MBNWorldNews News - Opinion - Commentary - Politics - International Affairs

#MER in the future

2011-12-03T12:13:00.004-05:00

Hello #MER,
It's been some time since we did regular posts, we appreciate the off line discussion. As 2012 approaches, we are gearing up for just that, weekly then more frequesnt postings of our discussions.

We have decided to aggregate #MER links and focus on the Syrian question via the MER blog. We will focus with a watchful eye on Israel, Syria, and the relations between them and in the larger Middle East theater including the resurgent Arab League and Turkey.

We welcome all web feedback but reserve the right to edit. Please respect the rights of others to speak freely. We are here to help solve problems, not add to them.

Regards,
Editors

Syria opposition leader: We would drop Iran, Hezbollah ties - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

2011-12-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

notes:

Syria opposition leader: We would drop Iran, Hezbollah ties - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

#MER #politics

From the US and Middle East desk ... This is MBNWorldNews.com and MiddleEastReport.com ... signing on.

2010-09-30T10:08:00.010-05:00

Hello faithful lurkers of MBNWorldNews.com and MiddleEastReport.com

Our media watch process has picked up another digital political riff on the global cyberwaves. We have not witnessed such movement since the days following 9/11.

Right now we are witnessing a series of diplomatic activity via the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, Jordan, and Palestine (and of course the rest of the globe) that has ignited this blog again.

In our observation, our country (and the world) is at a geopolitical strategic cross roads that is playing out in the Middle East peace process, US midterm election cycles, and the crucial Afghan war being fought as a violent chaotic free-for-all in lawless territories.

As you know, we have been following the Middle East discussion for some time via our @freeRADlab, @betalab, @ZionTocracy, @PoliticiansTV, @Behaviorologist, and Kosher Wiki eco-system. Please continue to follow along and post when possible.

We'll track this new discussion as best we can to see who's who and what's what as it unfolds right before our eyes.

We look forward to your comments.

(Draft) Statement:
This country is turning Red again but in a way that perhaps is inherently more militant than the George Bush II years. In a series of electoral upsets, but not surprising to media cybernauts, the GOP is splintering, for real this time. This is no Steve Forbes single issue assault or a Ross Perot Mirage, these are "Americans" as defined by this countries Anglo traditions. These citizens are at the heart of every state in the US. They are fighting US wars, harvesting fields, putting the goods on and off ships, and spending the money to keep it all going. Or so they say. This does not appear to be simple "protest" votes.

To some, this is an army of believers that are only now gaining steam and uniting. They are inherently hostile and radical, on demand, when it comes to their beliefs of core issues such as the constitution, modern day immigration, religion, education, and distribution of wealth and property. What this organization lacks right now, is leadership.

Democrats have a much more "fierce" and "partisan" opponent on their hands. As of our post, we are very surprised they seem to be only snickering at the accusations and actual misdeeds of these candidates by labeling them as "scary," "Insane," "Frightening," and more. We wonder what skeletons sit in the Democrats and their Progressive Partisans closet's?

We hope you find the discussion interesting and join in. Please contact us directly with any thoughts at the news desk: 215 592 - 1242.

Regards,

Benjamin F. Barnett
Bureau Chief /
Media Strategist

Discussing: Digital Media Strategy

2010-01-22T19:22:00.006-05:00

http://HDSDmedia.com; #HDmedia
PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com; #PIFF4 #PhilaIndie #film
Underground Film Forum #UFF #PUFF;
buyboards.com; #buyboards

...:::Networking eco-system:::...

Phase III enabled. Public release - Beta v05
Date: 01.03.2010 / 9.21.2010

Other reference to:
... Google Sidewiki
... Social Network Strategy
... Digital Media Strategy
... Cybernetic Culture Design

Final Inauguration 2009 blog post ... See you in 2012.

2009-01-29T11:47:00.006-05:00

for other posts, please view:
PoliticiansTV

blogging:
Everybody had a camera. Everybody. No where did you go and not see hands stuck in the air recording everything and anything. Smile! Can I take your picture? Where are you from? Does this diminish the value of any prints out there or make the best ones more valuable? We will never see them all.

This #inaug09 was a full frontal New Media outing (again!). Caveat: It's level of interactivity was minimal - 20% citizen / candidate immersion at best. We witnessed very little contact (organization) with attending citizens on the ground (Citizen interaction was in small defined groups - no large demonstrations or gatherings were visible or audible.) Events appeared to be very much about pomp and the moment.

There was very little intrusion from law enforcement although obvious around an entire perimeter. Witnessed 1 military defensive action. People were cut off from food, water, security and on foot. Metro's were jammed and shut down (Metro Station) with little or no way to figure out what was true or which stations would be affected. People trusted "hearsay," "rumor", and good will. Their seemed to be much hearding going on as people would stand in lines for long amounts of time only to realize the line went no where. This is true everywhere we went. There were no Information booths for people to help you get around or understand what events were happening or when. No vendors of anything visible. No people on loudspeakers to lead. Nothing. Very minimal police / gov / "visible" presence.

update:
Cell phones must have been jammed on a "haphazard basis" as they would go up and down in terms of signal. It could not have just been capacity - their appeared to be no reason why a citizen would call at the same time unless you base it on speaker impact possibilities / potential. Some of the speakers would generate very little interest to begin with. As well, since there was "no" information available to people walking around, nobody knew anything unless they had a “connection” to the outside. The White House and surrounding Mall is on physical / technical lock down.

%%%%%%%%
ATT signal dropped for a full hour period (1:00pm) and txt messaging went down fully.
Update: ATT Service works again (- 2:22pm) and I was able to "phone" out of state.
---
txt msg not working.

%%%%
Web access and in turn IM had been disrupted. It seemed blocked and sudden.

%%%%%%
Walking for hours to the farthest MEtro stop to exit Mall area.

Barack Hussein Obama Inauguration 2009 ... blogging

2009-01-20T05:08:00.011-05:00

The drive from Philadelphia, PA USA was 2:40 minutes. We saw very little traffic on I95. We continued to Northern Virginia via the Chain bridge and saw large trucks with snow plows positioned off the roads and no traffic. We have been told that bridges would be blocked at 4AM. We arrived by 3:45 and and met up with our host, Washington Bureau Chief Alan Rosnenblatt who has briefed us.

Washington DC is on lock-down, cold, and very quite.

Expected attendance is 2 million and they will spill into the city all at once starting now via public transportation that will be no doubt very slow.

Ongoing.

Hamas rethinks its position. Israel blinks. The world thinks.

2009-01-15T15:50:00.024-05:00

blogging:

Has the state of Israel experienced a positive reaction in world opinion on the matter of their right to exist during the war in Gaza? Has the Israelie media team some how managed to shape global expression?
The expected immediate and violent backlash has not happened from the Arab world – yet. Israel seems to have shaped world opinion to believe that it is acting in self defense. This global RS ( Reaction Scenerio) seems familiar to how the United States was perceived immediatly after the World Trade Center attacks. This manifestation and growth of world opinion based on events has happened swiftly and will last for just a few short days. It has happened in the past. Can Israel negotiate swiftly its way out of the conflict with world opinion intact? Will they get what they came for - The complete cessation of rocket and mortar fire into Israel with International assurance that it will not occur? Will a prisoner exhange be part of the negotiation? Will we know?

Has Israel finally taken on the task of engaging with the world community as a debater of its right to exist by taking on the enormous task of speaking to the world in real time - across all platforms, media’s, and possibilities? We think so. But if Israel keeps out world media and produces a carnival of media (cool smart bomb shots posted to the web …) that results in perceived true or not distortions, which they will most certainly be spun into, then make haste or be ready to take on the global swarm.

There's no turning back.

Middle East Links - The Israel Project (TIP)

2009-01-05T11:59:00.004-05:00

Post:

The following links are organized to help you learn more about Israel and the Middle East. Click on the headings below to jump to a specific group of links.

end.

Why Hamas can cease fire ...

2009-01-05T11:55:00.015-05:00

The Palestinian Israeli conflict reaches a crucial cross-road. Israel is demonstating to its enemies and the world that it will act capably on the ground and thoughtfully in the media by exposing how the untruths of Arab propaganda victimize Arabs first.

Israel has been in a state of war since May 1948. Wars are fought to be won. The scope of anti-Israel militancy has expanded to "Jews" anywhere, any time -- and with disproportionate cruelty to the victims. It was not always like this. This probably did not go unnoticed to Israel's politicians and military of the savagery taking place under the guise of resistance.

Whatever illusions came from Israel's retreat at the hands of Hizbollah, the Israelis are now showing that if Hamas remains incapable of accepting peace and two sates, Israel can destroy them.

Hamas has an opportunity to act and take charge of the bully pulpit they currently claim. They have Hezbollah as an example in Lebanon. Hamas has proven itself as fierce fighters. Standing on the dead bodies of your comrades with everything destroyed around you and rattling your Saber is no way to claim victory. Put down your arms and pick up ploughs and partnerships from whom you choose. Remember the people you are trying to save.

Notes: Jewish refugees fleeing the fighting:
Move to New Palestine and attempt tp take their plight to the heart of the matter.

Why Israel had to attack ...

2008-12-30T16:20:00.012-05:00

Opinion.

Israel has never won the propaganda war of world opinion. With recent operations in the Gaza Strip, they will continue to be looked down upon as aggressors despite actions taking place based on obvious truce violations by their sworn enemy, Hamas. We think it has never actually tried to explain itself to the global body and has walked the line of its existance alone. It has done so in the name of defending its people, culture and basic right to exist (even at 1967 borders) after coming close to planned extinction. In recent years (perhaps since Oslo accords) Israel has attempted to approach peace with its Palestinian neighbors a gun and stick. It offers compromise while standing ready to fight back attempts to exterminate it. In the slug fest of Middle East politics, it seems that both sides can see no other way. Israel has no choice. Its very existence is on the line.

Israel has never been given the green light from world opinion to defend itself. The lack of any Security Council resolutions (against Palestinians etc) alone shows this to be true. Israel feels they are alone and now, it shows again, with action in Gaza that this is true. Despite pulling out from Gaza and leaving the land entirely, it has received neither praise nor compromise. They were only met with scorn as Hamas took over from an inept PA and moved rocket installations to the new frontlines.

Hamas ended the truce by not symbolically offering the Israelis an opportunity of interaction when Israel's settlers and Army left Gaza. We realize it is more than that, but when you consider your land is not "occupied anymore" perhaps it was worth more than shouting "your enemy lost the war" and use it as a cry for recruits. It's diabolical to think that Hamas propagandists believe that the world believes this. This is to pray on the disenfranchised.

Now as they are being pounded into the ground they long for, they cry foul. Why? To claim victory? Will they stand on the bodies of their dead people and destroyed buildings like Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah and claim victory? They certainly will, while their people starve.

History’s wars show victory for those that concede defeat and pick up the plough. In the eyes of Hamas, only the extermination of the Jews will do, yet they throw their women and children into the fire with no mercy in the name of Jihad. We hope they see through the violence and plague that has fallen upon them. The violence is an eye for an eye. The plague is their failed leadership. Israel has no moral obligation to restrain from defending its people despite the ferocity of their attacks.

Where are the Arab peacemakers?

Scientocracy must rise.

ref:

http://www.jcpa.org/JCPA/Templates/ShowPage.asp?DRIT=1&DBID=1&LNGID=1&TMID=111&FID=378&PID=0&IID=2808&TTL=Did_Israel_Use_%E2%80%9CDisproportionate_Force%E2%80%9D_in_Gaza?

http://www.mesi.org.uk/ViewBlog.aspx?ArticleId=41

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/opinion/30morris.html?ref=opinion

Hamas and Israel at the brink...

2008-12-28T08:41:00.015-05:00

Ongoing:
As the second day of what HAMAS has called the third Intifadah begins, what is the next step in the Arab world? The Arab league is meeting in an emergency session in Egypt, Hezbollah has stated that they will show restraint (restraint in the face of the worst aggression between the two sides in 60 years?!), and Iran has called for the "Arab street" to rise up. As of this post, nothing has happened ...

**** The U.N. Security Council ended a four-hour emergency meeting early Sunday with a call for an immediate halt of hostilities and a re-opening of border crossings to allow humanitarian supplies to reach Palestinians in Gaza.

***The Palestinian envoy said if Israel does not cease attacks within 48 hours, Arab delegations will demand stronger action from the Security Council.

*** Day 2 Syria breaks off "indirect talks" with Israel. (UPDATE)

Confusing? Yes. Why such a tepid response? 48 hours? Sounds like Israel has been given an out ... Does the world believe that Israel is justified in their assault after endless rocke bombardments? Looks like it to us. Confusing? Yes.

Will Hamas fall? The PA hopes so as they are a clear loser in this battle.

ongoing.

ref:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1050405.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/28/gaza.israel.strikes/index.html

Hamas jihadists launch salvos of rockets and morters at Israel

2008-12-24T16:15:00.028-05:00

Ongoing:
It's hard to say with certainty who is responsible for the truce breaking down (started on June 19, 2008) but if daily rocket fire since October is any indication, Hamas never thought it would work. The quick disintigration of the truce shows that Hamas has made a tactical decision to escalate violence to bring Israel to the table. Olmert has not bowed during the truce time frame as had been supposed by Arab negotiators based on his indictment and continues to run the government with confidence (for better or worse).

The Izzedine Al Qassam brigades have stated "that they have fired in retaliation" for an assassination of their operatives. (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/24/israel.rockets/index.html). This might be true but since the rocket fire has been going on for some time now, the question is "Is this just propaganda?” Almost 100 rockets have fallen on Israel. Seems like it.

At its start, Hamas had won international claim by brokering the truce and the PA (and Israel) had to acknowledge that a government existed in Gaza (sort of). But the fact is Hamas never reigned in other militant groups (Islamic Jihad & Al Aqsa Martyers Brigades) as it had to by preventing cross-border attacks on Israel. Do they have control? Did they try or just make an arangement with the small factions by saying and not doing? Now they claim (threaten) "thousands of Israelis" are within their rocket range. So it is clear they have been rearming and preparing their forces as had been stated by Israel.

We think the beginning of the end is at hand. The world awaits an Obama administration that promises to make Middle East peace a priority. But at what price is peace worth it? Who will take the side of peace? An Arab leader of stature needs to step forward with a bold proposal. A Hudna (temporary peace) proposed by Hamas (in the guise of a 10 year truce) is a farce. Nobody in Israel believes that they will not attack after it is over in 10 years. Yes, that is a possibility and a done deal to many.

What the Palestinians need is a leader that can rally the people behind a 2 state solution, Mahmoud Abbas is not that person nor is Ismail Haniyeh. War is looming and Israel appears to be at the end of their line. Should they attack / invade Gaza? We think not. But they probably will. Martyrs on Arab television across the world is exactly what Hamas wants.

Will the Lion be the new US President Barack Obama?

Ongoing.

ref:
http://www.speedsignal.com/news/gaza-rocket-fire-follows-shooting/?referer=sphere_related_content

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/

War and Peace? What is a Hudna and why it is thought to be the beginning of the end?

2008-12-17T10:50:00.023-05:00

***(This is an ongoing post. We have no illusion that we can speak to this term anymore than anybody else. We are discussing this possibility in context of what it means to the Arabs and what they plan to "actually" do in the event Israel agrees to such a truce.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do the Arabs want peace? Have they switched from a people that want Islam as a global religion with tolerance as its central meaning or have they embraced such Nazi ideology as extermination (genocide)and only plan to regroup and strike with 10 years of resources and training?

Is the 2 state solution really being discussed in context of a Hudna (temporary truce)? Or wil this be the end of the line in (or beginning) preparing for final battle? Let's discuss history of such actions. Can you make peace with enemies that are sworn to your destruction or do you just hold a truce and wait for your destiny?

Denis MacEoin of the Middle East Quarterly puts it like this ...

"However, this acquired anti-Semitism creates numerous problems for Arab anti-Zionists. Western anti-Semitism is racist; not even a Jew who had abandoned his faith or converted to Christianity was spared by Hitler's racist doctrine of the Jew as üntermensch. Whereas a Jew under Islam had the options of conversion or life as a dhimmi, a Jew in German-occupied Europe had no choice at all. Once Israel was established, Arabs became anti-Semites and called not only for the extermination of Israel but also for the annihilation of all Jews living there. This has made the possibility of a truce even more remote since it has an all-or-nothing quality similar to Hitler's "Final Solution."

and this ...

" ... Should a Muslim victory seem remote, the caliph could declare a truce in the interests of the umma. Rudolph Peters, Islamic law professor at the University of Amsterdam states, "According to some schools of law, a truce must be concluded for a specified period of time, no longer than ten years."[11] Hanafi law, however, permits the Muslims to terminate a truce arbitrarily: The "imam may denounce the armistice whenever the continuation of warfare is more favorable for the Moslems than the continuation of peace," he continues.[12] Such a truce is necessary when the Muslims are weak relative to their enemies. It can also occur when there is fitna within an Islamic state.[13] These truces serve as protection against further violence to enable Muslims to regroup and gather their strength, whereupon they can issue a fresh declaration of jihad. Such a treaty is a hudna, distinct from sulh where the non-Muslim state pays tribute to a more powerful Muslim one, or an ‘ahd, a covenant of security, in which protection for Muslims is reciprocated.[14] ..."

[11] Rudolph Peters, in Esposito, ed., The Oxford Encyclopaedia of the Modern Islamic World, vol. 2, p. 371, s.v. "Jihad."
[12] Peters, Islam and Colonialism, p. 35.
[13] Ibid., p. 33.
[14] See Daniel Pipes, "British ‘Covenant of Security' with Islamists Ends," The New York Sun, July 8, 2005.

Ref:
http://www.mefta.org/page1.htm
http://conflictblotter.com/
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1042960.html

ongoing.

What if the US wins the Iraq war?

2008-12-01T21:15:00.016-05:00

Post:
This is a lingering question that recently was spoken about by US President George Bush. That the Iraq government has all but agreed on a tactical pullout of US and Coaliion forces by 2012(!) what does this say to all of the war naysayers? What does the expanded US / NATO efforts in Afghanistan say to Russia? Success? Failure? It's a known fact that nobody wanted us to be there in the first place, but what happens when the US pulls out and Iraq staves off the inevitable Iran hyper influence? Did the US win the war and would the Left agree as such?

As soon as the new front in Afghanistan is expanded, we might be seeing the end of one chaos packed war morph into another...with far worse consequences here and abroad.

ref:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZDg4M2NlZjdkMWY0M2EyMzUwZDE3OTc1YmQwYTgxNjY=

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=8996577

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1440646120080317?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&rpc=22&sp=true
end

Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y appointed Secretary of State

2008-12-01T17:42:00.013-05:00

opinion...

Appointing Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State is a shrewed political move by President elect Obama. His transition team certainly vetted the scenerio that has Clinton being out of power and unable to coalition build with Democrats / Republicans / Business during the next 2- 4 years. She will also be barred as a cabinet member to try and pay off her camapign debt. That forces her to think twice about future campaigns if she were to leave her Sec. post.

The White House situation room should be interesting that's for sure.

reference:

To make it possible for his wife to become secretary of state, [Democrat] party officials said, former President Bill Clinton agreed to:
- Disclose the names of every contributor to his foundation since its inception in 1997 and all contributors going forward.
- Refuse donations from foreign governments to the Clinton Global Initiative, his annual charitable conference.
- Cease holding CGI meetings overseas.
- Volunteer to step away from day-to-day management of the foundation while his wife is secretary of state.
- Submit his speaking schedule to review by the State Department and White House counsel.
- Submit any new sources of income to a similar ethical review.
source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27983003/

http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2008/12/the-note-the-st.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jswUSG3lhoCouFWBk4Romw7jSv_g
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/11/29/hillary-gets-sec-of-state-nod-on-monday-bill-will-cough-up-secret-donor-names/

Syria's options ...

2008-11-24T14:21:00.014-05:00

What is on Syria's mind these days? What does team Obama think of the Sunni President Basher Assad? Will Syria be held accountable for the assassination of Rafik Hariri by the Obama administration or will former US President Jimmy Carter and colleagues (ZBIGNIEW BREZINSKI)"move on" and push for "peace"?

Will Syria actually move beyond their outwardly committed aggressive relationship with Iran? Iran is on the run, no matter what they say, as they had played Tiger with the belief that they could ride out sanctions with fiery rhetoric and shrewd nationalism. Oil prices are falling and the Laws of Supply and demand have trumped (for the moment) Nationalism. They must now lean more on their nationalist proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas.

Will president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad fold or cease public rhetoric? Will the Ayatollahs remove him? Will students and reformers take over as Obama ascends to the US Presidency and shows that US diplomacy, through negotiations, may work?

ref:
http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=1688

pending

Bush and Putin fire off last shots ...

2008-09-04T13:51:00.009-05:00

Notes:

Russia tests long-range 'stealth' nuclear missile as Putin accuses U.S. of causing Georgia conflict Last updated at 11:57am on 29.08.08
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23547123-details/Russia+tests+long-range+'stealth'+nuclear+missile+as+Putin+accuses+U.S.+of+causing+Georgia+conflict/article.do

Paola Totaro in London | August 29, 2008 - 7:54Ahttp://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/putin-blames-us-for-georgian-war/2008/08/29/1219516698684.html
---
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/georgia-crisis-a-bush-conspiracy-says-putin/1257820.aspx

---
UPDATED:
http://www.israelforum.com/board/showthread.php?threadid=14758

Simon Tisdall The Guardian, Tuesday July 11 2006
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2006/jul/11/world.foreignpolicy

War in Georgia grinding down. Let the real battle begin.

2008-08-14T09:00:00.008-05:00

POST: notes-updated 082208

Now that it appears that Russia is pulling out from Georgia, it has stood firm on relinquishing it's hold on the new countries of Abkhazia and S.Ossessia. Maybe these people do want to leave from Georgia. Certainly recent history shows a lot of tension. So what happens?

Negotiations with Iran and the IAEA and a recent Military agreement with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. It appears like the Russians are attempting to change the balance of power.

Does this look like an opening salvo to peace negotiations or possibly a foreshadowing of a new wider, deadlier, conflict with 2 super powers at the helm (again)? Has it already widened to far?

Where does (D) Barack Obama and (R) John McCain stand on this issue? Why are they not pursuing this as a major issue in their campaign? While the US wallows in economic brinksmanship, the Middle east heats up.

Russia has opened up a sustained and blanket all out propaganda campaign utilizing Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, President Dmitriy Medvedev, and Senior Russian military commanders. This is an orchestrated event. They are confident that nothing can come of this.

Russia has very publicly firmed up it's stance on where it wants to be perceived on the world military stage. Russia underlined its right to a “preventive” nuclear strike this week. They have signed on to the Bush Doctrine.

reference:
Russia: Choose us or choose Georgia.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/13/us.russia.diplomacy/index.html

Top Brass Defends Russia’s Right to Preemptive Strike
http://www.infowars.com/?p=3955
Anna Arutunyan
Moscow News
August 13. 2008

pending 082108 ...

POST: Campaign 2008. Russia military action in S. Ossetia and Georgia - UPDATE: 081508

2008-08-08T08:52:00.017-05:00

Subject:
Measuring response from the Barack Obama Presidential campaign as it relates to US / Russian Policy.

In response to the following statement:
(posted at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/13/candidates.georgia/index.html#cnnSTCText)

"We cannot shoot from the hip," Susan Rice, Obama's senior foreign policy adviser told MSNBC on Tuesday. "We cannot act on the basis of ideology or preconceived notions. When this crisis began, Sen. Barack Obama, the administration ... and all of our NATO allies took a measured and reasoned approach because we were dealing with the facts as we knew them."

Analysis:
The only thing that can be verified here is that Sen. Obama oddly agrees with George Bush on a foreign policy matter (note: Using NATO as cover). Otherwise, this is not true and shows a lack of understanding, on the spot, of a potentially far reaching crisis. (note: campaign shift response.)

(note: The US has been mediating between the countries for the past 2 years. The Israelie (Private Contractor) Military advisor's were ordered to leave the country in April of 2008. These advisor's have been quoted in the popular press saying that the Georgians they encountered expected this current action.

(note: *** Sen. John McCain)

ongoing...

also see:
U.S.: Tracking Russia-Georgia war frustrating
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26193454/
White House concedes understanding of crisis hindered by lack of resources

NEWS: Will the US hit Iran? Is Putin using the Beijing Olympics as cover?

2008-07-28T12:25:00.007-05:00

Is NATO's credibility at stake? Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has appelaed for US aid in the name of Democracy. Putin and Bush are at the Olympics and Bush has been briefed by Putin. What did they discuss?

Will the US hit Iran as a response and look to use the games and this action as cover?

Will Russia's "Invasion" of Georgia be the spark that lit the Global powder Keg ?

more:
Update- Putin: "War has started" between Russia and Georgia
by Sanjay Jha
http://www.nowpublic.com/world/update-putin-war-has-started-between-russia-and-georgia

more:
Georgia Key to Democracy Building in Caucasus
http://voanews.com/english/2008-08-05-voa48.cfm

Syria and Iran have a plan ...

2008-07-08T12:00:00.018-05:00

Notes:
Why such Peace moves from Assad as Olmert is being drummed out of politics forever? Assad has said publicly that he is aware of the charges against the Prime Minister and would wait out the Bush administration (Assad would never hand Bush a deal let alone stand with him in the Rose Garden!). Why not stop the process now all together? Are they afraid of Bibi and war? A preemptive strike by the US / Israel against Iran? (which would not allow them to get the Golan Heights back anytime soon). Or is Syria pushing for a deal because they really want it as a "strategic" firing point for the next conflict and feel they can not control Israel and/or Iran? Or is this how it's being staged, for now, by Iran and Syria's common hatred for the US?
----What did Syria promise Iran? Iran had a few days of harsh criticism for Syria. Why no more? Is this a Trojan Horse?

--- Syria and Turkey and Israel end their trilateral secret negotiations.
Says Turkish Diplomat" We have done all that we can and it is now time for the
two sides to meet"

update: Turkey has since hosted new trilateral secret negotiations.

update - Syrian Diplomats: "We will wait until Bush leaves office for a final peace deal (not Olmert)."

2008-05-12T16:35:00.005-05:00

Notes: Middle East Report 042708

2008-04-27T08:32:00.023-05:00

Working. updated.

Syria:
In yet another twist of Middle East Diplomacy, recent and very public peace overtures by Syria(Demanding public discussion with American mediators present)are on the table. President Assad has stated overtly that he will demand a document of Peace from Israel:
"Syria is demanding that Israel commit in writing to a withdrawal from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the Qatari newspaper Al-Watan." http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/978301.html

This figures in with recent public expressions of peace with Israel.

Are the Syrians suddenly eager to get peace talks back on track as a way to derail the establishment of the tribunal?

"The tribunal was established despite all the obstacles it faced," he said. "It might be moving slowly, but we are sure that justice will prevail at the end."

[ On Lebanese-Syrian relations, Jumblatt said that the March 14 Forces have managed to lay down the nature of such relations, even if only theoretically and not practically. ]

Does the recent Democrat primaries have anything to do with this response in combination of the above?

What does Syria know that if real peace does come, extremist elements will see this as more of a Sunni decision? Has Syria been listening to or watching Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan? We even put Saudi Arabia in this discussion for the first time (amongst Arab Countries that have signed peace treaties).

Iran:
Attacks Syria for discussing peace with the US and Israel. http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Iran/226298
Is this a ruse? Is there a fracture in the most recent warm relations with Syria? What happens when an American President is elected that wants communication to start / continue? Is this an attempt to stay the hardliner and exact concessions in negotiations? Whatever this means, Syria and Iran will now be in a position to step out of the shadows or further in. When their will be peace to avert war, there is no lasting peace.

Does Iran believe that Syria will bolt to its more natural allies and play both sides ? For now?

Saudi Arabia:
What happened to the Saudi plan for a comprehensive peace between Israel and the Arab states? Have the other states adapted the 1967 borders context as brought up by Saudi Arabia and are still establishing a verbal and cultural national group think? Even if Israel pulled back to the Pre 1967 borders, gave up East Jerusalem, pulled all settlements, do you think the Arab and Muslim populations would suddenly not hate Jews? (see: Hezbollah, HAMAS, Jihadists) Would Israel, as the perceived losers, feel as if their history is written yet again with another "tragedy?" How can Saudi Arabia really help the Jews (Israel)? Are they possibly the next Country to broker a peace deal (Jordan being the last)? Why can they not make a cultural overture?

Egypt:
Back in the seat again (did they ever actually leave?), they are the clear brokers when it comes to HAMAS in Gaza no matter what. Despite Egypt's recent clamp down on the Muslim Brotherhood (during recent elections - what ever happened to those allegations?), the Gaza Sinai border propaganda attempt(Egyptian president says Palestinians allowed in on his orders after gunmen destroy border wall. Article: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1200572523339)
The Egyptians are again closing the border in response to the Blockade of Gaza.

Lebanon:
If Hezbollah is provided the ability to hold on to their weapons and army, determine War for the Lebanese, and provide Political hijinx at will, even with the handing over of the Shebba Farms, there will be no peace.

(On June 18, 2000, the United Nations affirmed that Israel had withdrawn its forces from Lebanon, in accordance with Resolution 425.[4] ) Hezbollah has been holding the country hostage as a Syrian proxy for years, now it does so with democratic politics.

Israel:
What do they want? What if BiBi is elected? Has this turned into a Holy War for the State by way of fear and defeat in recent wars? Have the HAMAS rocket attacks withered the resolve of the Israelie people into a defensive posture? Do they know this? Strategies such as targeted assassinations, informers, raids, incursions, and other responses have stemmed the tide, not won the war. What next?

ongoing ...
.

Post by 2007: Lebanon Assasination of Francois al-Hajj

2007-12-12T10:38:00.004-05:00

Discussing:
Current assassination in Lebanon of senior army officer General Francois al-Hajj, leading candidate to take over as army commander when current commander General Michel Suleiman is elected president.
How can a world watch a struggle such as this and not discuss actual scenerio's? (coup de teat, Would a Western country accept such a climate for assassination’s? How does this climate compare to Israel's assassinations' of Leading HAMAS political and religious leaders?

Is this why it is being perpetrated? Do the assassins know this paradox? Yes.
Will this entrench stalemate that no surrounding countries can reverse (they are compliant in making it happen).

ongoing.

Peace conference Plot twists ... Part II and so on ...

2007-09-28T10:25:00.000-05:00

Notes ... Ongoing.

Annapolis Peace Conf:
Over the past months, with the announcement of an intended peace conference, twists and turns and the real method to working on peace in the Middle East reveals itself ... Out of site of the public eye but speaking for the people ...
no matter how small ... Then leaking ideas to the Press and other trusted parties.
STATUS ongoing.

As the road to Israel and Palestine moves closer to the two state solution, so does the winds of power shift throughout the Middle East. Discussions stand on a series of status demands including, Jerusalem; refugees; settlers; and more.
Saudi Arabia has become the Arab broker / negotiator, replacing Egypt for now. Egypt effective in Gaza? Currently upending Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who tried.

1991 Madrid Peace Conference,
bilateral talks began in Washington between Israel and a non-P
1993 Oslo peace negotiations
2002 Saudi Initiative (1967 Border negotiations) via Arab League in 2002.

Did Syria and Saudi Arabia react as a counter weight to being "left behind?"
Does the Monarchy in Saudi Arabia fear being not at the table of a "Historic Moment?"

Syria:
Syria and Israel had reportedly (major Int. press) sorted out (logistically) the main issues to withdrawing from the Golan Heights several years ago. The last time Syria and Israel met, in Shepherdstown, WV in 1999/00 agenda's and major issues of dispute were laid out. (Press) All parties brought with them advisors, technicians, and military people to discuss the details and scope of border issues, border demarcation, legal, normalization, economics, and other details. Documentation? (PRESS)

Syria says she wants peace. Or is she a Trojan Horse? How is she explaining her actions to her Iranian Ally?

Opinion - War Drums keep rolling ...

2007-09-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

Has the war started?

Is it possible that the first battle ground in the next World War is via proxy in Lebanon and Pakistan? Has it started? The most recent assassination of a Lebanese Member of Parliament and Chairman of Parliament’s Defense Committee Walid Eido in West Beirut’s Manara district, along with his son and four other people, the fourth such political murder in the past year, is witness to a trend. The majority grows weaker. In Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf plays a cat and mouse game with the rule of the Courts and Islamicists bent on his death. Martial law is now status quo.

In partial response, Israel's stunning, deliberate, genius, and extremely risky air raid on a Syrian position, now being described in the press by multiple Western sources as a "nuclear" meeting/exchange between North Korea and Syria.

The US then says they are ready to speak with the Syrians ...

Prepping for war .. the SPIN is on ...

2007-09-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

War SPIN is in full effect ... Where is this headed?

- Israel penetrates Syrian Radar and is credited with "jamming" the signal. Their success demonstrates to Damascus and Tehran that their new Russian anti-air system leaves them vulnerable. Russian denies even selling them the systems...
http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1301

- Syrian commentator Az a-Din Darwish wrote in an article published in an official Syrian newspaper that Syria has fought against Israel before, and is prepared to face any possibility.
"Syria possesses the experience and ability that make it ready for any possibility, as long as it has to do with land, sovereignty and respect," Darwish wrote in the Syrian newspaper "Tishrin."

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/902758.html

- Everybody thought he was dead (or still is), but Osama bin Laden appears on a video confident, youthful, and providing a "Convert" or die offer just before the 9/11 anniversary. Will the world blink?

- Since July of 07, the US has had 3 carrier (Battle Groups) including PsyOps warriors preparing for war. The USS Enterprise, USS John C. Stennis, and USS Nimitz carrier strike groups are in the Gulf as well as the Mediterranean off the coast of Lebanon. If Iran is engaged, our thought is that Israel will have to provide strategic and punishing blows to Hezbollah and Hamas.

- Who will the allies be? India? Jordan? The Kurds? Egypt? Saudi Arabia? Kuwait?

* NOTE ** The USS Enterprise is the longest naval vessel in the world and carries 66 aircraft.

Ratching up the War talk with Iran .. It looks like the campaign, on since 2001 or 2005 depending on who you speak with, is now about to enter a critical phase ...
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/georgepacker/2007/08/if-there-were-a.html

Iranian government spokesman says the attempts by the nation's enemies to worry the neighboring states are part of their psychological warfare.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=20469§ionid=351020101

Using PsyOps in War ...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A45085-2000Feb28

... See next months post ... "Where it stops, nobody knows ... "

Now everybody wants peace ... Or so they say.

2007-08-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

Things are heating up ...
Their has been an increasing amount of references by Israel's neighbors telling the World Press that they want peace yet prepare for war. Out of the other side of their mouths comes blatent references to the final blow and destruction of Israel.

Since 1948 (re-establishment of Israel) the Arab world has tried to move forward:

1| The first approach was through religous but secular modernizing via a King. Jordan and Morocco are currently the two remaining. These regimes fell through corruption, greed, and brutal oppression of the people they were to serve.
2| Pan-Arabism (regional cooperation through the lense of nationalism) was next. Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser was the most successful. This cooperation as well as the blatent propaganda of their Armed forces exposed the deceit and eventual corruption that Pan-Arabism became.
3| At the same time, Arab socialism (Syria and Iraq) or Marxism (Algeria) were established via the USSR as a battle field during the cold war. All Marxist / socialist experiments have since failed (PLO) for the same reason. Deceit, corruption, and brutal oppression of local people.
4| Now we see the call of the Islamic Republic and their return to a strict code of Islam. This is becoming a fight between secularism and nationalism.

Are we witnessing a united front by Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria? Or a regional coup d'état by the Iranians and their pawns? Are the Shia moving against the Sunni's regionally under the cloak of the Palestinian cause and Arab Nationalism (No, Iran is not Arab)?

Will Lebanon fall in line (again) after the Pro Democracy government is finally vanquished? Is this why Hezbollah is toning down their rhetoric now?

Is this happening as part of a wider regional plan to draw the fruits of the ongoing war between the US and the Jihadists (that Iran is willing to use as bargaining chips)?

Looks like an all out Propaganda effort to us ...

UPDATES: MMP and PRESS Analysis PENDING

Hezbollah ...
Last update - 07:31 15/08/2007
Nasrallah: Hezbollah doesn't want another war with Israel
By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent and Agencies
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/893510.html

Syria ...
Last update - 14:07 15/08/2007
IDF general: Syrian army signaling Damascus does not want war
By Amos Harel, Barak Ravid, and Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondents
http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/893779.html

Iran
Last update - 09:45 18/04/2007
Ahmadinejad: Iran wants peace but would confront aggressors
By DPA, Reuters and Haaretz Service
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/850027.html

Iran
Ahmadinejad: Iran wants peace, security, progress in region
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2006/iran-060227-irna04.htm

Why Iran Wants War--Ahmadinejad & Co. starring in Armageddon
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1639947/posts

Khamenei Tells Berri U.S., Israel Will be Defeated in Lebanon
http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&EF9480DE83254480C2257227003C02CC

Do the Palastinians want Peace?
http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/peres1
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2006/iran-060227-irna04.htm

On the Road to Nowhere ... Is No Where Home?

2007-08-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

We keep reading the repeated references to Rice and Gate's failed Middle East diplomacy (touting the Saudi's comments that they "might" attend a regional conference) in the World Press and reports from diplomatic circles that everybody (friends, foes, and Jihadists alike) are now waiting out the Bush administration. They should... It makes good diplomatic sense.

Hearing the rhetoric from the Democratic campaign trails makes it clear. The next US administration appears willing to talk to Iran, Hamas, Sunni Extremists, etc. and negotiate from a more "Peace oriented" POV. Nobody wants to be in Iraq, nobody wants to fight anymore. The Jihadists know this and are excited by the prospects.

Will the american citizen be safer? No way. We lost the war. Let the victor's write the history.

Hamas invited to Russia for talks ... More Propaganda or has Putin changed his mind?

2007-08-04T12:07:00.000-05:00

Well it had to happen ...

As reported by ... Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service

"Hamas lawmaker Halil al-Haya on Thursday claimed, however, that Russia had invited officials from the Islamic group to visit Moscow for talks.

Al-Haya told a Hamas-affiliated Palestinian magazine that the Russian government had officially invited a Hamas delegation, headed by Damascus-based Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal, to Moscow. Al-Haya would not specify the date, but said the visit would be in the coming days."

With Damascus based Khaled Meshal invited it appears that a statement will come out of such talks with clarification as to the new status. It appears certain that Hamas has requested such a meeting.

What do they hope to gain?

The Covert War in the Middle East

2007-08-02T23:44:00.000-05:00

The covert war
Middle East has become espionage hub teeming with secret agents
Ronen Bergman
Published: 04.18.07, 16:35 / Israel Opinion

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3389359,00.html

Posturing for a new Middle East ... Is this Just flexing or real muscle?

2007-08-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates have flown to the Middle East to initiate the process for a regional peace conference. They are currently in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office has issued a statement saying in sum that he hopes "Many Arab countries will attend the summit."

As has been the case in the past, US Presidents seem to get to the Middle East peace process almost after the fact. This seems to be true with this President as we watch the flurry of diplomacy. Rice seems like she is too late despite appearing to have wanted a different (engaged) approach. Gates has some credibility in his tough analysis of the man he replaced (Donald Rumsfeld). Then again this is the man who massively politicized intelligence during the Iran Contra scandal. A National humiliation.

As well, US President George Bush in some corners is considered to be the worst US President ever (at least since Herbert Hoover) Actually this has been a topic of discussion as far back as 2004 or more.

Who will listen to this President at this stage? Can Rice get regional Arab players to attend the summit? The answer might lie with Olmert who appears to be concession ready, as some would say, to save his skin.

related:news.xinhuanet.com

Putin Stabs Hamas in the back, downgrades ties.

2007-07-31T09:18:00.000-05:00

We have seen such Global posturing (to the West) in the past, will it last?

Russian President Vladimir Putin told visiting Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas that "he is the legitimate leader of all Palestinians," Russian news agencies reported. What made the difference? Why make such a statement now?

Recently, Vladimir Putin has also sided with the West in speaking out against Iran's Nuclear ambitions (as part of the Security Council). Why?

What are the ambitions of Russia? They appear to be playing "all sides" and have little taste for being part of any team.

Can the world leave Russia unchecked in the Middle East?

Examples of Past Propaganda ...

2007-07-30T08:54:00.000-05:00

As requested, here are some examples. Of course many more exist and I think that it might be best if I just add links as we go. Propaganda takes form in many ways. Let's make sure it does not animate here ;)

Originally Posted by Cynical-C.

Manufacturing consent

2007-07-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

Children (statement by Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Denouncing the lessons of hate via Palestinian curriculum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsmd4CfgMdM

TV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s70KlZwb9RE

Film:
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/004680.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRlypk5OOpc

PallyWood - Manufacturing Consent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi0rUBx_yio

http://counterterrorismblog.org/mt/pings.cgi/309

Ambulance abuse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDY6m_9ao6Y

Middle East War is not about Land ...

2007-07-28T08:12:00.000-05:00

Is the goal the destruction of the Jews?

what does Iran really want?
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/videos/32/glenn-beck-series-on-islam/

Breakdown of key Palestinian Players:
http://lawrenceofcyberia.blogs.com/photos/personalities/index.html

Olmert Seeks Direct Talks With Syria

2007-07-27T15:49:00.000-05:00

Is Syrian President Basher Assad playing the field or playing for time? Is he fighting for legitimacy? What was discussed with Syria during the recent meeting with Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the unexpected visit by Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary general of Hezbollah? Lure Israel into a trap by suggesting peace? Or were they all scared by Syria's public peace overtures? The arms smuggling via Syria is a fact known by the UNIFIL (UN) forces, yet little can be (is) done with this knowledge. Recently, Russia has committed to selling 250 Long Range bombers to Iran. Why do they need so many Long Range bombers?

It appears Hafez al-Assad and Ehud Barak had many particular details pinned down (agreed) in 2001 for the illusive withdraw (peace). Or did they? What are the issues now?

Recently, "...Assad said he would be willing to send someone to the country, but would not hold direct talks with Israelis."

How does one make peace with some one who will not talk to you?

------------------------------
Olmert Seeks Direct Talks With Syrias
http://www.townhall.com/news/world/2007/07/21/olmert_seeks_direct_talks_with_syrias

Barak Interview:
href="http://www.nybooks.com/articles/15501

Economic Blog on the Middle East by MEMRI

2007-07-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

(http://www.memrieconomicblog.org)


Operating under the context of economic advancement as opposed to all of the Bad news that comes out.
Where have they been?

Tensions mount between Palestinians

2007-07-27T12:53:00.001-05:00

GAZA FACTS

Unemployment rate: 35.4 %

Number of Palestinians employed in Israel: 0

Two-thirds of households live below the poverty line

(Source: UN, May 2007)

Will Hamas and Fatah speak? Many Fatah commanders were killed during the "liberation" of Gaza.
Israel's involvement should be Humanitarian.

Israel must be the bigger partner to peace ...

Hezbollah Threatens Syria

2007-07-23T14:07:00.000-05:00

IS it true that the link between Syria, Hezbollah, and Iran is in trouble?

The official maintained that Syria is seen by both Iran and Hezbollah as the "weakest link" in their ties, which may break away from them should that be in its interest. However, the official emphasized that "at any given time" there are Iranian and Hezbollah representatives in Syria to coordinate their actions.

On Saturday, the London-based Arabic language newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Damascus and Tehran had signed a strategic cooperation agreement during Ahmadinejad's visit to Syria late last week. The report describes the cooperation between the countries as including military, economic, scientific and technical aspects...

MiddleEastReport.com - UPDATE 071207

2007-07-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

Updating Operating Framework
Establish MiddleEastReport.com as a primary website

Propaganda ... The time is now.

2007-05-22T13:18:00.001-05:00

Entered ... Sign in.

Propaganda threatens and enables.