Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
ethiopia-eritrea border explosion
there was an explosion today in the town of humera - controlled by ethiopia - but part of the disputed area on the ethiopia-eritrea border. bbc provides a nice timeline of events that ive pasted below.
TENSE BORDER
Dec 2000: Peace agreement
Apr 2002: Border ruling
Mar 2003: Ethiopian complaint over Badme rejected
Oct 2005: Eritrea restricts peacekeepers' activities
Nov 2005: UN sanctions threat if no compliance with 2000 deal
Dec 2007: Deadline to demarcate the border expires without agreement
Dec 2007: Eritrea cuts fuel supplies to the UN
Feb 2008: UN warns of a return to war as it withdraws from Eritrea
March 2008: Deadly bomb blast in border town
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
superDs
A lot has gone down since the last time...
Most recently, as in votes in TX are still be counted, HRC had a big 3/4 taking RI, TX and OH. This is a whole new thing - Im over following the delegate race, though i did hear that BO has something around 50 unannounced superDs in his pocket - no confirmation on that. FL and MI are gonna be a thing now too and I guess this is Dean territory - and can I just say that Im glad Im not that guy.
McCain is official and we are officially gonna wipe the floor w that guy -- UNLESS -- the dems find a way to suck the enthusiasm out of our electorate by overturning a popular mandate with this superD bullshit, or turning what has been a really great race into something not really great. We got a ways to go til PA so stay tuned.
Kosovo declared independence on February 17 and appears to have gotten away with it, which i guess isnt all together surprising considering the international support, especially US and prominent members of the EU. Russia is pissed bc, like Spain, they have their own secessionist movements to worry about. The Serbs are really pissed and took it to the streets. There was mischievous behavior involving a grenade at the US embassy in Belgrade but nothing major. There are still Serbian troops in N Kosovo who were initially told to ignore the independence and could be a problem in the future. Let us all hope that there is not a return to the war of all against all days.
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader - now PM - Raila Odinga have reached a powersharing agreement after Kofi threatened to bail. they are calling it the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, which I think sounds pretty good. Odinga will be PM - and an elected MP and leader of the largest party in the Nat Assembly (or of a coalition if there is no majority). Kibaki and Odinga each get to pick a deputy and along with a VP they will make up a happy cabinet.
Hmmm... what else.
Raul is taking over for Fidel.
Turkey launched a pretty major, multi-day operation in Northerm Iraq. They were going after PKK rebels who live in the Qandil mountains. Then Iraq told them to leave. The US is on pretty thin ice.
Israel has been carrying out the most serious operations in Gaza since Annapolis - Abbas has suspended talks temporarily. Are all politics local, or what?
Pakistan had Parliamentary elections - and the Musharraf people did not do so well. Bhutto's PPP did well as well as the Sharif people.
And Russia has a new President Medvedev who was elected with 69% of the vote, but Putin seems to be the story there. so, i guess well see what happens.
Most recently, as in votes in TX are still be counted, HRC had a big 3/4 taking RI, TX and OH. This is a whole new thing - Im over following the delegate race, though i did hear that BO has something around 50 unannounced superDs in his pocket - no confirmation on that. FL and MI are gonna be a thing now too and I guess this is Dean territory - and can I just say that Im glad Im not that guy.
McCain is official and we are officially gonna wipe the floor w that guy -- UNLESS -- the dems find a way to suck the enthusiasm out of our electorate by overturning a popular mandate with this superD bullshit, or turning what has been a really great race into something not really great. We got a ways to go til PA so stay tuned.
Kosovo declared independence on February 17 and appears to have gotten away with it, which i guess isnt all together surprising considering the international support, especially US and prominent members of the EU. Russia is pissed bc, like Spain, they have their own secessionist movements to worry about. The Serbs are really pissed and took it to the streets. There was mischievous behavior involving a grenade at the US embassy in Belgrade but nothing major. There are still Serbian troops in N Kosovo who were initially told to ignore the independence and could be a problem in the future. Let us all hope that there is not a return to the war of all against all days.
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader - now PM - Raila Odinga have reached a powersharing agreement after Kofi threatened to bail. they are calling it the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, which I think sounds pretty good. Odinga will be PM - and an elected MP and leader of the largest party in the Nat Assembly (or of a coalition if there is no majority). Kibaki and Odinga each get to pick a deputy and along with a VP they will make up a happy cabinet.
Hmmm... what else.
Raul is taking over for Fidel.
Turkey launched a pretty major, multi-day operation in Northerm Iraq. They were going after PKK rebels who live in the Qandil mountains. Then Iraq told them to leave. The US is on pretty thin ice.
Israel has been carrying out the most serious operations in Gaza since Annapolis - Abbas has suspended talks temporarily. Are all politics local, or what?
Pakistan had Parliamentary elections - and the Musharraf people did not do so well. Bhutto's PPP did well as well as the Sharif people.
And Russia has a new President Medvedev who was elected with 69% of the vote, but Putin seems to be the story there. so, i guess well see what happens.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Vigil to siege on Gaza
| Vigil to End the Siege on Gaza |
| January 27, 2008 |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
| Water Tower Park - 830 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL |
| Contact: Lynn Pollack [Email this contact] |
| Sponsors: AFSC, Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago |
| Help spread the word about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza! Join us in standing up to speak out about the siege and collective punishment that Israel continues to inflict upon 1.5 million civilian men, women and children in Gaza, denying an entire population potable water, food and medical supplies. These inhumane and illegal actions are having a devastating impact on the people of Gaza. Join us in a vigil on Jan. 27th to demand an end to the siege on the people of Gaza. Sunday, January 27 – Vigil to End the Siege of Gaza 12 to 1 pm, Water Tower Park, 830 N. Michigan Co-sponsored by AFSC and Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago For information on the vigil, call Lynn Pollack @ 312-427-2533, ext. 26, or e-mail lpollack@afsc.org For more information on the crisis in Gaza, go to http://www.afsc.org/israel-palestine/gaza.htm |
Lebanon: Get it together
A remote detonated bomb killed a senior police intelligence officer and three others in East Beirut today, Captain Wissam Eid had been previously targeted at his home as was his predecessor who retired after being injured from just such an attack. The BBC reports that, "Security officials said the bomb, which left a crater five metres (16 feet) wide, had been made with at least 50 kg (110 pounds) of explosives."
Its a complex ordeal going on over there that has its roots in power sharing agreements often brokered by foreign protectorates. Stay tuned.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Congress to President Bush: Oh no you didnt...
A House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing yesterday took up the issue of whether President Bush has the authority to enter into long-term military agreements with the Iraqi government without congressional approval. The agreement starting taking shape last November when Pres Bush and Maliki signed a Declaration of Principles. Friends Committee on National Legislation have provided some details which are pasted below.
Require Congressional Oversight of US Basing Agreements in Iraq
Bill # S.2426
Original Sponsor:
Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Require Review of Plans for Prolonged U.S. Presence in Iraq
Bill # H.R.4959
Original Sponsor:
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT 3rd)
Details of the Agreement: The Declaration of Principles lays out three areas of U.S.-Iraqi cooperation and sets the goal of negotiating a detailed agreement covering each of the areas by July 31, 2008.
- In the "Political, Diplomatic and Cultural" sphere, the U.S. will support Iraqi democracy against "internal and external threats" and the Iraqi constitution against "any attempt to impede, suspend, or violate it."
- In the "Security Sphere," the U.S. will "deter foreign aggression against Iraq" and support "efforts to combat all terrorist groups."
- In the "Economic Sphere," the U.S. and Iraq are committed to "facilitating and encouraging the flow of foreign investments to Iraq, especially American investments, to contribute to the reconstruction and rebuilding of Iraq."
Require Congressional Oversight of US Basing Agreements in Iraq
Bill # S.2426
Original Sponsor:
Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
| This bill would require the President to seek congressional approval for any agreement that would extend the US occupation of Iraq. This bill asserts that Bush has announced a "Declaration of Principles" for a long term US military presence without consulting Congress, and would require the administration to "report for justification for denying congressional role". It also would assert that no funds may be used for any military basing agreement not approved by Congress. | |
Bill # H.R.4959
Original Sponsor:
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT 3rd)
| About This Legislation: This bill would require the president to consult with Congress on negogiating any commitments for prolonged U.S. presence in Iraq. This could include bases or "any long-term security, economic or political agreement with the Government of Iraq." | |
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Kibaki and Odinga finally meet in Kenya
President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga met face-to-face in Nairobi Thursday for the first time since post-election violence erupted in Kenya a month ago. Both claim to have won the election - see my earlier post for more details.
So, the deal now is that Odinga is demanding a new election and co-equal partnership in a transition government. Kibaki refuses offering at most "a few minor cabinet posts," according to the NYTimes article today.
Enthusiasm from the initiation of talks lost steam, however, as quarreling took the form of statements to the press. The stalemate continues. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
congo peace deal day 2
though there are some "last minute hitches" delaying the peace deal in the Congo, there is also reason to remain cautiously optimistic - one of the Mai Mai militia groups is expressing disarmament issues. observers expect the deal will go through anyway.
the bbc reports that, "The deal is to include an immediate ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of all rebel forces from North Kivu and the resettlement of thousands of villagers."
the EU has promised 150m in aid. once the deal is signed the UN will move peacekeepers into 13 locations who will serve as buffers between the groups.
the bbc reports that, "The deal is to include an immediate ceasefire, the phased withdrawal of all rebel forces from North Kivu and the resettlement of thousands of villagers."
the EU has promised 150m in aid. once the deal is signed the UN will move peacekeepers into 13 locations who will serve as buffers between the groups.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Beatles Epiphany
I am having a beatles epiphany - if you have not had one of your own, you should seriously consider it. they are the best band in the world.
Good Man Ron Paul
After the GOP primaries in Nevada and SC I was curious as to how the campaigns would spin the results in their mass emails... While most candidates took the opportunity to ask for money and time, Ron Paul actually had something to say. Good man! Here is the text:
January 21, 2008
What a shot in the arm the Nevada caucuses were, where we took the silver as #2, beating McCain, Huckabee, Thompson, and -- of course -- Giuliani. We also got four more delegates. In South Carolina, we beat Rudy again. A big thank you to all our wonderful donors, volunteers, and voters. So many people worked so hard to spread our message of liberty, honest money, peace, and free-market prosperity. I owe you all my deepest gratitude. So do our fellow citizens. So do all future Americans. Most of the mainstream media continue to pretend that we do not exist. Yet soon the race will be down to four candidates-Romney, McCain, Huckabee, and me, and there is no stopping us, as Tim Russert grudgingly pointed out the other night. Thanks to you, we are in this all the way through a brokered convention.
Nevada, by the way, is known as the Silver State for a reason-its great mining industry produced the precious metal for the beautiful silver dollars minted at the fabled Carson City mint. These constitutional coins, include .775 ounces of silver, in accord with the Coinage Act of 1792. Today these coins, worth $1 in my father's day, have about $14 in silver. That is, the dollar is worth 1/14th of what it was, thanks to the counterfeiting Federal Reserve.
The Fed has again taken our country into a terrible crisis. Who else is talking about honest money that cannot be printed up at will by DC bureaucrats? My opponents in both parties are all some variety of print-and-spend Keynesians. Only we are telling the truth, about who is to blame for this recession, and how we can build real prosperity with sound money, no IRS, no deficit, and strict obedience to the Constitution. And, of course, no hyper-expensive, hyper-dangerous empire all around the globe.
When I met with some great ladies in Charleston, all of whom wore beautiful hats, I talked about the young people flocking to our banner. "Don't forget the young at heart," said one. Darn right! A youthful outlook, work ethic, and optimism characterizes all of us. Frederic Bastiat predicted many years ago that liberty would be saved by the young. He might have added the young at heart as well, and how right he was!
I continue to be astounded not only by all our revolutionaries, but by our fellow travelers. Democrats and even the workers for my Republican opponents come up to me to talk about our ideas. They are fascinated, and want to learn more. Reaching so many people doesn't necessarily mean a victory in the next primary, but it counts for the real changes we want in our country, now and for our children and grandchildren.
Of course, I am mainly paying attention to the next primary! We are working hard in Florida, in Louisiana for the caucuses, and then for Super Tuesday in more than 20 states. Meanwhile, the whole world is watching how we do tomorrow in fundraising, on a day dedicated to the memory of Martin
Luther King, the great champion of non-violence at home, peace abroad, and civil disobedience against tyrannical government.
Please make your most generous donation https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate/ . We can't let this movement be stopped, nor slowed. I promise you that I will continue to pour all my heart and mind and strength into the battle. I know you will too. Let's work together for all we love, and all we hope for: freedom! Surely, it is worth all our efforts.
Sincerely,
Ron
January 21, 2008
What a shot in the arm the Nevada caucuses were, where we took the silver as #2, beating McCain, Huckabee, Thompson, and -- of course -- Giuliani. We also got four more delegates. In South Carolina, we beat Rudy again. A big thank you to all our wonderful donors, volunteers, and voters. So many people worked so hard to spread our message of liberty, honest money, peace, and free-market prosperity. I owe you all my deepest gratitude. So do our fellow citizens. So do all future Americans. Most of the mainstream media continue to pretend that we do not exist. Yet soon the race will be down to four candidates-Romney, McCain, Huckabee, and me, and there is no stopping us, as Tim Russert grudgingly pointed out the other night. Thanks to you, we are in this all the way through a brokered convention.
Nevada, by the way, is known as the Silver State for a reason-its great mining industry produced the precious metal for the beautiful silver dollars minted at the fabled Carson City mint. These constitutional coins, include .775 ounces of silver, in accord with the Coinage Act of 1792. Today these coins, worth $1 in my father's day, have about $14 in silver. That is, the dollar is worth 1/14th of what it was, thanks to the counterfeiting Federal Reserve.
The Fed has again taken our country into a terrible crisis. Who else is talking about honest money that cannot be printed up at will by DC bureaucrats? My opponents in both parties are all some variety of print-and-spend Keynesians. Only we are telling the truth, about who is to blame for this recession, and how we can build real prosperity with sound money, no IRS, no deficit, and strict obedience to the Constitution. And, of course, no hyper-expensive, hyper-dangerous empire all around the globe.
When I met with some great ladies in Charleston, all of whom wore beautiful hats, I talked about the young people flocking to our banner. "Don't forget the young at heart," said one. Darn right! A youthful outlook, work ethic, and optimism characterizes all of us. Frederic Bastiat predicted many years ago that liberty would be saved by the young. He might have added the young at heart as well, and how right he was!
I continue to be astounded not only by all our revolutionaries, but by our fellow travelers. Democrats and even the workers for my Republican opponents come up to me to talk about our ideas. They are fascinated, and want to learn more. Reaching so many people doesn't necessarily mean a victory in the next primary, but it counts for the real changes we want in our country, now and for our children and grandchildren.
Of course, I am mainly paying attention to the next primary! We are working hard in Florida, in Louisiana for the caucuses, and then for Super Tuesday in more than 20 states. Meanwhile, the whole world is watching how we do tomorrow in fundraising, on a day dedicated to the memory of Martin
Luther King, the great champion of non-violence at home, peace abroad, and civil disobedience against tyrannical government.
Please make your most generous donation https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate/ . We can't let this movement be stopped, nor slowed. I promise you that I will continue to pour all my heart and mind and strength into the battle. I know you will too. Let's work together for all we love, and all we hope for: freedom! Surely, it is worth all our efforts.
Sincerely,
Ron
Congolese Peace Agreement
There was an agreement reached today between General Nkunda's rebel forces and the Congolese government. The Congo War began in 1996 and has been responsible for the deaths of over 4 million people, mostly from disease and starvation. Though it officially ended in 2003, horrific violence has continued in Eastern Congo in which systematic rape has been a principal means of warfare. Fighting has pitted General Nkunda's rebel insurgency versus government-aligned militias and Rwandan-Hutu militia. One of the reasons Nkunda has refused to stand down is the perceived threat to Tutsi's from such Rwandan militias that were responsible for the 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu's. It is difficult to determine the extent to which the recent peace agreement will yield tangible results. Stay tuned for more and check out the NYTimes article for more detail.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Ethnic Shake-Up in Iraq
we have all heard about the decreased violence in baghdad as of late. it is important to note that much of the reason for this is the ethnic reorganization of much of baghdad wherein previously heterogeneous areas have become increasingly homogeneous. though not very up-to-date, the map above taken from General Jones' independent commission released in September 2007 illustrates the link between decreased violence and ethnic reorganization of neighborhoods. i bring all of this up because of a really great bbc article today that gives a personal account of one woman who returned to the home she had fled and her encounter with the new occupants.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
kucinich is out
the nevada district court ruling that required nbc to allow kucinich in tonights debate was overruled by the state's supreme court. here is the link to the ruling.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Iraq Benchmarks - 1 down
The Iraqi Parliament on Saturday passed the Accountability and Justice Act, which enables former members of Saddam's Baath Party to resume jobs in government. It is the first of the so-called benchmarks to be achieved. NYTimes has got a good piece on it.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
What About Michigan?
While the Republicans are all off campaigning in Michigan, there are a few recent developments with the Democrats.
Kucinich is the only candidate actively campaigning in the Great Lakes State. Both the Clinton and Obama campaign vowed to not campaign in Michigan in support of the DNC 's decision to strip the state of its delegates at the National Convention. This comes as a consequence for the MI legislature's vote to move the primary up to January 15. The candidates that remain on the ballot are Sen. Hillary Clinton, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Sen. Christopher Dodd, and Fmr. Sen. Mike Gravel.
While Kucinich attempted to withdraw his name from the ballot, his campaign failed to meet the guidelines for filing the affidavit with the Secretary of State.
Governor Jennifer Granholm has thrown her support behind Hillary Clinton and has asked Michigan Democrats to vote for her on the 15th. Kucinich will likely come in second place.
Why does this matter? Some think the DNC may restore some of Michigan's delegates closer to the date of the convention.
Kucinich is the only candidate actively campaigning in the Great Lakes State. Both the Clinton and Obama campaign vowed to not campaign in Michigan in support of the DNC 's decision to strip the state of its delegates at the National Convention. This comes as a consequence for the MI legislature's vote to move the primary up to January 15. The candidates that remain on the ballot are Sen. Hillary Clinton, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Sen. Christopher Dodd, and Fmr. Sen. Mike Gravel.
While Kucinich attempted to withdraw his name from the ballot, his campaign failed to meet the guidelines for filing the affidavit with the Secretary of State.
Governor Jennifer Granholm has thrown her support behind Hillary Clinton and has asked Michigan Democrats to vote for her on the 15th. Kucinich will likely come in second place.
Why does this matter? Some think the DNC may restore some of Michigan's delegates closer to the date of the convention.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Campaign News
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) is asking for a recount in New Hampshire challenging a discrepancy between the electronic and paper results.
January Endorsements:
Obama
Senator John Kerry
Fmr Senator Bill Bradley
Senator Tim Johnson
Rep. George Miller
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle
Clinton:
1/12 Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy
1/11 American Samoa Governor Tulafono
1/11 Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi
1/10 Henry Cisneros and Edward Romero (Previously working for the Richardson Camp)
1/10 State Senator Bob Coffin
1/10 State Senator Bob Coffin
1/9 Congresswoman Shelley Berkley
1/9 Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner
1/6 Former Biden Supporter State Representative Bill Hatch
1/6 Former Biden Supporter State Representative Jim Webber Endorses Senator Clinton for President
1/5 EL Mundo Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
1/5 McClintock, Domenech Endorse Hillary Clinton
1/4 Virginia Delegates Adam Ebbin and Jennifer McClellan
1/4 Former North Dakota Governor and First Lady, George and Jane Sinner
1/1 New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne
January Endorsements:
Obama
Senator John Kerry
Fmr Senator Bill Bradley
Senator Tim Johnson
Rep. George Miller
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle
Clinton:
1/12 Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy
1/11 American Samoa Governor Tulafono
1/11 Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi
1/10 Henry Cisneros and Edward Romero (Previously working for the Richardson Camp)
1/10 State Senator Bob Coffin
1/10 State Senator Bob Coffin
1/9 Congresswoman Shelley Berkley
1/9 Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner
1/6 Former Biden Supporter State Representative Bill Hatch
1/6 Former Biden Supporter State Representative Jim Webber Endorses Senator Clinton for President
1/5 EL Mundo Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
1/5 McClintock, Domenech Endorse Hillary Clinton
1/4 Virginia Delegates Adam Ebbin and Jennifer McClellan
1/4 Former North Dakota Governor and First Lady, George and Jane Sinner
1/1 New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
NH Shakedown
NH has got a much tighter race in the works between BO and HRC than polls were indicating. I just caught a couple stats from MSNBC that are relevant in this regard --
1) among voters to make their decision in the past 3 days, HRC and BO are tied at 38%.
2) among women (57% of electorate), HRC is leading 47% - 34% (Edwards = 15%).
This compared to women in Iowa: BO-35%, HRC-30%, Edwards-23%.
The bottom line behind HRCs early lead in NH is that women are going for HRC and young voters are less of a force (Im told that up to 10,000 college students returned to school early to caucus for Obama - which was huge). BOs margin of victory in Iowa also may not have been ultimately positive - he started to gain an inevitability factor and it appears to be working against him.
1) among voters to make their decision in the past 3 days, HRC and BO are tied at 38%.
2) among women (57% of electorate), HRC is leading 47% - 34% (Edwards = 15%).
This compared to women in Iowa: BO-35%, HRC-30%, Edwards-23%.
The bottom line behind HRCs early lead in NH is that women are going for HRC and young voters are less of a force (Im told that up to 10,000 college students returned to school early to caucus for Obama - which was huge). BOs margin of victory in Iowa also may not have been ultimately positive - he started to gain an inevitability factor and it appears to be working against him.
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