Finally, there are some relatively objective articles came out of the US media outlets like CNN and NYT today. What is your interpretation of this? If there are more reports like these in next few days, I suspect that the US government may prepare to give up on kiev’s government. http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/23/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-five-scenarios/?hpt=hp_c5
Finally, there are some relatively objective articles came out of the US media outlets like CNN and NYT today. What is your interpretation of this? If there are more reports like these in next few days, I suspect that the US government may prepare to give up on kiev’s government. http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/23/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-five-scenarios/?hpt=hp_c5
I believe there will be no “new squadrons” as Yarosh says, but imported Banderites from Western Ukraine. Although not native to the east, these Banderites will be described as such by the media, to give the impression that the east, too, hates Russia. They are being supported by the US because they are the only remotely capable group of terrorizing Ukraine and deliverying the country to the US imperialists, however they will be discarded (and possibliy crushed) later when their usefulness is over. The only nationalism that the US fully support is Zionism, for obvious reasons.
But Right Sector’s new adventure will be ill-fated. Their HQ will probably last no more than a few days before being firebombed or worse. Yarosh is trying to hard to leave this world. He’s not a bright kid. He has a better chance of having a healthy Ukrainian (Russian-accommodating) (Slavic brotherhood) nationalism with Russia as a friend than with his Western ‘backers’, or dare I say opportunists.
Hi Shaker and thanks. What do you make of the Rapid Trident exercises and Adm Kirby’s comments in the Wall Street Journal re a “persistent rotating NATO presence in Ukraine”?
I have come to the conclusion that we must stop using the expression “the West”: it suggests a common purpose among EU and Atlanticist countries that does not in fact exist, at least at business and grassroots level (though the media and politicians have completely bought into the notion).
As my compatriot Karl Kraus said, in effect, imprecise language leads to terrible outcomes. This rhetorical trick of subsuming every one of us willy-nilly under “the West” encourages us to partake of tribal feelings and thinking, and is thus pernicious.
The commentators in this RT interview also use the expression “The West” as shorthand for Washington/London, I suppose, but I suggest it would be in everyone else’s interest to find a different expression, and for the non-Anglophone countries to start verbally disengaging from this camp.
As an Austrian, I have completely different interests and priorities than Obama or Cameron. I stress that fact on every occasion, and will also in future strive to avoid misleading expression that only play into the imperialists’ hands.
Are there any definitive refutations of the anti-Semitic smear and the claimed fake photo NATO presented of Russian troops on the border. These are truly important stories. They harken back to the Gulf War I hearings when the false witness claimed Iraqi soldiers were tossing babies on the floor in Kuwait (the witness was the daughter of the Kuwaiti ambassador who saw no such thing).
Thank you both for giving me my small wish and putting your names at the top. In response, вот так wrote the following:
“A Shia Muslim 23 April, 2014 08:45
Thanks very much. I’ll use the “name/url” option. I hadn’t tried using it before because I mistakenly thought one had to have a site of some sort to connect the name to.
23 April, 2014 20:11″
Yes, I did the same mistake too at first, but then I realized one can use their name and/or URL (optional).
Austrian made an excellent comment to the effect that the RT commentators assumed the existence of a monolithic entity described as the “West.” This use of language results in the aggregation of multiple different entities and viewpoints and serves US Imperial interests in that it seeks to recall or reactivate the prior cold war narrative of BAD Russia and GOOD USA. My own reading of this polarity is that it is 100% reversed from the cold war period.
The above is by way of preamble to a suggestion – That the Saker create a post designed to collect insight from the residents of a wide variety of nations and locales. This somewhat follows the earlier post on the idea of developing a set of correspondents.
I would be very interested to hear how this story is being played in other media in other nations. As Austrian has stated, his views differ from those of the non-existent monolithic bloc labelled as the “West.” If so, what is the current perception, on the street mood in Austria? Or in Sweden? Or Portugal? How does the local mass media present the story? Are all media outlets presenting the issues in the same way and failing to take cognizance of the fact that the Junta is an illegitimate construct that has no popular support apart from the Oligarchs and gangs of toughs? How has the FUCK THE EU comment been received in Holland or Wales?
I think such a canvas of opinion would be very helpful in giving additional perspective on the issue. It would help in gauging how well, or how badly the main steam media is portraying the issue. It would provide a sense of how politicians are responding to their own publics. It would help give a sense of the degree of critical thought taking place in each region.
Political philosopher Sheldon Wolin argues that the label the “Democratic State” is a inaccurate construct. He argues that “democracy” is a form of engagement undertaken by a public and that this engagement with issues has no true association with a State entity. He argues that States exist as coercive constructs. They are designed to make people fall into line and obey, to pay their taxes and follow the rules on speeding. States have little interest in Democracy and debate. The primary interest of the state is in compliance. I think we can see this construct as it applies to the situation in the Ukraine. One way to prevent the rerun of the events of 1914 would be to share insights and understanding and to use this forum as a means to revitalize democratic dialog. I may be over valuing the potential outcomes but it seems that something along the lines described may be constructive in preventing a great tragedy.
A source in Ukraine’s Joint General Staff has told RIA Novosti that the operation against Slavyansk has been planned by the country’s Security Service, the SBU, and that Interior Minister Arsen Avakov is no longer responsible for the operation.
The groups storming Slavyansk consist of approximately 5,000 militants of the far-right nationalist Right Sector movement, either acting on their own as terror groups or operating as National Guards, the source said. These groups are being supplied with NATO intelligence and aerial photos of the region. The data is being delivered by couriers to avoid interception.
Kiev is not planning to deploy regular troops into the mutinous regions, as the soldiers have been refusing to fight against their own people. The SBU has also deployed up to 500 troops from special forces groups to the area, the source said…”
Personally I think of the term “the west” as shorthand for the govts of the west, or their foreign policy establishment, the so-called Washington consensus world, not “every person in europe and america (plus australia and nz I suppose)”. But that’s just me. I can see how it might bug some people, I get that way about certain words. Thing is, its a term that’s been in use for a long time, and will continue to be used in the media. I think it’s clear that when they say “the west” they ARE referring to ruling structures, when talking about citizens they might say something like “public opinion in the west”. I just wish they used “Khaganate of Nulands” instead of “Nulandistan” in this piece.
Up to now I’ve been using my google log in, J. Collins, I’m going to start using the name I use on every other blog, colinjames.
Actually, I did comment near the bottom of one of the posts yesterday, and then kept looking and looking for it and couldn’t find it, so I was waiting for you to show up today and then I’d try again. In my original message, I thanked you for the reference, especially since I’ve been wanting to read it for years and and just never got around to it, and said that I’d put it at the top of my wish list. But a little bit later, especially since I deeply respect you and you’d recommended it for me so strongly, I went ahead and ordered it and it should arrive tomorrow! I’ve got one fairly weighty book I’m working on right now, but then I’ll dive in and let you know. I am truly sorry for the screw-up, especially since I’m so honored by your taking the time to personally recommend it, and I hope you’ll accept my apologies — I still can’t figure out what happened to it, I never did see the print in red so it should have gone through… ???? Maybe it did go through and neither of us managed to see it? In any case, I’ll be devouring it soon, and I thank you for that.
” I am truly sorry for the screw-up, especially since I’m so honored by your taking the time to personally recommend it, and I hope you’ll accept my apologies –“
You don’t need to apologize, the honor is mine that you respect me so much. Now back to the book, “The Handmaid’s Tale”. The main theme is that USA is on decline, and seeing that the Neocans has taken on themselves to bring back the USA to the days of Prophet Abraham (as).
USA is one of the best country, and it has very good, “God Fearing” people in it. On a bell shaped curve, the masses are very good people just trying to keep their heads above water. I hate to see the downfall of USA and the crazy neocons taking over. Never can wish on anybody or anyone.
Now, the good news. You and dear Saker might think that I have gone crazy. I believe that both Putin and Obama are in cahoot. It is Obama and Kerry who are threading on a very fine line. Let us look at each country and/or power and see what is happening to them, when the fog is lifted.
01. Crimea was give to Russia on a Silver Platter. 02. The rest of Ukraine will be Federalized according to Russian wishes. 03. In Syria all the terrorist have been taken care. Assad will be reelected for seven more years. 04. Hezbollah is stronger than ever, and there is finally a government in Lebanon. 05. AIPAC has been given three successive defeats and now is on decline. 06. Netanyahu doesn’t know what to do next as both USA and Kerry have washed their hands from so called, “Peace Process”. 07. Hamas and PA are now reconciling and will have a unity government. 08. UN will now recognize, “Palestine” as a state with pre-1967 borders. 09. Saudi Arabia and Muslim Brotherhood. 10. Qatar and Muslim Brotherhood. 11. Yemen and Muslim Brotherhood, especially when it comes to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 12. Turkey sending 300 troops inside Syria to protect the “Tomb”, which belong to Turkey. 13. Saudi Arabia, Bandar Bush and the current Foreign Minister. 14. Iran and USA are once more becoming friends.
The above list is not all inclusive, but you catch my drift.
I’ve heard (and read) so much about that book for so long, I’m really quite eager to read it. Mostly though I’ve heard about it as regards women’s issues, and that’s alright but now that I have a bit of the larger context, I *really* can’t wait! I was just wondering the same thing about Putin and Obama this morning but really, I’m not so sure. He really is a horrible liar and in cahoots with all the Wall Street bankers, plus his mother, father, step-father and both grandparents were CIA. Worse yet, I’m not sure he honestly cares or is really even paying that much attention — I just keep going back to that “red-line” comment about Syria and still can’t believe he actually said that! I do think he intensely dislikes Netanyahu though, so maybe… My biggest problem with Obama though is that, whatever power he really does have behind the scenes (and I don’t think it’s much; I think there are just different camps, bankers, corporatists, war profiteers, Neocons, etc.), we just seem to lurch from benefitting one power group to another, without any truly coherent policy at all — looks to me like he just lets them do darned near whatever they want, to the obvious detriment of, well, everyone on the planet.
I’d rather focus on your thoughts though — I sure agree with you on items 01 – 08 plus 13 and 14, but don’t find Turkey doing anything inside Syria as a good thing, and am not sure I understand what you’re saying about the Muslim Brotherhood. On the other hand, I’m also not sure how to make any of the Gulf States safe for Shi’a. Oh, and when I gave Mr. Nora your regards, he grinned, hugely, and asked me to return the favor, but he’s not really sure about items 09 – 12 either. Could you please explain them a bit more fully?
15. According to Kerry, “there is no daylight between USA and Israel”. Now, the Sunshine has appeared, as Israel is trying day after day to justify, why they abstained instead of supporting USA on Crimea in UN . 16. Egypt buying Russian ARMS.
Most Shia are either Arabs or Iranians (know Arabic language), so most of them reside in Middle East. The language makes one to understand the religion better. Most Sunnis are non-Arabs.
The tomb in Syria is Turkish territory, and it is now good that they will defend their own territory and no longer hold Syria responsible for it. See above Honk post of 24 April, 2014 14:02.
09 thru 11: There are now two Sunni camps:
1. Muslim Brotherhood; President Mursi of Egypt; Qatar; Qardawi of Egypt who resides in Qatar; Muslim Brotherhood in Libya, Syria and Jordan. 2. Wahhabi in Saudi Arabia, and recently Saudi Arabia classifying Muslim Brotherhood as terrorists. Future President Sisi of Egypt. 3. Yemen and Muslim Brotherhood. Yemeni Houtis, who are offshoot of Shia and who border with Saudi Arabia.
You and Mr. Nora has now have to lots and lots of reading. Google is your best friend.
Anonymous, Sheldon Wolin is correct, I would say, to point out the antithetical nature of ‘democracy’ and the ‘state’. And, of course, an equal, perhaps greater, antithesis exists between ‘democracy’ and ‘capitalism’. Capitalism exists only to maximise profits and accumulate capital, and only to the benefit of the ownership class. The recent Brobdingnagian growth in inequality and elite wealth in the West shows this inevitable process at work. And capitalism severs the metabolic integrity of the planet too, pillaging the earth and human labour and leaving the wastes excreted in the process as pollution, the crisis produced by which is reaching a real climax.
Anonymous, Sheldon Wolin is correct, I would say, to point out the antithetical nature of ‘democracy’ and the ‘state’. And, of course, an equal, perhaps greater, antithesis exists between ‘democracy’ and ‘capitalism’. Capitalism exists only to maximise profits and accumulate capital, and only to the benefit of the ownership class. The recent Brobdingnagian growth in inequality and elite wealth in the West shows this inevitable process at work. And capitalism severs the metabolic integrity of the planet too, pillaging the earth and human labour and leaving the wastes excreted in the process as pollution, the crisis produced by which is reaching a real climax.
Regarding the concept of “the West”, I think it’s all right to keep using it, BUT it’s high past time indeed we treat it with unrestrained contempt and ridicule. If it’s something that will drive Western supremacists — gender, age, complexion, and social status regardless — totally insane, it’s the desecration of their “verbal treasures” from On High.
Seriously, why can’t we start promoting AWD; to wit Anti-Western Democracy?
Finally, there are some relatively objective articles came out of the US media outlets like CNN and NYT today. What is your interpretation of this? If there are more reports like these in next few days, I suspect that the
US government may prepare to give up on kiev’s government. http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/23/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-five-scenarios/?hpt=hp_c5
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/24/world/europe/shaky-start-to-ukraines-military-push-amid-frayed-geneva-deal.html
Finally, there are some relatively objective articles came out of the US media outlets like CNN and NYT today. What is your interpretation of this? If there are more reports like these in next few days, I suspect that the
US government may prepare to give up on kiev’s government. http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/23/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-five-scenarios/?hpt=hp_c5
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/24/world/europe/shaky-start-to-ukraines-military-push-amid-frayed-geneva-deal.html
Ukraine’s far-right leader moves HQ to the east, forms new squadron
http://rt.com/news/154452-right-sector-yarosh-unit/
Ukrainian extremists move headquarters from Kiev to Dnepropetrovsk
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_04_24/Ukrainian-extremists-move-headquarters-from-Kiev-to-Dnepropetrovsk-8865/
I believe there will be no “new squadrons” as Yarosh says, but imported Banderites from Western Ukraine. Although not native to the east, these Banderites will be described as such by the media, to give the impression that the east, too, hates Russia. They are being supported by the US because they are the only remotely capable group of terrorizing Ukraine and deliverying the country to the US imperialists, however they will be discarded (and possibliy crushed) later when their usefulness is over. The only nationalism that the US fully support is Zionism, for obvious reasons.
But Right Sector’s new adventure will be ill-fated. Their HQ will probably last no more than a few days before being firebombed or worse. Yarosh is trying to hard to leave this world. He’s not a bright kid. He has a better chance of having a healthy Ukrainian (Russian-accommodating) (Slavic brotherhood) nationalism with Russia as a friend than with his Western ‘backers’, or dare I say opportunists.
Hi Shaker and thanks.
What do you make of the Rapid Trident exercises and Adm Kirby’s comments in the Wall Street Journal re a “persistent rotating NATO presence in Ukraine”?
Bill
I have come to the conclusion that we must stop using the expression “the West”: it suggests a common purpose among EU and Atlanticist countries that does not in fact exist, at least at business and grassroots level (though the media and politicians have completely bought into the notion).
As my compatriot Karl Kraus said, in effect, imprecise language leads to terrible outcomes. This rhetorical trick of subsuming every one of us willy-nilly under “the West” encourages us to partake of tribal feelings and thinking, and is thus pernicious.
The commentators in this RT interview also use the expression “The West” as shorthand for Washington/London, I suppose, but I suggest it would be in everyone else’s interest to find a different expression, and for the non-Anglophone countries to start verbally disengaging from this camp.
As an Austrian, I have completely different interests and priorities than Obama or Cameron. I stress that fact on every occasion, and will also in future strive to avoid misleading expression that only play into the imperialists’ hands.
Are there any definitive refutations of the anti-Semitic smear and the claimed fake photo NATO presented of Russian troops on the border. These are truly important stories. They harken back to the Gulf War I hearings when the false witness claimed Iraqi soldiers were tossing babies on the floor in Kuwait (the witness was the daughter of the Kuwaiti ambassador who saw no such thing).
Repost of The US Plan
The zionazi’s death squads staged some more attacks during the night.
Unknown gunmen kills two near Ukraine’s eastern Slavyansk – reports
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_04_24/Unknown-gunmen-kills-two-near-Ukraines-eastern-Slavyansk-reports-6288/
Five injured in city council storming in Ukraine’s Mariupol – reports
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_04_24/Five-injured-in-city-council-storming-in-Ukraines-Mariupol-reports-3291/
вот так
Hi WizOz and вот так:
Thank you both for giving me my small wish and putting your names at the top. In response, вот так wrote the following:
“A Shia Muslim 23 April, 2014 08:45
Thanks very much. I’ll use the “name/url” option. I hadn’t tried using it before because I mistakenly thought one had to have a site of some sort to connect the name to.
23 April, 2014 20:11″
Yes, I did the same mistake too at first, but then I realized one can use their name and/or URL (optional).
Many thanks and best regards,
A Shia Muslim.
Hi Nora,
I have asked you twice if you have read The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood?
A simple “yes or no” will suffice, so that I can move on to my next thought/comment with you.
Best regards,
A Shia Muslim.
P.S. Please say “hi” to Mr. Nora for me.
Hi Nora,
I have asked you twice if you have read The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood?
A simple “yes or no” will suffice, so that I can move on to my next thought/comment with you.
Best regards,
A Shia Muslim.
P.S. Please say “hi” to Mr. Nora for me.
Canadian said . . .
Austrian made an excellent comment to the effect that the RT commentators assumed the existence of a monolithic entity described as the “West.” This use of language results in the aggregation of multiple different entities and viewpoints and serves US Imperial interests in that it seeks to recall or reactivate the prior cold war narrative of BAD Russia and GOOD USA. My own reading of this polarity is that it is 100% reversed from the cold war period.
The above is by way of preamble to a suggestion – That the Saker create a post designed to collect insight from the residents of a wide variety of nations and locales. This somewhat follows the earlier post on the idea of developing a set of correspondents.
I would be very interested to hear how this story is being played in other media in other nations. As Austrian has stated, his views differ from those of the non-existent monolithic bloc labelled as the “West.” If so, what is the current perception, on the street mood in Austria? Or in Sweden? Or Portugal? How does the local mass media present the story? Are all media outlets presenting the issues in the same way and failing to take cognizance of the fact that the Junta is an illegitimate construct that has no popular support apart from the Oligarchs and gangs of toughs? How has the FUCK THE EU comment been received in Holland or Wales?
I think such a canvas of opinion would be very helpful in giving additional perspective on the issue. It would help in gauging how well, or how badly the main steam media is portraying the issue. It would provide a sense of how politicians are responding to their own publics. It would help give a sense of the degree of critical thought taking place in each region.
Political philosopher Sheldon Wolin argues that the label the “Democratic State” is a inaccurate construct. He argues that “democracy” is a form of engagement undertaken by a public and that this engagement with issues has no true association with a State entity. He argues that States exist as coercive constructs. They are designed to make people fall into line and obey, to pay their taxes and follow the rules on speeding. States have little interest in Democracy and debate. The primary interest of the state is in compliance. I think we can see this construct as it applies to the situation in the Ukraine. One way to prevent the rerun of the events of 1914 would be to share insights and understanding and to use this forum as a means to revitalize democratic dialog. I may be over valuing the potential outcomes but it seems that something along the lines described may be constructive in preventing a great tragedy.
Now that the Zionazis encouraged junta started the attack on the easterners, all (my) eyes are on Germany.
Will she do the rational and ethical thing and manage to take the side of Russia, once the latter is forced to protect the east?
Not that spineless Zionazi sympathizer Merkel would want to do it, but she didn’t want to abolish nuclear energy either, did she?
Honk
http://rt.com/news/eastern-ukraine-army-operation-680/
“Thursday, April 24
11:19 GMT:
A source in Ukraine’s Joint General Staff has told RIA Novosti that the operation against Slavyansk has been planned by the country’s Security Service, the SBU, and that Interior Minister Arsen Avakov is no longer responsible for the operation.
The groups storming Slavyansk consist of approximately 5,000 militants of the far-right nationalist Right Sector movement, either acting on their own as terror groups or operating as National Guards, the source said. These groups are being supplied with NATO intelligence and aerial photos of the region. The data is being delivered by couriers to avoid interception.
Kiev is not planning to deploy regular troops into the mutinous regions, as the soldiers have been refusing to fight against their own people. The SBU has also deployed up to 500 troops from special forces groups to the area, the source said…”
Personally I think of the term “the west” as shorthand for the govts of the west, or their foreign policy establishment, the so-called Washington consensus world, not “every person in europe and america (plus australia and nz I suppose)”. But that’s just me. I can see how it might bug some people, I get that way about certain words. Thing is, its a term that’s been in use for a long time, and will continue to be used in the media. I think it’s clear that when they say “the west” they ARE referring to ruling structures, when talking about citizens they might say something like “public opinion in the west”. I just wish they used “Khaganate of Nulands” instead of “Nulandistan” in this piece.
Up to now I’ve been using my google log in, J. Collins, I’m going to start using the name I use on every other blog, colinjames.
Lest we forget that other crisis:
Turkey Sends 300 Troops into Syria:
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan confirms reports of military intervention to protect the tomb of a prominent Turkish figure.
Honk
A Shia Muslim,
Actually, I did comment near the bottom of one of the posts yesterday, and then kept looking and looking for it and couldn’t find it, so I was waiting for you to show up today and then I’d try again. In my original message, I thanked you for the reference, especially since I’ve been wanting to read it for years and and just never got around to it, and said that I’d put it at the top of my wish list. But a little bit later, especially since I deeply respect you and you’d recommended it for me so strongly, I went ahead and ordered it and it should arrive tomorrow! I’ve got one fairly weighty book I’m working on right now, but then I’ll dive in and let you know. I am truly sorry for the screw-up, especially since I’m so honored by your taking the time to personally recommend it, and I hope you’ll accept my apologies — I still can’t figure out what happened to it, I never did see the print in red so it should have gone through… ???? Maybe it did go through and neither of us managed to see it? In any case, I’ll be devouring it soon, and I thank you for that.
The Ukrainian troops raided a checkpoint and took all the food and medicine, they said.
http://rt.com/news/154596-feed-your-army-ukraine/
T1
Dearest Nora,
” I am truly sorry for the screw-up, especially since I’m so honored by your taking the time to personally recommend it, and I hope you’ll accept my apologies –“
You don’t need to apologize, the honor is mine that you respect me so much. Now back to the book, “The Handmaid’s Tale”. The main theme is that USA is on decline, and seeing that the Neocans has taken on themselves to bring back the USA to the days of Prophet Abraham (as).
USA is one of the best country, and it has very good, “God Fearing” people in it. On a bell shaped curve, the masses are very good people just trying to keep their heads above water. I hate to see the downfall of USA and the crazy neocons taking over. Never can wish on anybody or anyone.
Now, the good news. You and dear Saker might think that I have gone crazy. I believe that both Putin and Obama are in cahoot. It is Obama and Kerry who are threading on a very fine line. Let us look at each country and/or power and see what is happening to them, when the fog is lifted.
01. Crimea was give to Russia on a Silver Platter.
02. The rest of Ukraine will be Federalized according to Russian wishes.
03. In Syria all the terrorist have been taken care. Assad will be reelected for seven more years.
04. Hezbollah is stronger than ever, and there is finally a government in Lebanon.
05. AIPAC has been given three successive defeats and now is on decline.
06. Netanyahu doesn’t know what to do next as both USA and Kerry have washed their hands from so called, “Peace Process”.
07. Hamas and PA are now reconciling and will have a unity government.
08. UN will now recognize, “Palestine” as a state with pre-1967 borders.
09. Saudi Arabia and Muslim Brotherhood.
10. Qatar and Muslim Brotherhood.
11. Yemen and Muslim Brotherhood, especially when it comes to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
12. Turkey sending 300 troops inside Syria to protect the “Tomb”, which belong to Turkey.
13. Saudi Arabia, Bandar Bush and the current Foreign Minister.
14. Iran and USA are once more becoming friends.
The above list is not all inclusive, but you catch my drift.
Kindest regards,
A Shia Muslim.
A Shia Muslim,
I’ve heard (and read) so much about that book for so long, I’m really quite eager to read it. Mostly though I’ve heard about it as regards women’s issues, and that’s alright but now that I have a bit of the larger context, I *really* can’t wait! I was just wondering the same thing about Putin and Obama this morning but really, I’m not so sure. He really is a horrible liar and in cahoots with all the Wall Street bankers, plus his mother, father, step-father and both grandparents were CIA. Worse yet, I’m not sure he honestly cares or is really even paying that much attention — I just keep going back to that “red-line” comment about Syria and still can’t believe he actually said that! I do think he intensely dislikes Netanyahu though, so maybe… My biggest problem with Obama though is that, whatever power he really does have behind the scenes (and I don’t think it’s much; I think there are just different camps, bankers, corporatists, war profiteers, Neocons, etc.), we just seem to lurch from benefitting one power group to another, without any truly coherent policy at all — looks to me like he just lets them do darned near whatever they want, to the obvious detriment of, well, everyone on the planet.
I’d rather focus on your thoughts though — I sure agree with you on items 01 – 08 plus 13 and 14, but don’t find Turkey doing anything inside Syria as a good thing, and am not sure I understand what you’re saying about the Muslim Brotherhood. On the other hand, I’m also not sure how to make any of the Gulf States safe for Shi’a. Oh, and when I gave Mr. Nora your regards, he grinned, hugely, and asked me to return the favor, but he’s not really sure about items 09 – 12 either. Could you please explain them a bit more fully?
Thank you and our deepest respect,
Nora
Hi Nora,
I will add two more items to my original post:
15. According to Kerry, “there is no daylight between USA and Israel”. Now, the Sunshine has appeared, as Israel is trying day after day to justify, why they abstained instead of supporting USA on Crimea in UN .
16. Egypt buying Russian ARMS.
Most Shia are either Arabs or Iranians (know Arabic language), so most of them reside in Middle East. The language makes one to understand the religion better. Most Sunnis are non-Arabs.
The tomb in Syria is Turkish territory, and it is now good that they will defend their own territory and no longer hold Syria responsible for it. See above Honk post of 24 April, 2014 14:02.
09 thru 11: There are now two Sunni camps:
1. Muslim Brotherhood; President Mursi of Egypt; Qatar; Qardawi of Egypt who resides in Qatar; Muslim Brotherhood in Libya, Syria and Jordan.
2. Wahhabi in Saudi Arabia, and recently Saudi Arabia classifying Muslim Brotherhood as terrorists. Future President Sisi of Egypt.
3. Yemen and Muslim Brotherhood. Yemeni Houtis, who are offshoot of Shia and who border with Saudi Arabia.
You and Mr. Nora has now have to lots and lots of reading. Google is your best friend.
Best regards to both of you,
A Shia Muslim.
Hi Nora,
Another good book is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Poisonwood_Bible
Best regards,
A Shia Muslim.
Anonymous, Sheldon Wolin is correct, I would say, to point out the antithetical nature of ‘democracy’ and the ‘state’. And, of course, an equal, perhaps greater, antithesis exists between ‘democracy’ and ‘capitalism’. Capitalism exists only to maximise profits and accumulate capital, and only to the benefit of the ownership class. The recent Brobdingnagian growth in inequality and elite wealth in the West shows this inevitable process at work. And capitalism severs the metabolic integrity of the planet too, pillaging the earth and human labour and leaving the wastes excreted in the process as pollution, the crisis produced by which is reaching a real climax.
Anonymous, Sheldon Wolin is correct, I would say, to point out the antithetical nature of ‘democracy’ and the ‘state’. And, of course, an equal, perhaps greater, antithesis exists between ‘democracy’ and ‘capitalism’. Capitalism exists only to maximise profits and accumulate capital, and only to the benefit of the ownership class. The recent Brobdingnagian growth in inequality and elite wealth in the West shows this inevitable process at work. And capitalism severs the metabolic integrity of the planet too, pillaging the earth and human labour and leaving the wastes excreted in the process as pollution, the crisis produced by which is reaching a real climax.
Regarding the concept of “the West”, I think it’s all right to keep using it, BUT it’s high past time indeed we treat it with unrestrained contempt and ridicule. If it’s something that will drive Western supremacists — gender, age, complexion, and social status regardless — totally insane, it’s the desecration of their “verbal treasures” from On High.
Seriously, why can’t we start promoting AWD; to wit Anti-Western Democracy?