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.

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.

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.

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.

• Bush Says No Decision Yet on Troop Levels in Iraq
  

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.

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).