Republicans often with no party backing. Each party needs to secure a balance of members, some all the way to one side, some to the other and some to the middle. If members of Congress begin switching Political Parties it will cause momentous problems. I think that in the long run a change of Parties will hurt Chaffee and other Congressmen who may decide to take this path. Politicians need to start worrying about the issues, their party affiliations will not change their political agenda. Worrying about the issue is what will help politicians reelection.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Democrats Take Control

As the final numbers finnally came out earlier today, it has become clear to me that the Democrats control both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Thier control of the Senate is very slim (Democrats 51-Republicans 49), of the 51 Democrats a lot of them are considered Moderate Democrrats. This means that we will have to see a large increase in bipartisan politics because neither party holds a large majority.

Democrats already viaing for 2008.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa took the initial step in his long-shot bid for the White House Thursday, establishing a presidential campaign committee and seeking an early jump on 2008.

Well, as we can see the Race for 2008 has begun, not that Hillary has been campaigning for it or anything. But random Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack has made steps to run in '08. I think this is a very insignificant "long-shot" as CNN put it. I think the Democrats are already torn between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. It will be interesting to see who gets the nomination the first female or the first African American.

In the Republican camp I think and many seem to agree that only person who has the chance of winning is Senator John McCain, my moneys on him taking the Presidency in '08. However if serious changes are not made to the current status in Iraq, the Repbulican party is doomed. But if strategic changes and momentous advances are made in the coming months, the stage could be set for a moderate Republican victory.

Changes Happening Already

According to the Washington Post, changes are happening in White House Policy already. President bush was quoted as saying

"If you listen closely to some of the leaders of the Democrat Party, it sounds like -- it sounds like they think the best way to protect the American people is, wait until we're attacked again."

- Oct. 2

"[H]owever they put it, their approach comes down to this: The terrorists win, and America loses."

- Oct. 30

"I truly believe that Congresswoman Pelosi and Harry Reid care just about as much -- they care about the security of this country, like I do. . . . I thought when it was all said and done, the American people would understand the importance of taxes and the importance of security. But the people have spoken, and now it's time for us to move on."

-Nov. 8

Each of the quotes reflect the Presidents political change of heart. I doubt that this election has made him love the democrats, the only thing I see is that he is going to have to work with them and his advisors and staff are working to make sure he does that. I do not think the next 2 years will be easy, I think their will be a continuous struggle for power between Congress and the President. Furthermore, that struggle may hurt the American people more so in the long run then the Republican controlled government we had 2 days ago.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Election 2006-The Road to 2008

The road to 2008 has begun and politicians are out in full force fixing the mistakes they made in '06. At a Press Conference earlier today President Bush stated that he takes some of blame for the loses his party suffered. Republicans and Democrats will now look into fixing Iraq, which was the most important issue to American voters according to exit polls. They must try to give Iraq a complete one hundred and eighty degree turn around. CNN quoted a marine saying "an exit strategy is what is needed," indeed bringing our troops home is important. However more important is resolving the problems in Iraq before we leave. I doubt that we will see any form of withdrawl in the comming months, we do need to see a change in strategy. I feel that the Republican were right in saying that we must finish the job, inorder to make America safer.

Donald Rumsfelds resignation shows that the White House is looking to change the course in Iraq. We will see in the coming weeks what changes will take place. Furthermore the President is now going to be forced to work with Congress because Congress is no longer completely on his side. The President nomination of Robert Gates also illistrates the Presidents post election change of heart, Gates is not a hard line Republican. He is someone who has worked hard within both parties, and someone who I believe will be approved.

Welcome to my Blog.

Our nation today consists of hundred of grassroots efforts built to inform the government about key issues concernig the American people. Protests, petitions and other grassroots activities no longer work, the voice of American democracy has changed from organized activites to grassroots reporting on Blogs like this. Informed Students, plans to become the voice of students on key political issues, as well will be the new information highway for students nationwide.