For a few days after the American overthrow of Saddam Hussein, there was a sense of hope in Iraq. For a few days it was very good to be a westerner in Iraq. After 12 years of U.N sanctions in which food and medicine were in short supply and life very tough, it was hoped that life would improve for the average Iraqi. But the reality is life continues to worsen in Iraq.
This week 1,000 U.S. Marines are involved in major military action with insurgent forces near the Syrian border. And Wednesday, four new examples of suicide and bombing violence took about 80 lives and wounded many more. A terrible toll, when this carnage continues on a daily basis. Rather that the insurgent violence waning after the Iraqi election, instead it is obvious that the insurgents simply regrouped to cause even more violence. No amout of American military or Iraqi forces efforts seems to bring any peace for the people of Iraq.
And while President Bush promotes a message of puffed up rehortic around the world, claiming the greatness of "democracy", the fact is that Iraq is for all intents and purposes a story of terrible failure. Life is much worse in Iraq now than during the worse years of Saddam and U.N. sanctions both. Independent organizations such as the World Food Program argue that hunger is increasing in Iraq, not getting better. And in Baghdad, often the average Iraqi family spends much of the week with no electricity. This makes cooking or keeping food very difficult. And many Iraqis have not seen a paycheck in some time. Many have very little to live on. Life just gets tougher and tougher in Iraq. Murderous suicide bombings on one hand, less food, less electriciy, and an American occupation that never ends, Iraqi homeland forces that are ineffective and cannot keep the peace, and a newly elected way too slow to come together, and nonexistent in changing any of the evils of modern Iraq.
Inside the heavily fortified "Green Zone" which is also the main American military command center as well, you'd expect that the Americans within this "Alamo" of protection from all the suffering and violence of Iraq would have peace. But it cannot be found here either. This "Green Zone" is under constant attack. And when Congresspersons come to visit, they cannot sleep overnight because of the possibility of attack, violence or hostage taking even within this supposedly protected zone of refuge. And a Congressperson cannot even go to bathroom without armed guards in this supposed "safe zone", because of danger concerns.
And because the situation has become so bad, the American soldiers are ordered not to tell the truth to reporters or Congresspersons about how dire the situation in Iraq is by their commanders. And other military commanders such as Lt. General David Petraeus act more as a propaganda mill for the Bush White House by giving glowing statements of misinformationm that giving straight answers to even visiting Congresspersons. U.S. Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts told this Congressman that 147,000 Iraqis had been trained. But after more questioning, the real truth is that less than 25% of these Iraqi forces are actually "combat capable". In combat situations, often many Iraqi soldiers flee, and leave an American military advisor often nearly alone in combat. A large company may be reduced down to 4 or 5 soldiers by morning if involved in an overnight action with insurgents. And up until recently, many young men who signed up for military service, simply walked off from military basic training if they could not stand around and smoke. How can any good soldier practice for obstacle courses, fitness or arms training or any other necessary skills with a cigarette hanging from their mouth? This is probably the most undisciplined military in the world. Recruits who walk off fron training because they can't smoke, and soldiers that walk away from combat and leave their American advisors to do the fighting. The current fighting along the Syrian border involves U.S. Marines, I can't find any mention of Iraqi forces involved. It seems like the experiments of using Iraqi soldiers in serious combat are gone. American soldiers cannot leave Iraq until their own military can protect their country. And this doesn't appear to be likely anytime soon.
And the misinformation from the military command confirms this. Lt. General Petraeus claimed to Representive McGovern, that there were no plans for permanent American military bases in Iraq. And Donald Rumsfeld put out some propaganda a few weeks ago after the Iraqi election, claiming some American soldiers may be coming home soon. However in the new war appropriations bill, at the request of Bush Administration, a request for $500 million for permanent American military base construction is included. This means that while the military and Rumsfeld put out false information, instead the plans of the Bush Administration are for permanent bases and a permanent American military presense. There is a total effort at old Soviet Union style misinformation and disinformation by the Bush Administration.
After the Iraqi elections, in which former UNSCOM weapons inspector, Scott Ritter, claims the results were manipulated by the U.S. authorities to reduce the winning percentage by 8 percentage points, the Bush Administration and the mainstream U.S. media all hyped it as a turning point for Iraq. Even though the real truth was that Iran gained huge clout with Iranian born cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's coalition garnering a massive landslide over the White House backed slate of candidates affilated with longtime CIA operative Prime Minister Allawi.
Now former UNSCOM arms inspector, Scott Ritter, makes a claim that President Bush has signed off on a plan to attack Iran to take place in June. If this is true, then are the 147,000 American soldiers including thousands of National Guardsmen who have only light arms and Humvees being told of this war plans for Iran. What happens if Iran is attacked and they pour their 3,000,000 man army through Iraq and Jordan to fight Israel to retaliate. Are a few National Guardsmen from everyone's home town able to repel 3,000,000 Iranian soldiers backed up with MIG fighter jets, T-72 tanks and other heavy gear. In Somalia, during the Clinton Administration a group of Americans were the clear losers in a heavy assault in a fierce battle, and this eventaully led to American withdrawal there. In reality, if the American forces are not prepared for such an assault on Iran by the U.S., they should easily fall to the 3,000,000 man Iranian army. And it is likely that many Iraqis will also turn on the Americans, including the proIranian government of politicians associated with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
The White House lives in a vacuum from reality. They almost believe their own lies and falsehoods about Iraq. They lie to the newsmedia. They lie to the American public. They lie to the servicemen serving in the war. They know that this war in Iraq is not going well. Thet know that military recruiters are getting so short on new recruits that some are even telling young people with drug addictions how to beat the military's drug testing so they can join the military because more and more young men and women are needed for this war in the MidEast that will not end anytime soon. And if Iran is attacked in June as Scott Ritter claims will happen, then the worst is yet to come.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
The Iranian Military Strength & The White House Masters Of Military Miscalculation
Because the Russian Federation has a very close relationship with Iran, and could very likely be their military ally if indeed Mr. Bush proceeds with war plans against Iran this June as is believed, the Russian military estimates of Iranian military strength may be the most accurate available. Unlike the weakened army of Saddam Hussein which lost most major weapons during the 1990-91 Gulf War, and nearly all but a few hidden longer range missile launchers, and was reduced down to a couple hundred thousand poorly equipped Republican Guard soldiers, a few helicopters, older Soviet aircraft and tanks, and a few light French and Brazilian arms, Iran by comparison has a far larger and more dangerous military. Their arms are less moderd than Israel or the U.S., and less effective. But their military is very large with around 3 million soldiers.
The Problem is that just in the same way that the Bush Administration totally miscalculated the long insurgent war after the easy defeat of Saddam's weak Republican Guard Army, a gross miscalculation of the strength of the Iranian forces to not only repel American and Israeli forces with some real possibility of serious material and man loss, as well as having the firces necessary to mount a huge invasion of Israel by a mass military flow of manpower on a variety of transports tearing through Iraq and Jordan. And the possibility that Russian Federation military forces may join the battle to attack both Israel with conventional and nuclear weapons and attack the mainland U.S. with nuclear weapons by land based mobile Scale Board launchers and by attack submarines. For all intents and purposes, the Bush war plans to attack Iran in June, most likely will trigger WWIII between the U.S. and the Russian Federation, and must be seen as another gross military miscalculation by Bush White House of a foreign policy of preemptive war in Iran that instead of securing American and Israeli security from a nuclear seeking Iran, could well create WWIII. Because of this, this probable attack on Iran is most ill advised. Diplomacy to rid Iran of this possible threat is the most viable outlet, as the military option should be ruled out due to the possibilitity of triggering an avalanche of new retailiation by Iran, and in a worse case scenario, The Russian Federation.
Iran's Infantry numbers are: 400,000 Regular Infantry, 250,000 Conscripts, 100,000 Revolutionary Guard, 2,000,000 Basee, 20,000 Marines, 1,000 Special Forces, 350,000 Reserves. By comparison American has only 147,000 soldiers in Iraq to repel this force that may attempt to surge to Israel to retailiate.
Iran has these other numbers of weapons systems according to Russian military estimates: Armor and Tanks: 578 T-72S, 60 Zulfquar-3, 110 T-62, 110 T-55, 150 M-60, 150 M47/48, 200 Chieftain, 220 Typ-59, 220 Typ-69.
IFV: 413 Bmp-2, 300 Bmp-1.
APC: 500 Btr-60, 80 Scorpion, 50 Towsan, 35 EE-3 Cascavel, 50 MT-LB, 200 M-113, 120 Boragh.
Artillery: Towed: 30 203mm M-115, 30 155mm G-5, 100 155mm GHN-45, 100 155mm M114, 30 152mm PRC, 800 130mm M-46/Type 59, 500 122mm D-30, 100 122mm Type 54/60, 200 105mm M101.
Artillery: Mobile: 30 203mm M110, 20 170mm Koksan M-1978, 25 175mm M107, 50 155mm Thunder-2, 50 155mm Thunder-1, 100 122mm 2S1.
Rocket Artillery: 50 240mm Fadjr-3, 50 230mm Oghab, 100 BM-21, 50 Hadid, 100 Type 63.
Anti-Aircraft: 30 Rapier, 14 MIM-23B, 10 SA-2, 4 SA-5, 100 S-60, 70 L-70, 21 M1, 100 GDF, 700 23mm ZSU-23-4.
Mobile Anti-Aircraft: 3 S-300, 20 SA-6, 100 57mm ZSU-57-2, 70 23mm ZSU-23-4, 3 Vosper, 10 Kaman, 3 Parvin, 6 Peykaap, 3 Tir, 5 Taedong C.
Corvettes: 2 Bayandor.
Missile Boats: 40 Hudong, 7 Houxin.
Attack Submarines: 3 Kilo.
Troop Ships: 4 Chavoush, 3 Hormuz-24, 3 Hormuz-21.
Other Naval Ships: 1 Riazi-Mine Layer.
Attack Aircraft: 35 MIG-29MK, 12MIG-23BN, 23Su-22M, 25 F-14A, 30 F-4E, 45 F-5B, 24 F-7M.
Fighter Bomber: 7 Su-25K , 23 Su-24, 10 Mirage F1.
Naval Aircraft: 3 P-3, 10 SH-53.
Transport Aircraft: 5 RC-130, 2 Commander 690, 13 Falcon 20, 1 Fokker F-28, 1 IAMI Iran 140, 14 Y-7, 10 F-27, 12 AN-74, 12IL-76, 22 C-130, 2 Boeing 727, 14 Boeing 707.
Recon Aircraft: 30 TU-22, 12TU-16, 2 AN-12, , 30 SU-17, 12 SU-24.
Assorted Military Aircraft: 6 MIG-29UB, 7 T-33, 5 FT-7, 5 RF-5, 8 RF-4 Trainer.
Helicopters: Attack Helicopters: 70 AH-1.
Transport Helicopters: 45 Mi-17, 20 IAR-330 Puma, 40 AB-206, 50 AB-205, 70 AB 214, 3 Hughes 300, 10 SA-319, 35CH-47, 24 IAR-317.
These figures illustrate a military far stronger than the weakened Saddam Hussein military that was defeated within days. And while the figures also illustrate some real vulnerabilities of the Iranian military, they also illustrate more than enough strength to mount a major convoy into Iraq to attack the 147,000 American soldiers there and to push onto a full scale invasion of Israel. In order to repel such an attack, Israel would have to resort to launching land and sea based Star Of David, or other nuclear weapons. American soldiers in Iraq may well be killed in mass numbers as a result of the estimated 130 nuclear warheads that Israel could launch to repel the attacking Iranian Army.
And Iran already claims some methods by which American aircraft carriers could be destroyed by suicide aircraft and other attacks. Since the days of the 1980's war between Iran and Iraq, the Iranian military has modernized. And some defenses such as S-300 could detect American or Israeli aircraft about 700km from the defense system.
The Bush White House has proven to masters of military miscalculation. The forces sent into Iraq with lightly armored Humvees serving as police vehicles that are easy prey for roadside bombs compared to much more armored and superior M113 GAVINs of the Vietnam War prove that Donald Rumsfeld cannot plan for a war beyond a quick effort like the "shock and awe" war against Iraq. Given this history of military miscalculations, as well as the warnings of Old Testament Prophet Ezekiel who accurately described such a war with descriptions of helicopters and nuclear weapons, it is far more likely than not that this proposed attack on Iran set for June will probably be the start of WWIII. This is very unfortunate. It is a very good time for diplomacy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. But any attack could trigger Iran purchasing a device or two in Macaa from North Korean agents and they could hide such a device in a container ship, and explode it in a major port such as in LA or Seattle, or Portland, and kill 100,000 here with such an act of possible retailation.
The possibility of the cycle of violence that could take place would be too horrible to imagine. But the pages of the Old Testament book of the Prophet Ezekiel clearly paint a vision of major human carnage. There is a major need for prayer right now. The Bush Administration is on the verge of the biggest military miscalculation ever if they attempt to respond to the nuclear arms threat of Iran. And North Korea may act irrationally, and could launch against West Coast cities in fear of pending regime change from Bush. The time for cool heads and diplomacy and prayer are greatly needed. Iran must not acquire nuclear arms. But this Bush plan only will promote a worse case scenario. The military option purported tohave been approved by Bush is no option at all. It's simply a suicidal doomsday ploy for a massive war in the MidEast and sucking in much of the world. The world needs to heed the warning of the Prophet of God, Ezekiel before the genie cannot be put back into the bottle once war starts.
The Problem is that just in the same way that the Bush Administration totally miscalculated the long insurgent war after the easy defeat of Saddam's weak Republican Guard Army, a gross miscalculation of the strength of the Iranian forces to not only repel American and Israeli forces with some real possibility of serious material and man loss, as well as having the firces necessary to mount a huge invasion of Israel by a mass military flow of manpower on a variety of transports tearing through Iraq and Jordan. And the possibility that Russian Federation military forces may join the battle to attack both Israel with conventional and nuclear weapons and attack the mainland U.S. with nuclear weapons by land based mobile Scale Board launchers and by attack submarines. For all intents and purposes, the Bush war plans to attack Iran in June, most likely will trigger WWIII between the U.S. and the Russian Federation, and must be seen as another gross military miscalculation by Bush White House of a foreign policy of preemptive war in Iran that instead of securing American and Israeli security from a nuclear seeking Iran, could well create WWIII. Because of this, this probable attack on Iran is most ill advised. Diplomacy to rid Iran of this possible threat is the most viable outlet, as the military option should be ruled out due to the possibilitity of triggering an avalanche of new retailiation by Iran, and in a worse case scenario, The Russian Federation.
Iran's Infantry numbers are: 400,000 Regular Infantry, 250,000 Conscripts, 100,000 Revolutionary Guard, 2,000,000 Basee, 20,000 Marines, 1,000 Special Forces, 350,000 Reserves. By comparison American has only 147,000 soldiers in Iraq to repel this force that may attempt to surge to Israel to retailiate.
Iran has these other numbers of weapons systems according to Russian military estimates: Armor and Tanks: 578 T-72S, 60 Zulfquar-3, 110 T-62, 110 T-55, 150 M-60, 150 M47/48, 200 Chieftain, 220 Typ-59, 220 Typ-69.
IFV: 413 Bmp-2, 300 Bmp-1.
APC: 500 Btr-60, 80 Scorpion, 50 Towsan, 35 EE-3 Cascavel, 50 MT-LB, 200 M-113, 120 Boragh.
Artillery: Towed: 30 203mm M-115, 30 155mm G-5, 100 155mm GHN-45, 100 155mm M114, 30 152mm PRC, 800 130mm M-46/Type 59, 500 122mm D-30, 100 122mm Type 54/60, 200 105mm M101.
Artillery: Mobile: 30 203mm M110, 20 170mm Koksan M-1978, 25 175mm M107, 50 155mm Thunder-2, 50 155mm Thunder-1, 100 122mm 2S1.
Rocket Artillery: 50 240mm Fadjr-3, 50 230mm Oghab, 100 BM-21, 50 Hadid, 100 Type 63.
Anti-Aircraft: 30 Rapier, 14 MIM-23B, 10 SA-2, 4 SA-5, 100 S-60, 70 L-70, 21 M1, 100 GDF, 700 23mm ZSU-23-4.
Mobile Anti-Aircraft: 3 S-300, 20 SA-6, 100 57mm ZSU-57-2, 70 23mm ZSU-23-4, 3 Vosper, 10 Kaman, 3 Parvin, 6 Peykaap, 3 Tir, 5 Taedong C.
Corvettes: 2 Bayandor.
Missile Boats: 40 Hudong, 7 Houxin.
Attack Submarines: 3 Kilo.
Troop Ships: 4 Chavoush, 3 Hormuz-24, 3 Hormuz-21.
Other Naval Ships: 1 Riazi-Mine Layer.
Attack Aircraft: 35 MIG-29MK, 12MIG-23BN, 23Su-22M, 25 F-14A, 30 F-4E, 45 F-5B, 24 F-7M.
Fighter Bomber: 7 Su-25K , 23 Su-24, 10 Mirage F1.
Naval Aircraft: 3 P-3, 10 SH-53.
Transport Aircraft: 5 RC-130, 2 Commander 690, 13 Falcon 20, 1 Fokker F-28, 1 IAMI Iran 140, 14 Y-7, 10 F-27, 12 AN-74, 12IL-76, 22 C-130, 2 Boeing 727, 14 Boeing 707.
Recon Aircraft: 30 TU-22, 12TU-16, 2 AN-12, , 30 SU-17, 12 SU-24.
Assorted Military Aircraft: 6 MIG-29UB, 7 T-33, 5 FT-7, 5 RF-5, 8 RF-4 Trainer.
Helicopters: Attack Helicopters: 70 AH-1.
Transport Helicopters: 45 Mi-17, 20 IAR-330 Puma, 40 AB-206, 50 AB-205, 70 AB 214, 3 Hughes 300, 10 SA-319, 35CH-47, 24 IAR-317.
These figures illustrate a military far stronger than the weakened Saddam Hussein military that was defeated within days. And while the figures also illustrate some real vulnerabilities of the Iranian military, they also illustrate more than enough strength to mount a major convoy into Iraq to attack the 147,000 American soldiers there and to push onto a full scale invasion of Israel. In order to repel such an attack, Israel would have to resort to launching land and sea based Star Of David, or other nuclear weapons. American soldiers in Iraq may well be killed in mass numbers as a result of the estimated 130 nuclear warheads that Israel could launch to repel the attacking Iranian Army.
And Iran already claims some methods by which American aircraft carriers could be destroyed by suicide aircraft and other attacks. Since the days of the 1980's war between Iran and Iraq, the Iranian military has modernized. And some defenses such as S-300 could detect American or Israeli aircraft about 700km from the defense system.
The Bush White House has proven to masters of military miscalculation. The forces sent into Iraq with lightly armored Humvees serving as police vehicles that are easy prey for roadside bombs compared to much more armored and superior M113 GAVINs of the Vietnam War prove that Donald Rumsfeld cannot plan for a war beyond a quick effort like the "shock and awe" war against Iraq. Given this history of military miscalculations, as well as the warnings of Old Testament Prophet Ezekiel who accurately described such a war with descriptions of helicopters and nuclear weapons, it is far more likely than not that this proposed attack on Iran set for June will probably be the start of WWIII. This is very unfortunate. It is a very good time for diplomacy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. But any attack could trigger Iran purchasing a device or two in Macaa from North Korean agents and they could hide such a device in a container ship, and explode it in a major port such as in LA or Seattle, or Portland, and kill 100,000 here with such an act of possible retailation.
The possibility of the cycle of violence that could take place would be too horrible to imagine. But the pages of the Old Testament book of the Prophet Ezekiel clearly paint a vision of major human carnage. There is a major need for prayer right now. The Bush Administration is on the verge of the biggest military miscalculation ever if they attempt to respond to the nuclear arms threat of Iran. And North Korea may act irrationally, and could launch against West Coast cities in fear of pending regime change from Bush. The time for cool heads and diplomacy and prayer are greatly needed. Iran must not acquire nuclear arms. But this Bush plan only will promote a worse case scenario. The military option purported tohave been approved by Bush is no option at all. It's simply a suicidal doomsday ploy for a massive war in the MidEast and sucking in much of the world. The world needs to heed the warning of the Prophet of God, Ezekiel before the genie cannot be put back into the bottle once war starts.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
U.S. Attack On Iran Set For June Claims Former Arms Inspector
Former Unscom weapons inspector, Scott Ritter has reported to a packed Olympia, WA, audience that Bush has signed off on a plan for an aerial attack by the U.S. on Iran set for June. And as further evidence, New York Times reporter, Seymour Hersh has claimed that since last summer, the U.S. has been conducting secret reconnaissance missions in Iran. Under the leadership of Douglas Firth of the Defense Department along with Israeli secret service members, a joint effort to identify possible nuclear or chemical weapons research sites as well as missile sites with Iran. In addition to these war plans, in September it was reported that the U.S. sold 5,000 smart bombs including 100 GBU-28 "bunker buster" bombs which are dropped from an American made F-15 and then satellite guided to destoy hardened bunkers. These are intended to destroy hardened Iranian weapons research sites or to kill Iranian political and military leadership who take up safe positions in fall-out bunkers. In addition with American brokering, a deal has been worked out where Israeli warplanes are practicing for a possible attack on Iran in Turkish airspace.
Part of the recent push for Syrian troops to leave Lebanon was not only in response to the backlash over the killing of a popular personality there, but also part of a larger Bush Administration plan to push Syrian tanks and troops farther from the northern Israeli border as preparations for the attack on Iran continue. Israel was dug nuclear landmine trenches in northern areas of Israel intended to take out large numbers of Syrian troops and tanks who may try to invade from the the north in response to an attack on Iran. In addition nuclear Star Of David land and submarine based missiles can be launched against Syria or Iran if a march of land troops should attempt to invade Israel in response to any attack on Iraq.
The Bush Administration is heavily loaded with members of the defense contractor industry as well as neoconservative members of the defense contractor funded Project For The New American Century. Former Halliburton CEO Dick Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, John Bolton, Jeb Bush and Karl Rove, among many others are members of this defense contractor funded organization that directs foreign policy with self interests of these corporate contractors foremost in charge. In addition for the first time in American history, defense contractor executives, paid consultants or major stockholders hold 32 positions with the Bush Administration with the offices of the Secretary of Army, Navy and Air Force all controlled by executives of major defense contractors. In the 1950's it was Republican President, Dwight Eisenhower that warned against the dangers of the "military industrial complex " to cause mischief if they ever achieved too much power in the U.S. Eisenhower's warning appears to be very prophetic.
According to former Unscom weapons inspector, Scott Ritter, Bush was offered some military attack plans gainst Iran, and has signed off for a plan for aerial attack set for June. And Ritter further claimed in his statements in Olympia, WA, that the Bush administration while claiming the Iraq elections were a "turning point" for the Iraq situation, actually manipulated the results cutting the Iranian born Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's coalition of candidates from 56% to 48% . However the margin was so overwelming that this Bush Administration election manipulation of votes could not win the election for White House preferred candidates aligned with longtime CIA operative and Prime Minister, Ayad Allawi.
Scott Ritter believes that Iraq was only to be a minor situation compared to a larger set of goals to change regimes in Iran and Syria. But instead of an American or Israeli attack triggering a regime change in Iran, it could well instead inspire a slide into WWIII.
Protecting America or Israel from the possibility of a nuclear armed Iran is a real concern. But more reasonable moderate conservatives within his own party such as Senators Pat Roberts and Richard Lugar often argue for every diplomatic effort to be offered by the U.S. to prevent a nuclear showdown with North Korea or Iran. Instead the neoconservatives who control the White House military andforeign policy make the military effort the first and only resort. This is very dangerous.
100's of years before Jesus, the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel wrote what would prove to be the entire history of the nation of Israel, including the crushing of Judea and Sumaria, and the future 1948 state of Israel. Soon after that event in Ezekiel 37-39, a terrible future war with Persia(Iran) and Russia as well as North African and MidEast states all the way extending to Ethiopia are clearly foretold by this prophet. It is intersting to note that WWII is not mentioned anywhere in Scripture, but this huge war in the MidEast is because it will be the worst war ever, it will be WWIII. And little Israel, only 11 miles wide at one point, will be involved in form of nuclear defense considered by some to be a "Samson Option". Samson you recall was chained by captors and could not escape. But he could use his tremendous strength to destroy both himself and his captors by pulling down the entire house on all. A nuclear war by Israel would be just this type of defense. You can't defend a country this small, so you simply pull down the entire MidEast in a nuclear war.
The Bush Administration has to decide whether they want to pursue all diplomatic channels or risk proving the Prophet Ezekiel again right, who has so far never been wrong on any aspect of the past, present or future history of the state of Israel. Bush is in the driver's seat to decide whether to use caution and diplomacy to prevent Iran nuclear arms or to risk triggering WWIII with an Iranian counter attack on Israel with many allied states and a nuclear counterattack by Israel against MidEast, North African and nuclear backed Russian troops. For Bush to risk a war with a state like Russia with a powerful nuclear weapons force is a very grave danger to world peace and stability, and will kill a significant percentage of mankind. This must not happen.
Part of the recent push for Syrian troops to leave Lebanon was not only in response to the backlash over the killing of a popular personality there, but also part of a larger Bush Administration plan to push Syrian tanks and troops farther from the northern Israeli border as preparations for the attack on Iran continue. Israel was dug nuclear landmine trenches in northern areas of Israel intended to take out large numbers of Syrian troops and tanks who may try to invade from the the north in response to an attack on Iran. In addition nuclear Star Of David land and submarine based missiles can be launched against Syria or Iran if a march of land troops should attempt to invade Israel in response to any attack on Iraq.
The Bush Administration is heavily loaded with members of the defense contractor industry as well as neoconservative members of the defense contractor funded Project For The New American Century. Former Halliburton CEO Dick Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, John Bolton, Jeb Bush and Karl Rove, among many others are members of this defense contractor funded organization that directs foreign policy with self interests of these corporate contractors foremost in charge. In addition for the first time in American history, defense contractor executives, paid consultants or major stockholders hold 32 positions with the Bush Administration with the offices of the Secretary of Army, Navy and Air Force all controlled by executives of major defense contractors. In the 1950's it was Republican President, Dwight Eisenhower that warned against the dangers of the "military industrial complex " to cause mischief if they ever achieved too much power in the U.S. Eisenhower's warning appears to be very prophetic.
According to former Unscom weapons inspector, Scott Ritter, Bush was offered some military attack plans gainst Iran, and has signed off for a plan for aerial attack set for June. And Ritter further claimed in his statements in Olympia, WA, that the Bush administration while claiming the Iraq elections were a "turning point" for the Iraq situation, actually manipulated the results cutting the Iranian born Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's coalition of candidates from 56% to 48% . However the margin was so overwelming that this Bush Administration election manipulation of votes could not win the election for White House preferred candidates aligned with longtime CIA operative and Prime Minister, Ayad Allawi.
Scott Ritter believes that Iraq was only to be a minor situation compared to a larger set of goals to change regimes in Iran and Syria. But instead of an American or Israeli attack triggering a regime change in Iran, it could well instead inspire a slide into WWIII.
Protecting America or Israel from the possibility of a nuclear armed Iran is a real concern. But more reasonable moderate conservatives within his own party such as Senators Pat Roberts and Richard Lugar often argue for every diplomatic effort to be offered by the U.S. to prevent a nuclear showdown with North Korea or Iran. Instead the neoconservatives who control the White House military andforeign policy make the military effort the first and only resort. This is very dangerous.
100's of years before Jesus, the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel wrote what would prove to be the entire history of the nation of Israel, including the crushing of Judea and Sumaria, and the future 1948 state of Israel. Soon after that event in Ezekiel 37-39, a terrible future war with Persia(Iran) and Russia as well as North African and MidEast states all the way extending to Ethiopia are clearly foretold by this prophet. It is intersting to note that WWII is not mentioned anywhere in Scripture, but this huge war in the MidEast is because it will be the worst war ever, it will be WWIII. And little Israel, only 11 miles wide at one point, will be involved in form of nuclear defense considered by some to be a "Samson Option". Samson you recall was chained by captors and could not escape. But he could use his tremendous strength to destroy both himself and his captors by pulling down the entire house on all. A nuclear war by Israel would be just this type of defense. You can't defend a country this small, so you simply pull down the entire MidEast in a nuclear war.
The Bush Administration has to decide whether they want to pursue all diplomatic channels or risk proving the Prophet Ezekiel again right, who has so far never been wrong on any aspect of the past, present or future history of the state of Israel. Bush is in the driver's seat to decide whether to use caution and diplomacy to prevent Iran nuclear arms or to risk triggering WWIII with an Iranian counter attack on Israel with many allied states and a nuclear counterattack by Israel against MidEast, North African and nuclear backed Russian troops. For Bush to risk a war with a state like Russia with a powerful nuclear weapons force is a very grave danger to world peace and stability, and will kill a significant percentage of mankind. This must not happen.
Monday, May 9, 2005
Going Medieval?
Former CIA official Gary Schroen has published a new book entitled, "First In". And he's been making some Sunday news show rounds as well. An interesting observation from Schroem is that Bush wanted him to go to Afghanistan and bring back Osama Bin Laden's head in a box of dry ice. Indeed Osama Bin Laden is a terrible international outlaw and terrorist. But the Bush request to bring in his head in a box of dry ice harkens back to the medieval days of a head on a pike military trophy. Candace Bergen was the guest for a hilarious SNL skit dealing with this horrible and ghastly medieval trophy keeping practice in a late 70's episode.
Some may feel that Bush is a like a hanging Texas judge. But this may not be accurate. He may be far closer to the Medieval warriors who parade heads on a pike as a symbol of military conquest trophy, or like the wicked queen who wanted John The Baptist's head on a platter. But for my tastes, this seems uncivilized even for the worst of the worst enemies like Osama Bin Laden, and very uncouth.
Some may feel that Bush is a like a hanging Texas judge. But this may not be accurate. He may be far closer to the Medieval warriors who parade heads on a pike as a symbol of military conquest trophy, or like the wicked queen who wanted John The Baptist's head on a platter. But for my tastes, this seems uncivilized even for the worst of the worst enemies like Osama Bin Laden, and very uncouth.
Major New U.S. Offensive Near Syrian Border And the Lesson Of The Indochina War
The daily immoral car bombings that kill and main women and children must end. This terrible carnage against innocent civilians should immediately stop. Sunni Moslems who support the insurgency should work within new Democratic government to address any concerns in the Sunni community. But with much caution, the U.S. must not act to expand the Iraq War into Syria. The new U.S. offensive to attack insurgent strongholds near the Syrian border in Western Iraq in the city of Obedi, and nearby villages located near the Euphrates river by 1,000 U.S. soldiers backed up by attack planes and helicopters must be strickly limited to prevention of further violence in Iraq, and not become an expansion into a larger regional war in the Middle East.
But unfortunately this could be where the Iraq War is headed. History points to a similar military stalemate in Vietnam in 1970, where on May 1, President Nixon expanded U.S. combat into Cambodia to fight North Vietnamese and Viet Cong guerrilla sanctuaries in that nation. And by 1971, despite a bill by Congress that limited comat in Laos to air combat and bombing only, the war expanded into that nation as well. The Vietnam War expanded into the Indochina War with these expansions of U.S. combat to chase after NVA and Viet Cong guerrillas. Eventually all these governments became destablized, and all three nation eventually became Communist states. All this expansion of combat did was to insure that "domino prinicple" happened, not prevented it.
It might be tempting for the Bush White House to assume that chasing insurgents who may or may not be coming from parts of Syria, might seem like a logic military expansion of combat. But in the case of the "Indochina War", it proved a counterproductive military strategy. It might prove better to warn or even work with Syria to not allow their borders to used for insurgent warriors to slip into Iraq , if indeed this is where foreign fighters are comimg from. But so far the Iraq War has become a form of slow motion "Vietnam". And with the magnet for insurgent crimes against Iraqi civilians and American soldiers alike, America cannot afford an expansion of these problems into a new front in Syria, a new war with Syria, or an eventual occupation of Syria , where another 150,000 Americans would be be needed. This would of course insure a draft in America, and years of occupation with no forseeable end in sight.
History should serve as a warning in two regards. One that expanding the Vietnam War into Laos and Cambodia only insured instability in Indochina. And that in 1945, the wars with Germany and Japan ended, yet both nations still have an active American military presense. And in 1950, American soldiers first entered the Korean War, yet still maintain a presense there as well. Once you enter a military occupation situation you never leave even if it appeared you won the war, and stalemates like Korea can end up even more tense. History should warn against expanding the problems of Iraq into a regional mess. Any temptation by the White House to "solve " insurgency problems by an expansion of the war into Syria should be quickly abandoned. The current U.S. effort in Obedi, Iraq needs to be strictly limited to curtailing insurgent actions within Iraq, and not become a phase one for a new military effort in Syria.
As of today, the Iraq War has taken 1,603 American lives. And thousands of Iraqi lives. This past week suicide bombers took 300 more Iraqi lives. The carnage of war continues on a daily basis in Iraq.
But unfortunately this could be where the Iraq War is headed. History points to a similar military stalemate in Vietnam in 1970, where on May 1, President Nixon expanded U.S. combat into Cambodia to fight North Vietnamese and Viet Cong guerrilla sanctuaries in that nation. And by 1971, despite a bill by Congress that limited comat in Laos to air combat and bombing only, the war expanded into that nation as well. The Vietnam War expanded into the Indochina War with these expansions of U.S. combat to chase after NVA and Viet Cong guerrillas. Eventually all these governments became destablized, and all three nation eventually became Communist states. All this expansion of combat did was to insure that "domino prinicple" happened, not prevented it.
It might be tempting for the Bush White House to assume that chasing insurgents who may or may not be coming from parts of Syria, might seem like a logic military expansion of combat. But in the case of the "Indochina War", it proved a counterproductive military strategy. It might prove better to warn or even work with Syria to not allow their borders to used for insurgent warriors to slip into Iraq , if indeed this is where foreign fighters are comimg from. But so far the Iraq War has become a form of slow motion "Vietnam". And with the magnet for insurgent crimes against Iraqi civilians and American soldiers alike, America cannot afford an expansion of these problems into a new front in Syria, a new war with Syria, or an eventual occupation of Syria , where another 150,000 Americans would be be needed. This would of course insure a draft in America, and years of occupation with no forseeable end in sight.
History should serve as a warning in two regards. One that expanding the Vietnam War into Laos and Cambodia only insured instability in Indochina. And that in 1945, the wars with Germany and Japan ended, yet both nations still have an active American military presense. And in 1950, American soldiers first entered the Korean War, yet still maintain a presense there as well. Once you enter a military occupation situation you never leave even if it appeared you won the war, and stalemates like Korea can end up even more tense. History should warn against expanding the problems of Iraq into a regional mess. Any temptation by the White House to "solve " insurgency problems by an expansion of the war into Syria should be quickly abandoned. The current U.S. effort in Obedi, Iraq needs to be strictly limited to curtailing insurgent actions within Iraq, and not become a phase one for a new military effort in Syria.
As of today, the Iraq War has taken 1,603 American lives. And thousands of Iraqi lives. This past week suicide bombers took 300 more Iraqi lives. The carnage of war continues on a daily basis in Iraq.
Sunday, May 8, 2005
Happy Mother's Day
I want to wish a very happy Mother's Day to all today. This is an important day to spend some meaningful time with your mother or to remember her in some way that fills her heart with joy for all the love she has for her children.
But there are also some sad things about the day. Retail trade groups report that 151 million cards will be sold today, but only 92 million for Father's Day. This is deeply sad for a number of reasons including death, divorce, absent fathers, seperation.
A very constructive change for society is better health care so that fathers live longer. Another constructive change is better families where marriage means something. And for many men to take more responsibility in their personal lives and conduct.
Some day it would be very nice if as many Father's Day cards as Mother's Day cards would be sold.
God bless all today.
But there are also some sad things about the day. Retail trade groups report that 151 million cards will be sold today, but only 92 million for Father's Day. This is deeply sad for a number of reasons including death, divorce, absent fathers, seperation.
A very constructive change for society is better health care so that fathers live longer. Another constructive change is better families where marriage means something. And for many men to take more responsibility in their personal lives and conduct.
Some day it would be very nice if as many Father's Day cards as Mother's Day cards would be sold.
God bless all today.
Iraq War Costs Top $168.2 Billion, While Congress Cuts Medicaid Funds
Cost of War.com has a running meter of the cost of the Iraq War. And the cost now exceeds $168.2 billion dollars, or $1,513 per family. or $673 per person. And Congress has had no problem approving every $80 billion dollar plus spending bill and every bill that rewards reconstruction contractors such as Halliburton, despite so many stories related to excessive costs linked to Dick Cheney's old company.
Congress has sought to save money by cutting critical health care funds by proposing a $20 billion dollar slash in Medicaid funds, endangering the ability of sick or disabled elderly to stay in their own homes or health services for many poor persons. Some vital programs, such as the Oregon Health Plan would suffer a $213 million dollar Medicaid cut, and endanger the lives of many lower income families including children. This is a moral outrage.
One of the few points of light, is that Republican U.S. Senator, Gordon Smith, who is a an Elder in the Church Of Latter Day Saints, has decided that this is immoral and is the lead sponsor of an amendment that passed the Senate, and hopefully will have enough support to pass the House Of Representatives as well. The Latter Day Saints Church has a strong tradition of honor for family history and for senior citizen respect. It is from this background of senior respect that Senator Smith has become a lonely voice in his party on some issues that impact human lives so much. Some other senators who claim a religious philosophy don't seem to have comparable good works like this that prove that they vote their faith like Senator Smith does.
Many Democrats such as Senator Edward Kennedy can always be counted on to protect the lives of the poor and elderly. It is very good that a religious Republican from Oregon, Senator Smith votes his faith and also protects these vulnerable persons. Senator Smith also supported extending antihate crime legislation, unlike most Senators in his party including John McCain, who claims to vote common sense, but his record finds little evidence of often.
There needs to be more Senators like Smith among the Senate Republicans. Too often so many have no problem voting more funds for war, but the same would take health benefits from the poor. Some even hold up faith as an issue when running for office. But the Bible addresses this best, "Faith without works is dead".
Congress has sought to save money by cutting critical health care funds by proposing a $20 billion dollar slash in Medicaid funds, endangering the ability of sick or disabled elderly to stay in their own homes or health services for many poor persons. Some vital programs, such as the Oregon Health Plan would suffer a $213 million dollar Medicaid cut, and endanger the lives of many lower income families including children. This is a moral outrage.
One of the few points of light, is that Republican U.S. Senator, Gordon Smith, who is a an Elder in the Church Of Latter Day Saints, has decided that this is immoral and is the lead sponsor of an amendment that passed the Senate, and hopefully will have enough support to pass the House Of Representatives as well. The Latter Day Saints Church has a strong tradition of honor for family history and for senior citizen respect. It is from this background of senior respect that Senator Smith has become a lonely voice in his party on some issues that impact human lives so much. Some other senators who claim a religious philosophy don't seem to have comparable good works like this that prove that they vote their faith like Senator Smith does.
Many Democrats such as Senator Edward Kennedy can always be counted on to protect the lives of the poor and elderly. It is very good that a religious Republican from Oregon, Senator Smith votes his faith and also protects these vulnerable persons. Senator Smith also supported extending antihate crime legislation, unlike most Senators in his party including John McCain, who claims to vote common sense, but his record finds little evidence of often.
There needs to be more Senators like Smith among the Senate Republicans. Too often so many have no problem voting more funds for war, but the same would take health benefits from the poor. Some even hold up faith as an issue when running for office. But the Bible addresses this best, "Faith without works is dead".
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