As this year approaches its conclusion, I figured it was time for a review of US foreign policy initiatives.
In the latest developments on the Iran deal, President Trump chose to decertify the agreement, as opposed to recertifying, as has been the custom every 90 days. This was done because Iran has not lived up to the spirit of the agreement, and he finds that the deal is no longer in US national security interests, as he properly should have.
The Trump administration has set the stage for a review of all terms and conditions of the arrangement. Congress will have the responsibility of voting to reinstate disruptive sanctions, and there may not be enough support in the body to do so. The option also exists to renegotiate the deal, adding in specific "triggers" or standards that must be met, or else sanctions would be reinstated.
Either way, it is clear to me that Iran needs to be brought to its knees.
Why? Not to suggest overkill, but here are some things to look out for:
-IRGC/Quds activity in the region. Support for terror.
-A ban on Uranium enrichment and Plutonium production.
-Taking apart/downgrading large portions of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
-Anytime/Anywhere inspection capacity, with real-time monitoring of nuclear facilities.
- Ballistic missile technology and military sites, which is not included in this deal.
- Sunset provisions on enrichment.
-"Peaceful" intent.
(What I would like to make clear here is that Iran's capacity to create nuclear weapons must be curtailed.)
We need to be honest, and sit down with both the Russians and Iranians in this case, to forge a path forward. We need to lean on Moscow to apply pressure to its client state in Tehran. We've been in talks with the Iranians on ISIS, as well. This is of mutual benefit to both nations.
We also need to lean on the Chinese, as well. Why?
Well, first off, we need assistance in curtailing North Korean capacity for nuclear war.
In exchange, hostile exercises on the peninsula would cease, packaged with guarantees of safety provided to Pyongyang. We need peace on the peninsula.
(Vis-a-vis the Chinese, forged alliances in the Indian/Pacific/South China Sea need to be forged, as maritime assets need to be leveraged to provide security for these shipping lanes.)
We also need to have a chat with the Chinese about the future of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistan has been supporting the Taliban/Al-Qaeda/The Haqqani Network for some time. So has American foreign policy in the past. Essentially, the same groups were fostered by US foreign policy through Pakistani intelligence in decades past. So, now that there appears to be a shift in US foreign policy, some degree of inertia is to be expected here. You can't stop and turn an aircraft carrier in a matter of seconds. It's just not possible nor feasible. This is where the Chinese and the OBOR initiative come into play. By engaging the Chinese, this seems to be a way to provide a reasonable degree of security and stability. As I've stated previously, the Chinese have had their own struggles with terrorism and instability. This would be a good opportunity for the Chinese to get involved.
We have plans for the Arabian Peninsula and Northern Africa, as I've clearly stated.
The Saudis are well aware, and so is the rest of the region.
The US and our allies will operate smoothly, given that all involved are willing to help life go off without a hitch.
Wheeling and dealing requires cooperation with all involved, and if everyone's on the same page, that's exactly what will transpire.
Thanks.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Choreography.
In the following article, I would like to lay out why, with further and deeper review of the evidence, I believe that the Soviet incursion into Afghanistan, American support for the Mujahideen, and the Afghan conflict was not a clever trap set by Americans to bankrupt the Soviet Union, but rather collusion and choreography on the world stage in order to foster jihad to further Western aims, as well as to carve up the region and exploit resources.
I liken understanding this to looking at one of those images on the back of a cereal box.
You place your eyes close to the box, and back away, as the image comes into focus.
It's impossible to see if you're looking at it out of context.
Let's start here:
Brzezinski admitted in 1998 that US aid first went to the Mujahideen in July of 1979, or before the Soviets invaded. Not after. What Brzezinski doesn't seem to want to admit is that this pretext set the stage for the brutal conflict that would eventually leave Afghanistan with a tribal government and a newly equipped army led by Osama Bin Laden, which could later be used as a patsy to further Western aims later on.
I'll tell you what I believe happened.
I believe that the US fully supported a Soviet intervention in Afghan politics by supporting a military coup that would bring a leftist regime to power whose policies were considered "godless" by many in Afghanistan.
The Soviets sent in advisors to "advance socialism" in the nation. Some reforms, such as land redistribution and women's literacy classes were on the agenda.
These reforms, unsurprisingly, triggered and allergic reaction in the countryside, as mullahs thought that their authority was being undermined. Calls for jihad, unsurprisingly, went out across the Islamic world.
Papers were signed, and in July of 1979, the first American aid to the Mujahideen in the form of communications equipment. Roughly $20 billion in total would be funneled in through Pakistani intelligence, as well as deadly weapons like the Stinger Missile.
The government in Kabul asks the Soviets for assistance while Afghan President Turaki's Prime Minister Amin pushes ahead with these reforms. Amin initiated a crackdown on opposition, having enemies rounded up and executed.
Turaki went to Moscow, to discuss how to create peace, and logically keep his power.
When in Moscow, I believe that actions ensued that led, ironically, to the deposition of Turaki and not Amin. Action indicated that Amin should go, so that losses could be cut, allergenic reforms slowed, and power retained.
These plans against Amin were "leaked out" of the Soviet Union, and when Turaki returned to Kabul, Amin had him arrested and executed.
I mean, it seemed that Turaki was getting in the way, and that Amin was being handled by Soviet intelligence. What are the chances of something like that happening accidentally?
I mean, if you want a well-funded and trained terrorist army to prevail, peace is no good, right?
As a matter of fact, the Soviets even seemed to throw out the bit of disinformation that Amin was a product of the CIA, distracting from the connections that they themselves had developed.
The Soviets finally invaded in December of 1979, and the conflict would drag on until 1989, after some $20 billion was funneled indirectly to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan.
The communist government would fall, and the stage was set for the 9/11 attacks, the US war in Afghanistan, linked to the war in Iraq, the creation of the Islamic State, and a conflict in Syria.
Evidence suggests that the US and the Soviet Union/Russia have been planning on carving up the region and exploiting resources, all reaching back to at least the 1950's.
Fostering and exploiting jihad for Western aims is one logical way to accomplish these aims.
Look at the cereal box and think about it.
It's all connected.
I liken understanding this to looking at one of those images on the back of a cereal box.
You place your eyes close to the box, and back away, as the image comes into focus.
It's impossible to see if you're looking at it out of context.
Let's start here:
Brzezinski admitted in 1998 that US aid first went to the Mujahideen in July of 1979, or before the Soviets invaded. Not after. What Brzezinski doesn't seem to want to admit is that this pretext set the stage for the brutal conflict that would eventually leave Afghanistan with a tribal government and a newly equipped army led by Osama Bin Laden, which could later be used as a patsy to further Western aims later on.
I'll tell you what I believe happened.
I believe that the US fully supported a Soviet intervention in Afghan politics by supporting a military coup that would bring a leftist regime to power whose policies were considered "godless" by many in Afghanistan.
The Soviets sent in advisors to "advance socialism" in the nation. Some reforms, such as land redistribution and women's literacy classes were on the agenda.
These reforms, unsurprisingly, triggered and allergic reaction in the countryside, as mullahs thought that their authority was being undermined. Calls for jihad, unsurprisingly, went out across the Islamic world.
Papers were signed, and in July of 1979, the first American aid to the Mujahideen in the form of communications equipment. Roughly $20 billion in total would be funneled in through Pakistani intelligence, as well as deadly weapons like the Stinger Missile.
The government in Kabul asks the Soviets for assistance while Afghan President Turaki's Prime Minister Amin pushes ahead with these reforms. Amin initiated a crackdown on opposition, having enemies rounded up and executed.
Turaki went to Moscow, to discuss how to create peace, and logically keep his power.
When in Moscow, I believe that actions ensued that led, ironically, to the deposition of Turaki and not Amin. Action indicated that Amin should go, so that losses could be cut, allergenic reforms slowed, and power retained.
These plans against Amin were "leaked out" of the Soviet Union, and when Turaki returned to Kabul, Amin had him arrested and executed.
I mean, it seemed that Turaki was getting in the way, and that Amin was being handled by Soviet intelligence. What are the chances of something like that happening accidentally?
I mean, if you want a well-funded and trained terrorist army to prevail, peace is no good, right?
As a matter of fact, the Soviets even seemed to throw out the bit of disinformation that Amin was a product of the CIA, distracting from the connections that they themselves had developed.
The Soviets finally invaded in December of 1979, and the conflict would drag on until 1989, after some $20 billion was funneled indirectly to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan.
The communist government would fall, and the stage was set for the 9/11 attacks, the US war in Afghanistan, linked to the war in Iraq, the creation of the Islamic State, and a conflict in Syria.
Evidence suggests that the US and the Soviet Union/Russia have been planning on carving up the region and exploiting resources, all reaching back to at least the 1950's.
Fostering and exploiting jihad for Western aims is one logical way to accomplish these aims.
Look at the cereal box and think about it.
It's all connected.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Infamy.
What were you thinking, and what made you think this was acceptable?
Greed and haughty arrogance intoxicates. Selfish ambition motivates and drives from within.
A litany of poor choices inevitably and inexorably leads to poor results.
The blind lead the blind into the ditch, and they perish together. This is slow motion suicide with a captive audience.
Are there points awarded for style?
Infamy awaits with bated breath.
Greed and haughty arrogance intoxicates. Selfish ambition motivates and drives from within.
A litany of poor choices inevitably and inexorably leads to poor results.
The blind lead the blind into the ditch, and they perish together. This is slow motion suicide with a captive audience.
Are there points awarded for style?
Infamy awaits with bated breath.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Wait for Hours.
Someone call for a chopper.
Heavy casualties are being reported from the field.
Hefty losses sustained, and in search of some stabilization.
"The radio's out, and we're going to have to walk miles for better reception."
Rinse this fellow's wound out.
Tie his arm in a tourniquet and isolate the bleeding limb.
Ambushed soldiers are strewn across the forest floor.
I'm doing what I can, but my help means nothing if we keep taking incoming fire.
Tracer fire leads back to the enemy position.
Maybe hail will serve as a friendly reminder to not encroach.
Let's make a break for it.
Sink or swim.
I dream of my bed, but I don't think I'll be getting there tonight.
Let's make our way out to the ridge.
I'm all out of coffee and cigarettes anyway, and we can make our call for an extraction there.
We might have to wait for hours, as they are always, always late.
Heavy casualties are being reported from the field.
Hefty losses sustained, and in search of some stabilization.
"The radio's out, and we're going to have to walk miles for better reception."
Rinse this fellow's wound out.
Tie his arm in a tourniquet and isolate the bleeding limb.
Ambushed soldiers are strewn across the forest floor.
I'm doing what I can, but my help means nothing if we keep taking incoming fire.
Tracer fire leads back to the enemy position.
Maybe hail will serve as a friendly reminder to not encroach.
Let's make a break for it.
Sink or swim.
I dream of my bed, but I don't think I'll be getting there tonight.
Let's make our way out to the ridge.
I'm all out of coffee and cigarettes anyway, and we can make our call for an extraction there.
We might have to wait for hours, as they are always, always late.
Monday, September 11, 2017
The Gutter.
One may place a price tag upon a good night's rest
or upon doing one's level best.
While optimism sleeps, I'm trying to keep cynicism from choking it out.
Staying up on my political game, with a pocketful of D.C. clout.
Lighters up means that this house is alive.
Step into a cypher with strangers only minutes after you arrive.
This is how we do.
Can you vibe with that?
Stress relief.
Not everything in life is meant to be taken so seriously.
Understand?
I'll throw everything at you but the kitchen sink.
Understand?
I put the "gutter" in "guttural."
or upon doing one's level best.
While optimism sleeps, I'm trying to keep cynicism from choking it out.
Staying up on my political game, with a pocketful of D.C. clout.
Lighters up means that this house is alive.
Step into a cypher with strangers only minutes after you arrive.
This is how we do.
Can you vibe with that?
Stress relief.
Not everything in life is meant to be taken so seriously.
Understand?
I'll throw everything at you but the kitchen sink.
Understand?
I put the "gutter" in "guttural."
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Afghanistan.
If you happened to be near a TV or radio on Monday night, you may have heard President Trump's speech on prosecuting a war in Afghanistan.
If you haven't been living under a rock, you also may be familiar with Trump's rhetoric leading up to his election on the subject.
One may even be confused as to what Trump said several years ago versus what he said on Monday night.
Allow me to clarify.
Trump stated previously that American troops should come home immediately, but he also seemed to hedge a bit when he stated that " If we have to go back in, we go in hard & quick." This strategic hedging seemed tailored for a presidential candidacy if you ask me. Seemingly running on one thing, then leaving open the opportunity to do another once elected.
After an announcement on Monday that 4,000 more troops could be sent in, not with the goal of nation building, but with a focus on counterterrorism. Trump continued on Monday, "My original instinct was to pull out, and, historically, I like following my instincts," Trump said in a televised address Monday. "But all of my life I heard that decisions are much different when you sit behind the desk in the Oval Office."
Mysteriously absent from Trump's speech was any mention of China's stakes in any of this, namely their struggles with terrorism and China's One Belt One Road initiative.
(Speaking of "stakes," one must realize China's much more immediate security concerns as it lies on the Eurasian landmass. The US is thousands of miles away. That being said, any mention of 9/11 seems to ring hollow in my ears as the CIA seemingly was involved in both getting the terrorists into the country with visas, as well as rigging explosives on 9/11. Also, the number of organic "terrorist attacks" in the country since then could probably be counted on one hand, false flags not included. Bringing up 9/11 reminds me of telling fables to children, like the Tooth Fairy placing money under your pillow in exchange for teeth. It's downright infantile and insulting.)
Bringing 4,000 troops back into Afghanistan seems rather silly given that 100,000 could not defeat the Taliban. What's the purpose here?
Trump talks about the reach of American arms and might.
What is Trump then proposing here?
A battle of attrition with the Taliban, in order to bring them back to the negotiating table?
Shooting our way back to the negotiation table?
I'm at a bit of a loss here on this one, but I guess we can't really say that Trump lied to get elected.
He successfully hedged.
Miniskirts?
Come on.
Why do the generals feel the need to prove something?
If you haven't been living under a rock, you also may be familiar with Trump's rhetoric leading up to his election on the subject.
One may even be confused as to what Trump said several years ago versus what he said on Monday night.
Allow me to clarify.
Trump stated previously that American troops should come home immediately, but he also seemed to hedge a bit when he stated that " If we have to go back in, we go in hard & quick." This strategic hedging seemed tailored for a presidential candidacy if you ask me. Seemingly running on one thing, then leaving open the opportunity to do another once elected.
After an announcement on Monday that 4,000 more troops could be sent in, not with the goal of nation building, but with a focus on counterterrorism. Trump continued on Monday, "My original instinct was to pull out, and, historically, I like following my instincts," Trump said in a televised address Monday. "But all of my life I heard that decisions are much different when you sit behind the desk in the Oval Office."
Mysteriously absent from Trump's speech was any mention of China's stakes in any of this, namely their struggles with terrorism and China's One Belt One Road initiative.
(Speaking of "stakes," one must realize China's much more immediate security concerns as it lies on the Eurasian landmass. The US is thousands of miles away. That being said, any mention of 9/11 seems to ring hollow in my ears as the CIA seemingly was involved in both getting the terrorists into the country with visas, as well as rigging explosives on 9/11. Also, the number of organic "terrorist attacks" in the country since then could probably be counted on one hand, false flags not included. Bringing up 9/11 reminds me of telling fables to children, like the Tooth Fairy placing money under your pillow in exchange for teeth. It's downright infantile and insulting.)
Bringing 4,000 troops back into Afghanistan seems rather silly given that 100,000 could not defeat the Taliban. What's the purpose here?
Trump talks about the reach of American arms and might.
What is Trump then proposing here?
A battle of attrition with the Taliban, in order to bring them back to the negotiating table?
Shooting our way back to the negotiation table?
I'm at a bit of a loss here on this one, but I guess we can't really say that Trump lied to get elected.
He successfully hedged.
Miniskirts?
Come on.
Why do the generals feel the need to prove something?
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Stretch.
Pretty brutal.
Stretch the imagination.
Front and center.
Room to make something happen.
Molars and incisors.
Gristle and bone.
Last of my nine lives.
Nerve.
Goodness, gracious.
Lord, have mercy.
Bullets over Broadway.
Duck and cover.
Stretch the imagination.
Front and center.
Room to make something happen.
Molars and incisors.
Gristle and bone.
Last of my nine lives.
Nerve.
Goodness, gracious.
Lord, have mercy.
Bullets over Broadway.
Duck and cover.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Questions and Answers.
By looking at some apocryphal texts, one may extract some answers to some specific questions.
The first is "what happens after death?"
The wicked and unsaved?
78 “Now a word about death: When the final sentence goes forth from the Most High that a person should die, when the spirit recedes from the body so that it may be sent again to him who gave it, the first thing is to stand in awe before the glory of the Most High. 79 If the spirit belonged to one of those who showed contempt and didn’t keep the Most High’s way, if it was one of those who despised his Law and who hates those who fear God, 80 these spirits don’t go into their dwellings but will immediately wander about in torments. They will constantly grieve and be sorrowful for seven reasons:[a]
The first is "what happens after death?"
The wicked and unsaved?
78 “Now a word about death: When the final sentence goes forth from the Most High that a person should die, when the spirit recedes from the body so that it may be sent again to him who gave it, the first thing is to stand in awe before the glory of the Most High. 79 If the spirit belonged to one of those who showed contempt and didn’t keep the Most High’s way, if it was one of those who despised his Law and who hates those who fear God, 80 these spirits don’t go into their dwellings but will immediately wander about in torments. They will constantly grieve and be sorrowful for seven reasons:[a]
81 The first reason—because they despised the Law of the Most High.
82 The second reason—because they can’t now effectively change their hearts and lives so that they might live.
83 The third reason—because they will see the reward laid up for those who have believed the Most High’s testimonies.
84 The fourth reason—because they will consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.
85 The fifth reason—because they will see the dwelling places of others, guarded by angels in great silence.
86 The sixth reason—because they see the torment coming upon them from now on.[b]
87 The seventh reason, which is greater than all the previously mentioned reasons—because they will melt away in confusion and be consumed in disgrace.[c]
82 The second reason—because they can’t now effectively change their hearts and lives so that they might live.
83 The third reason—because they will see the reward laid up for those who have believed the Most High’s testimonies.
84 The fourth reason—because they will consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.
85 The fifth reason—because they will see the dwelling places of others, guarded by angels in great silence.
86 The sixth reason—because they see the torment coming upon them from now on.[b]
87 The seventh reason, which is greater than all the previously mentioned reasons—because they will melt away in confusion and be consumed in disgrace.[c]
“They will wither in fear when they see the glory of the Most High, before whom they sinned when they were alive and before whom they are to be judged in the last times."
What about the righteous?
88 “The arrangement for those who kept God’s ways is this when they begin to be separated from the corruptible body.[d] 89 In the time of their exile here they labored hard to serve the Most High. Every hour they endured danger so that they might keep the Law of the lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore, this is the word about them: 91 First, they will see with great joy the glory of him who receives them. They will have rest on account of seven orders:
92 The first order—because they have struggled hard to overcome the evil thought fashioned within them so that it wouldn’t lead them astray from life to death.
93 The second order—because they see the panic in which the souls of the wicked wander and the punishment that awaits them.
94 The third order—seeing the testimony that their maker has testified on their behalf, because when they were alive, they kept the Law that was given through faith.
95 The fourth order—understanding the peaceful rest that they now enjoy, gathered in their resting chambers, guarded by angels in deep silence, and understanding the glory that awaits them in their last days.
96 The fifth order—rejoicing at how they have now escaped the corruptible and how they will have a future inheritance; moreover, seeing the narrow space, full of labor, from which they have been freed, and the spacious place they are about to receive and enjoy, now that they are immortal.
97 The sixth order—when they are shown how their face begins to shine like the sun and how they begin to be like the stars, as beings of incorruptible light.
98 The seventh order, which is greater than all those mentioned—because they will rejoice with confidence and will trust without being disappointed and will rejoice without fear; for they hasten to see the face of him whom they served when they were alive and from whom they are about to receive a reward now that they are glorified.
93 The second order—because they see the panic in which the souls of the wicked wander and the punishment that awaits them.
94 The third order—seeing the testimony that their maker has testified on their behalf, because when they were alive, they kept the Law that was given through faith.
95 The fourth order—understanding the peaceful rest that they now enjoy, gathered in their resting chambers, guarded by angels in deep silence, and understanding the glory that awaits them in their last days.
96 The fifth order—rejoicing at how they have now escaped the corruptible and how they will have a future inheritance; moreover, seeing the narrow space, full of labor, from which they have been freed, and the spacious place they are about to receive and enjoy, now that they are immortal.
97 The sixth order—when they are shown how their face begins to shine like the sun and how they begin to be like the stars, as beings of incorruptible light.
98 The seventh order, which is greater than all those mentioned—because they will rejoice with confidence and will trust without being disappointed and will rejoice without fear; for they hasten to see the face of him whom they served when they were alive and from whom they are about to receive a reward now that they are glorified.
The dead are given 7 days?
Kind of like that movie "Ghost" with Patrick Swayze.
The righteous get to watch the dread of the damned.
The damned get to see the habitations of the saved.
100 I answered: “Will time, therefore, be given to souls after they are separated from the bodies to see what you told me?”
101 He said to me: “They will be free for seven days so that they may see in those seven days the things[e] that have been foretold. After this, they will be gathered in their dwelling places.”
Furthermore,
102 I answered: “If you look on me with favor, show your servant further whether on the Judgment Day the just will be able to seek mercy for the wicked or intercede for them with the Most High. 103 Will parents be allowed to intercede[f] for children, children for parents, siblings for each other, relatives for those close to them, faithful ones for those most dear to them?”
104 He replied to me: “Because I do indeed favor you, I will also show you this. The Judgment Day is decisive.[g] It reveals the seal of truth to all. Even in the here and now a parent doesn’t send a child, or a child the parent, or a master his servant, or a faithful friend a dear confidant, so that the one should understand or sleep or eat or be taken care of in the other person’s place. 105 Just so, no one will ever intercede for another; everyone will then bear his or her own deeds of justice or injustice.”
What happens on the Day of the Lord, or beginning with the Rapture?
Daniel 12:2 tells us.
"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
After sleeping, "guarded by angels in great silence," the righteous head up to Heaven from what is more commonly referred to as "Abraham's Bosom." In the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Abraham's Bosom is said to be geographically located directly across from Hell, inside the depths of the Earth.
The damned?
The damned awake to Hell.
"Well, what about 2 Corinthians 5:8?"
Makes a bit more sense now.
"Can you tell us a bit more about the millennial?"
Sure.
It should be understood in light of Revelation 20 and 21.
Christ returns, and the lake of fire is also revealed.
400 years into the millennial, something also happens.
Christ, along with the rest of the world, will die.
7 days later, the earth gives back those who sleep, and the corrupt world dies.
There is then judgment for these.
26 “Look! The time is coming when the signs appear that I told you about in advance, and the city will appear, appearing as a bride, and the land that is now hidden will be openly displayed. 27 Everyone who is rescued from the evils foretold will see my wonders. 28 My Son the anointed one[a] will be revealed along with those who are with him, and those who remain will rejoice for four hundred years.
29 “After these years, my Son the anointed one and all who have human breath will die. 30 The world will be turned back to primeval silence for seven days, as in the earliest beginnings so that no one is left alive. 31 After seven days, the world that isn’t yet awake will be roused, and the corrupt world will die. 32 The earth will give back those who sleep, and the dust will give back in silence those who dwell in it, and the resting places will give back the souls that have been entrusted to them. 33 The Most High will be revealed on the throne of judgment, and mercy will pass away. Patience will be withdrawn, 34 and only judgment will remain. Truth will arise, faith will recover strength, 35 and works will have their consequences. Reward will come about, righteous deeds will awake, and unrighteous deeds won’t sleep."
Questions?
Answers.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Mutual Defense.
Donald Trump's recent trip to Europe to meet with European leaders on the future of NATO brought up some very important questions. Like "What does the world's future look like?" It was made clear several years ago that the Ukraine would have no part of NATO, even after submitting to a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP).
What are the requirements of the MAP?
There are 5 points.
"1) A willingness to settle international, ethnic, or external territorial disputes by peaceful means, commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and democratic control of the armed forces.
2) An ability to contribute to the organization's defense and missions.
3) Devotion of sufficient resources to armed forces to be able to meet the commitments of membership.
4) Security of sensitive information, and safeguards ensuring it.
5) Compatibility of domestic legislation with NATO cooperation."
This process began under Leonid Kuchma after the Ukraine first applied in 1998. For some odd reason, they decided to back out under elected president Viktor Yanukovych and his election in 2010. This, fortuitously enough for Russia, leaves the Ukraine ripe for the picking. Article 5 cannot be invoked for a non-member nation. Am I questioning Yanukovych's intentions here? Quite possibly.
One would think that with all this talk of "collusion with Russia" that we might be able to reap tangible benefits from actually colluding with Russia on the world stage. NATO membership here would guarantee a nation's safety from Russian overtures/force, but precious little else.
Moving forward, our attention should take a decisive shift toward China and the Indian/Pacific. They are the longer-term headache.
(Who seems to be in Russia's crosshairs, by the way?
- The Ukraine
-Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan)
NATO's article 5 has been invoked only once, and that was after the 9/11 attacks.
So realistically, moving forward, a NATO equivalent of the Indian/Pacific seems to be what we really need, as well as "incidents at sea" agreements. What are these? These nifty arrangements are meant to keep any conflict from becoming a conflagration on a wider, much more destructive scale. As far as the possibility of invoking article 5 in the future, cyber attacks of sufficient magnitude may be a trigger for invocation.
What about the future of NATO and the EU?
According to Daniel, Germany and France will leave the Eurozone to pursue a linked monetary union of their own making. When will this happen? As soon as France and Germany realize that they are better off together, and as citizens begin to demand action to be taken on these grounds. When a tipping point is reached, and the tangible benefits outweigh the perceived political risks of pursuing such a union.
What about Russia and Iran?
When do I see that relationship reaching its expiration date? The conflict with Iran, after they are essentially bombed into the stone age. That said, I believe Russia needs to step in and fill some gaps in Syria. Maintaining a naval base does not come close to satisfying the actual requirements on the ground in Syria and the future of the nation. Russia needs to explain to Iran that they "have it from here." Any pending peacekeeping arrangement needs to keep this in mind.
An alliance in the Indian/Pacific modeled after NATO may prove to be useful in navigating the tricky, hazardous situation developing in the South China Sea.
A strong American posture is necessary in the South China Sea, with a renewed focus on securing the shipping lanes found there. A fearless, watchful presence is of paramount importance in maintaining the security of the region and the freedom to navigate these waters.
What are the requirements of the MAP?
There are 5 points.
"1) A willingness to settle international, ethnic, or external territorial disputes by peaceful means, commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and democratic control of the armed forces.
2) An ability to contribute to the organization's defense and missions.
3) Devotion of sufficient resources to armed forces to be able to meet the commitments of membership.
4) Security of sensitive information, and safeguards ensuring it.
5) Compatibility of domestic legislation with NATO cooperation."
This process began under Leonid Kuchma after the Ukraine first applied in 1998. For some odd reason, they decided to back out under elected president Viktor Yanukovych and his election in 2010. This, fortuitously enough for Russia, leaves the Ukraine ripe for the picking. Article 5 cannot be invoked for a non-member nation. Am I questioning Yanukovych's intentions here? Quite possibly.
One would think that with all this talk of "collusion with Russia" that we might be able to reap tangible benefits from actually colluding with Russia on the world stage. NATO membership here would guarantee a nation's safety from Russian overtures/force, but precious little else.
Moving forward, our attention should take a decisive shift toward China and the Indian/Pacific. They are the longer-term headache.
(Who seems to be in Russia's crosshairs, by the way?
- The Ukraine
-Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan)
NATO's article 5 has been invoked only once, and that was after the 9/11 attacks.
So realistically, moving forward, a NATO equivalent of the Indian/Pacific seems to be what we really need, as well as "incidents at sea" agreements. What are these? These nifty arrangements are meant to keep any conflict from becoming a conflagration on a wider, much more destructive scale. As far as the possibility of invoking article 5 in the future, cyber attacks of sufficient magnitude may be a trigger for invocation.
What about the future of NATO and the EU?
According to Daniel, Germany and France will leave the Eurozone to pursue a linked monetary union of their own making. When will this happen? As soon as France and Germany realize that they are better off together, and as citizens begin to demand action to be taken on these grounds. When a tipping point is reached, and the tangible benefits outweigh the perceived political risks of pursuing such a union.
What about Russia and Iran?
When do I see that relationship reaching its expiration date? The conflict with Iran, after they are essentially bombed into the stone age. That said, I believe Russia needs to step in and fill some gaps in Syria. Maintaining a naval base does not come close to satisfying the actual requirements on the ground in Syria and the future of the nation. Russia needs to explain to Iran that they "have it from here." Any pending peacekeeping arrangement needs to keep this in mind.
An alliance in the Indian/Pacific modeled after NATO may prove to be useful in navigating the tricky, hazardous situation developing in the South China Sea.
A strong American posture is necessary in the South China Sea, with a renewed focus on securing the shipping lanes found there. A fearless, watchful presence is of paramount importance in maintaining the security of the region and the freedom to navigate these waters.
Friday, May 19, 2017
May.
May 19, 2017.
A faint breeze accompanies balmy heat on a temperate spring day.
The box fan whirs on the windowsill, facilitating a cross-draft in my studio apartment.
A coffee table makes for a barefoot footrest. Resinated footprints proliferate across the wood-grained surface.
A lawn mower hums from across the street as a neighbor carefully manicures his lawn. The scent of freshly-bled chlorophyll wafts in my direction.
The distinct crackle of my AM radio competes with the typical sounds of a suburban neighborhood.
Spring springs in the Hudson Valley.
My 31st time around.
A faint breeze accompanies balmy heat on a temperate spring day.
The box fan whirs on the windowsill, facilitating a cross-draft in my studio apartment.
A coffee table makes for a barefoot footrest. Resinated footprints proliferate across the wood-grained surface.
A lawn mower hums from across the street as a neighbor carefully manicures his lawn. The scent of freshly-bled chlorophyll wafts in my direction.
The distinct crackle of my AM radio competes with the typical sounds of a suburban neighborhood.
Spring springs in the Hudson Valley.
My 31st time around.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Stymied.
A wide-angle lens exposes the cracks.
A cane becomes a weapon used for blunt force trauma.
Prophecies of loss, trauma, and victory.
Flex, bend, and ascend.
Homeland security sustained.
Foreign influence stymied.
Think wrong.
Think again.
Waterfalls and fields of grain.
Target acquired.
Flames consume in justice and judgment.
A cane becomes a weapon used for blunt force trauma.
Prophecies of loss, trauma, and victory.
Flex, bend, and ascend.
Homeland security sustained.
Foreign influence stymied.
Think wrong.
Think again.
Waterfalls and fields of grain.
Target acquired.
Flames consume in justice and judgment.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Superstate II.
"Tsedeq- Righteous cause.
On the one hand, the relationships among people and of a man to his God can be described as tsedeq, supposing the parties are faithful to each others' expectations."
This is according to Strong's Concordance.
What is this is reference to, you ask?
I would like to refer you back to an article I wrote called "Superstate," and discuss its imperatives on formulating American foreign policy in the future.
I have implied that Saudi Arabia is moving toward rapprocehment with the Muslim Brotherhood in the Middle East. Why?
Because Saudi expansionism into Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (as well as taking on ISIL) is going to be a byproduct of the drying up of the Nile River.
This is all tied in with our policies regarding Iran's nuclear program.
How so?
We need to strike a deal, maximizing our leverage with in regards to cooperating against the Islamic State.
What are some specific parameters that need to be recognized here?
When I took a look at Isaiah 45, things became a bit clearer.
Verses 7-10 in this passage make the point outlined in Superstate come into focus, when things will finally come back full circle against Egypt (cross-reference with nuclear weapons characterized in Zechariah 5:1-4).
Nebuchadnezzar in this passage can also be cross-referenced with Cyrus in Isaiah 45.
These both refer to a Saudi leader.
The Lord makes all of this happen.
Maybe if the Saudis were able to keep up their end of the bargain, future retribution would not fall upon their heads.
But to return to Isaiah 45 and "tsedeq," a point must be made.
Verses 1-8 describe Egyptian treasures being discovered (in order to pay Saudi troops).
It also refers to a future HAARP installation that needs to be constructed on Saudi soil.
“Shower, O heavens, from above,
and let the clouds rain down righteousness;
let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;
let the earth cause them both to sprout;
I the Lord have created it."
This is an application of the ELF/VLF frequency ranges.
(It doesn't take long to install an array field.)
Listen, there are legitimate purposes for the enrichment of uranium for peaceful energy purposes.
But Iran can and should be stopped when it begins to move toward breakout for their nuclear program.
There are other aspects of the Iran deal as well.
Like their ballistic missile program and their military sites being off-limits to international inspectors.
If Iran wants sanctions relief as well as assistance in eliminating the Islamic State, we should use this leverage to its maximum effect, getting the best deal possible.
In my opinion, this should also include routine examinations of their nuclear facilities, at the very minimum. Frequent or unannounced visitations should be on the table here.
This is an example of time management.
Daniel 11 shows a wide-angle view of this clock.
On the one hand, the relationships among people and of a man to his God can be described as tsedeq, supposing the parties are faithful to each others' expectations."
This is according to Strong's Concordance.
What is this is reference to, you ask?
I would like to refer you back to an article I wrote called "Superstate," and discuss its imperatives on formulating American foreign policy in the future.
I have implied that Saudi Arabia is moving toward rapprocehment with the Muslim Brotherhood in the Middle East. Why?
Because Saudi expansionism into Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (as well as taking on ISIL) is going to be a byproduct of the drying up of the Nile River.
This is all tied in with our policies regarding Iran's nuclear program.
How so?
We need to strike a deal, maximizing our leverage with in regards to cooperating against the Islamic State.
What are some specific parameters that need to be recognized here?
When I took a look at Isaiah 45, things became a bit clearer.
Verses 7-10 in this passage make the point outlined in Superstate come into focus, when things will finally come back full circle against Egypt (cross-reference with nuclear weapons characterized in Zechariah 5:1-4).
Nebuchadnezzar in this passage can also be cross-referenced with Cyrus in Isaiah 45.
These both refer to a Saudi leader.
The Lord makes all of this happen.
Maybe if the Saudis were able to keep up their end of the bargain, future retribution would not fall upon their heads.
But to return to Isaiah 45 and "tsedeq," a point must be made.
Verses 1-8 describe Egyptian treasures being discovered (in order to pay Saudi troops).
It also refers to a future HAARP installation that needs to be constructed on Saudi soil.
“Shower, O heavens, from above,
and let the clouds rain down righteousness;
let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;
let the earth cause them both to sprout;
I the Lord have created it."
This is an application of the ELF/VLF frequency ranges.
(It doesn't take long to install an array field.)
Listen, there are legitimate purposes for the enrichment of uranium for peaceful energy purposes.
But Iran can and should be stopped when it begins to move toward breakout for their nuclear program.
There are other aspects of the Iran deal as well.
Like their ballistic missile program and their military sites being off-limits to international inspectors.
If Iran wants sanctions relief as well as assistance in eliminating the Islamic State, we should use this leverage to its maximum effect, getting the best deal possible.
In my opinion, this should also include routine examinations of their nuclear facilities, at the very minimum. Frequent or unannounced visitations should be on the table here.
This is an example of time management.
Daniel 11 shows a wide-angle view of this clock.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Dissection of the End.
I wanted to take some time to dissect/cross reference some scripture in relation the Anti-Christ and the Tribulation.
Some accounts of this time period (and the preceding years as well) can be found in Daniel 7 and 11.
I'll also reference Rev. 13 here, also.
Daniel 7 gives us a description of the blocs of nation states that will be involved in the end times.
The first beast, in 7:4 refers to the Anglophone bloc of nation states, or Jacob.
The second beast, in Daniel 7:5 refers to the bloc of states led by Russia, including nation states that will be absorbed into its sphere of influence. 3 of them.
The third beast (Dan. 7:6) refers to the bloc of Germany and France together.
These three beasts together will represent the Allies in the battle of Armageddon.
The fourth beast (Dan. 7:7-9) is also described in Revelation 13.
During the end times, 7 seals will be released upon planet Earth.
The first seal is being opened as we speak.
Revelation 6 discusses these in detail.
Daniel 11:2 refers to a king that for one reason or another, he will stir up conflict with Greece, probably with ballistic missiles.
A war with the West will take out the regime in charge in Iran because of this.
Continuing on until Daniel 11:20, a tax-raiser, or "exactor of tribute" shall arise, but he will be killed after a few days, with minimal effort. Probably the snapping of a set of fingers.
(2 Thessalonians 2 discusses the details of this time period a bit, too.
One thing to remember is that the Rapture of the Church will not take place until these things take place, or one year before Armageddon. Another thing to remember is that the Anti-Christ will not be revealed openly until I leave planet Earth.)
Daniel 11:21 refers to the subsequent importation of the Anti-Christ from an outside nation, most likely from France or Germany. He will be an allied puppet (up until a certain point, that is).
Verse 30 refers to the point in time when things take a turn for the worse.
"Ships" (orders or commands) from the allies will come in, and he will turn against them and take steps toward desecrating the temple in Jerusalem.
Verses 31-35 continues on about this, or Jerusalem being trodden down by the Gentiles.
Some will die "by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil."
(Verse 35 discusses time in Purgatory.)
Verses 36-39 discusses how the Anti-Christ will worship and exalt himself above all.
He will live in a palace or fortress replete with spoils and riches.
He's actually referred to as "the god of forces."
(Where does he get this money from? Iranians will sell territory to foreigners and then rent it as a stream of revenue for foreigners. Heaven's Bankers describes this process in detail.)
In addition, seven trumpets will blow during the Great Tribulation. (Rev. 8-10)
These take place within a 2 and a half year time period, prior to the Day of the Lord, or the year preceding Armageddon.
I want to take some time to discuss a few trumpets in particular.
The first leads to famine.
Joel 1 and Ezekiel 7:19 discuss such ideas.
(We will discuss the need to prepare for this point in time to have enough food to feed ourselves and our allies. You can't eat gold or silver, after all.)
The second, Rev. 8:8 describes a "great mountain burning with fire" falling into the sea, turning one third of the sea turning into blood.
The third (Rev. 8:10-11) describes the wormwood plague of bitter waters.
The fourth (Rev. 8:12) describes the heavenly signs (Matthew 24:29)
The fifth details (Rev. 9:1-12) a locust-like plague, explicitly designed to torment the unsaved.
The sixth (Rev. 9:13-21) describes the drying up for the river Euphrates and World War 3.
One third of the world's population will perish therein.
Daniel 11 verses 40-43 discuss World War 3 in further detail.
(Zechariah 5:1-4 discusses nuclear weapons being used).
(Matthew 24:22 says that "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.")
The seventh trumpet marks The Rapture, which takes place one year before the Battle of Armageddon (otherwise known as the Day of the Lord).
Seven bowl judgments will be poured out during the Day of the Lord, or the last year, prior to Armageddon taking place.
Revelation 16 describes the bowl judgments in great detail.
The church is raptured prior to all of this taking place.
Daniel 11:44-45 describes the Anti-Christ's defeat in the battle of Armageddon.
The end, dissected.
Some accounts of this time period (and the preceding years as well) can be found in Daniel 7 and 11.
I'll also reference Rev. 13 here, also.
Daniel 7 gives us a description of the blocs of nation states that will be involved in the end times.
The first beast, in 7:4 refers to the Anglophone bloc of nation states, or Jacob.
The second beast, in Daniel 7:5 refers to the bloc of states led by Russia, including nation states that will be absorbed into its sphere of influence. 3 of them.
The third beast (Dan. 7:6) refers to the bloc of Germany and France together.
These three beasts together will represent the Allies in the battle of Armageddon.
The fourth beast (Dan. 7:7-9) is also described in Revelation 13.
During the end times, 7 seals will be released upon planet Earth.
The first seal is being opened as we speak.
Revelation 6 discusses these in detail.
Daniel 11:2 refers to a king that for one reason or another, he will stir up conflict with Greece, probably with ballistic missiles.
A war with the West will take out the regime in charge in Iran because of this.
Continuing on until Daniel 11:20, a tax-raiser, or "exactor of tribute" shall arise, but he will be killed after a few days, with minimal effort. Probably the snapping of a set of fingers.
(2 Thessalonians 2 discusses the details of this time period a bit, too.
One thing to remember is that the Rapture of the Church will not take place until these things take place, or one year before Armageddon. Another thing to remember is that the Anti-Christ will not be revealed openly until I leave planet Earth.)
Daniel 11:21 refers to the subsequent importation of the Anti-Christ from an outside nation, most likely from France or Germany. He will be an allied puppet (up until a certain point, that is).
Verse 30 refers to the point in time when things take a turn for the worse.
"Ships" (orders or commands) from the allies will come in, and he will turn against them and take steps toward desecrating the temple in Jerusalem.
Verses 31-35 continues on about this, or Jerusalem being trodden down by the Gentiles.
Some will die "by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil."
(Verse 35 discusses time in Purgatory.)
Verses 36-39 discusses how the Anti-Christ will worship and exalt himself above all.
He will live in a palace or fortress replete with spoils and riches.
He's actually referred to as "the god of forces."
(Where does he get this money from? Iranians will sell territory to foreigners and then rent it as a stream of revenue for foreigners. Heaven's Bankers describes this process in detail.)
In addition, seven trumpets will blow during the Great Tribulation. (Rev. 8-10)
These take place within a 2 and a half year time period, prior to the Day of the Lord, or the year preceding Armageddon.
I want to take some time to discuss a few trumpets in particular.
The first leads to famine.
Joel 1 and Ezekiel 7:19 discuss such ideas.
(We will discuss the need to prepare for this point in time to have enough food to feed ourselves and our allies. You can't eat gold or silver, after all.)
The second, Rev. 8:8 describes a "great mountain burning with fire" falling into the sea, turning one third of the sea turning into blood.
The third (Rev. 8:10-11) describes the wormwood plague of bitter waters.
The fourth (Rev. 8:12) describes the heavenly signs (Matthew 24:29)
The fifth details (Rev. 9:1-12) a locust-like plague, explicitly designed to torment the unsaved.
The sixth (Rev. 9:13-21) describes the drying up for the river Euphrates and World War 3.
One third of the world's population will perish therein.
Daniel 11 verses 40-43 discuss World War 3 in further detail.
(Zechariah 5:1-4 discusses nuclear weapons being used).
(Matthew 24:22 says that "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.")
The seventh trumpet marks The Rapture, which takes place one year before the Battle of Armageddon (otherwise known as the Day of the Lord).
Seven bowl judgments will be poured out during the Day of the Lord, or the last year, prior to Armageddon taking place.
Revelation 16 describes the bowl judgments in great detail.
The church is raptured prior to all of this taking place.
Daniel 11:44-45 describes the Anti-Christ's defeat in the battle of Armageddon.
The end, dissected.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
"Archipelago"
After some additional study, I have begun to believe that political/intelligence/diplomatic/military actions involving the US, Great Britain, France, Israel, and the Soviet Union led to a new international order in the Middle East that would outlast the Cold War. It has long-lasting ramifications that we are still dealing with, in one way or another, today.
In fact, yes, it would outlast the Cold War, and the foundations for radical Islamist ideology were laid within this specific window in time.
(Instability in Syria, Egypt, and Iraq are the focus here. Sunni Wahhabism linked to Osama Bin Laden developed in Saudi Arabia are somewhat of a different focus, although it is indeed linked to a broader, overarching theory about the End of the Age. In the future, a Sunni bloc will end up in a conflict with an alliance of Shia beliefs/finance melded with what I would like to call a "warped version of Catholicism.")
Of particular note is the connection between Israel in the Sinai and the legacy of Hamas.
Also, these covert actions involving Syria, Egypt, and Iraq seem tied to exercising a locus of control over petrol resources.
Before I expound, please keep these two main ideas above in mind.
I would like to direct your attention to Safe for Democracy: The Secret Wars of the CIA (Archipelago, pgs. 162-165).
To me, it seems clear. Egypt's President, Gamal Abdel Nasser seemed intent on pushing pan-Arab and nationalist policies. What do I think took place beneath the veneer of day-to-day business as usual? Does Nasser's actions come across as rational to you?
In 1953, the CIA offered Nasser a $3 million bribe for "terminal control" of the canal zone base.
Or, in other words, to join a proposed Middle East Defense Organization. Nasser took the bribe but refused to follow through on the deal.
The plain fact that Nasser may have been open to bribery indicates that something seemingly uncouth may have be transpiring.
Meanwhile in Syria, the covert activities of the United States were also at work, destabilizing the existing order. By 1955, the Syrian leader Adnan al-Malki was assassinated. The Syrian public linked it to the US and gravitated toward Nasser in Egypt. It had a galvanizing effect, in other words, which I believe was the intended effect. This covert activities continued.
In September 1955, Nasser purchased arms from the Soviet Union through Czechoslovakia. This seemingly irrational, self-destructive activity continued with the nationalization of the Suez canal zone.
Records indicate that the CIA's Cairo station chief James Eichelberger was seemingly caught off-guard, with no "advance notice." (He was probably ignorant of something going on at a higher level in the NSC). Britain's response was disgust. Indications are that France spun the view of Nasser as being cahoots with revolutionaries they were contending with in Algeria, as their colonial ambitions were on the decline.
Israelis were enlisted in a plan to exercise influence in the Suez region.
The Israelis invade the Suez on October 29, 1956.
The idea here seems to be that then the British and French would then intervene, posing as "neutral" arbiters in the conflict.
They did so, two days later.
Some details are disputed in the book Safe for Democracy: Secret Wars of the CIA.
On September 12, 1956, the Paramount Committee was created to track developments in the Suez region in full time. I believe that this committee's collected surveillance would serve as insulation (a "spin buffer") against a level of US complicity in these actions.
"Later, the U-2's by chance captured the very moment of the British bombing of Egyptian airfields."
Sure.
The text continues "the war began with the Israeli attack on October 29, with the Anglo-French intervention a few days later. Equipped with the CIA's intelligence, Eisenhower felt obliged to veto the Anglo-French resolution at the UN Security Council that would have given legal justification for the intervention."
"Compelled?"
In other words, at that point, so far so good.
The British, French, and Israelis would then withdraw their occupation of the Suez, but, in my opinion, the foundation (or origins) of Hamas in the Suez was set up at this point in time.
As stated previously, the Israelis' attacked on October 29. The Paramount Committee was founded on September 12. To me, it seems that the idea was to blame the Brits (accusing them of manipulating the CIA. I don't believe this.) They accused them publicly of blatant colonialist ambitions. (I read a formation of a new order, or the Brits and French "letting go," so to speak.)
The (intended in my opinion) result in Syria was a link in the minds of the Druze tribesmen of the activies in Egypt with the events on the ground in Syria. They had to move ahead with the plans, due to such short notice. (One Syrian operative had already been paid $65,000 by us agents.)
With this priming of the atmosphere on the ground in Syria, new, continuous action was required.
The next step was Operation Wappen. This involved the CIA in Beirut, Lebanon.
They worked with the SIS (later MI6), plus Iraqi and Jordanian intelligence as well.
They engaged with the Syrian Security, by "suborning the commander of the Syrian armor school."The idea was to have him position his tanks around Damascus in a revolt effort.
Howard Stone relied on his deputy Arthur Close as well as Frank Jetton.
$3 million dollars exchanged hands, but Syria security turned around, handed in the money they had received, and exposed the subversive elements. Stone and Jetton were subsequently exposed in the Syrian press, and they were expelled from the country.
In August 26, 1957, Time Magazine referred to it as "Soviet Propaganda." I think it was an intentional failure. (Syria later became a Soviet client state, with the naval base being built in 1971. Soviet/Russian involvement with the al-Assad family dates back to this time.)
As stated earlier, the CIA was also active in Iraq, for reasons stated above.
In April, 1959, an NSC interagency group (under the guise of anti-Communism) was created.
Eisenhower endorsed an assassination attempt on Abdul Karim Qasim. A junior officer in the Iraqi government, Saddam Hussein, was involved. Regardless of the exact arrangements, or route of involvement, a Ba'ath activist was desired for such a role as this.
"More conspiratorial views hold that Saddam took payments from an Egyptian attache', or that his CIA contact, an Iraqi dentist, had parallel ties to the Egyptians. Unlike the 1958 coup, which took the CIA by surprise, the agency knew of the attempted assassination beforehand. Saddam, who failed, fled to Egypt and returned years later. By one account, it would only be in Egypt that Saddam got in touch with the CIA. Collusion reached everywhere. Iraqi exiles in Beirut bragged of their CIA connections- one told anyone who would listen that he had Allen Dulles's private telephone number. Other evidence suggests the CIA again took measures to incapacitate or eliminate Qasim in 1960, and that it was involved in the coup that overthrew him in 1963. James Critchfield has been cited as making the initial recruitments for the 1963 coup. A senior Iraqi official, in the successor government openly averred, "We came to power on a CIA train."
While the US has been engaging with the myth of the "moderate Syrian rebels," it appears quite clear that additional measures will have to be taken in order to get rid of the Islamic State.
This much is a given and quite obvious.
What also appears obvious is the continued need for the US to work with the allies we may have at hand going into the future, although on a renewed, fresh basis. One that is fit for the 21st century and the world as we now see it, as the world evolves and changes on a daily, hourly, or even minute-by minute basis.
These responsibilities are not to be taken lightly, and I certainly don't.
I'll try not to work so hard.
In fact, yes, it would outlast the Cold War, and the foundations for radical Islamist ideology were laid within this specific window in time.
(Instability in Syria, Egypt, and Iraq are the focus here. Sunni Wahhabism linked to Osama Bin Laden developed in Saudi Arabia are somewhat of a different focus, although it is indeed linked to a broader, overarching theory about the End of the Age. In the future, a Sunni bloc will end up in a conflict with an alliance of Shia beliefs/finance melded with what I would like to call a "warped version of Catholicism.")
Of particular note is the connection between Israel in the Sinai and the legacy of Hamas.
Also, these covert actions involving Syria, Egypt, and Iraq seem tied to exercising a locus of control over petrol resources.
Before I expound, please keep these two main ideas above in mind.
I would like to direct your attention to Safe for Democracy: The Secret Wars of the CIA (Archipelago, pgs. 162-165).
To me, it seems clear. Egypt's President, Gamal Abdel Nasser seemed intent on pushing pan-Arab and nationalist policies. What do I think took place beneath the veneer of day-to-day business as usual? Does Nasser's actions come across as rational to you?
In 1953, the CIA offered Nasser a $3 million bribe for "terminal control" of the canal zone base.
Or, in other words, to join a proposed Middle East Defense Organization. Nasser took the bribe but refused to follow through on the deal.
The plain fact that Nasser may have been open to bribery indicates that something seemingly uncouth may have be transpiring.
Meanwhile in Syria, the covert activities of the United States were also at work, destabilizing the existing order. By 1955, the Syrian leader Adnan al-Malki was assassinated. The Syrian public linked it to the US and gravitated toward Nasser in Egypt. It had a galvanizing effect, in other words, which I believe was the intended effect. This covert activities continued.
In September 1955, Nasser purchased arms from the Soviet Union through Czechoslovakia. This seemingly irrational, self-destructive activity continued with the nationalization of the Suez canal zone.
Records indicate that the CIA's Cairo station chief James Eichelberger was seemingly caught off-guard, with no "advance notice." (He was probably ignorant of something going on at a higher level in the NSC). Britain's response was disgust. Indications are that France spun the view of Nasser as being cahoots with revolutionaries they were contending with in Algeria, as their colonial ambitions were on the decline.
Israelis were enlisted in a plan to exercise influence in the Suez region.
The Israelis invade the Suez on October 29, 1956.
The idea here seems to be that then the British and French would then intervene, posing as "neutral" arbiters in the conflict.
They did so, two days later.
Some details are disputed in the book Safe for Democracy: Secret Wars of the CIA.
On September 12, 1956, the Paramount Committee was created to track developments in the Suez region in full time. I believe that this committee's collected surveillance would serve as insulation (a "spin buffer") against a level of US complicity in these actions.
"Later, the U-2's by chance captured the very moment of the British bombing of Egyptian airfields."
Sure.
The text continues "the war began with the Israeli attack on October 29, with the Anglo-French intervention a few days later. Equipped with the CIA's intelligence, Eisenhower felt obliged to veto the Anglo-French resolution at the UN Security Council that would have given legal justification for the intervention."
"Compelled?"
In other words, at that point, so far so good.
The British, French, and Israelis would then withdraw their occupation of the Suez, but, in my opinion, the foundation (or origins) of Hamas in the Suez was set up at this point in time.
As stated previously, the Israelis' attacked on October 29. The Paramount Committee was founded on September 12. To me, it seems that the idea was to blame the Brits (accusing them of manipulating the CIA. I don't believe this.) They accused them publicly of blatant colonialist ambitions. (I read a formation of a new order, or the Brits and French "letting go," so to speak.)
The (intended in my opinion) result in Syria was a link in the minds of the Druze tribesmen of the activies in Egypt with the events on the ground in Syria. They had to move ahead with the plans, due to such short notice. (One Syrian operative had already been paid $65,000 by us agents.)
With this priming of the atmosphere on the ground in Syria, new, continuous action was required.
The next step was Operation Wappen. This involved the CIA in Beirut, Lebanon.
They worked with the SIS (later MI6), plus Iraqi and Jordanian intelligence as well.
They engaged with the Syrian Security, by "suborning the commander of the Syrian armor school."The idea was to have him position his tanks around Damascus in a revolt effort.
Howard Stone relied on his deputy Arthur Close as well as Frank Jetton.
$3 million dollars exchanged hands, but Syria security turned around, handed in the money they had received, and exposed the subversive elements. Stone and Jetton were subsequently exposed in the Syrian press, and they were expelled from the country.
In August 26, 1957, Time Magazine referred to it as "Soviet Propaganda." I think it was an intentional failure. (Syria later became a Soviet client state, with the naval base being built in 1971. Soviet/Russian involvement with the al-Assad family dates back to this time.)
As stated earlier, the CIA was also active in Iraq, for reasons stated above.
In April, 1959, an NSC interagency group (under the guise of anti-Communism) was created.
Eisenhower endorsed an assassination attempt on Abdul Karim Qasim. A junior officer in the Iraqi government, Saddam Hussein, was involved. Regardless of the exact arrangements, or route of involvement, a Ba'ath activist was desired for such a role as this.
"More conspiratorial views hold that Saddam took payments from an Egyptian attache', or that his CIA contact, an Iraqi dentist, had parallel ties to the Egyptians. Unlike the 1958 coup, which took the CIA by surprise, the agency knew of the attempted assassination beforehand. Saddam, who failed, fled to Egypt and returned years later. By one account, it would only be in Egypt that Saddam got in touch with the CIA. Collusion reached everywhere. Iraqi exiles in Beirut bragged of their CIA connections- one told anyone who would listen that he had Allen Dulles's private telephone number. Other evidence suggests the CIA again took measures to incapacitate or eliminate Qasim in 1960, and that it was involved in the coup that overthrew him in 1963. James Critchfield has been cited as making the initial recruitments for the 1963 coup. A senior Iraqi official, in the successor government openly averred, "We came to power on a CIA train."
While the US has been engaging with the myth of the "moderate Syrian rebels," it appears quite clear that additional measures will have to be taken in order to get rid of the Islamic State.
This much is a given and quite obvious.
What also appears obvious is the continued need for the US to work with the allies we may have at hand going into the future, although on a renewed, fresh basis. One that is fit for the 21st century and the world as we now see it, as the world evolves and changes on a daily, hourly, or even minute-by minute basis.
These responsibilities are not to be taken lightly, and I certainly don't.
I'll try not to work so hard.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Faire Attention.
Sometimes, it's cut and dry.
Sometimes, lines can be blurred.
Difference without distinction?
No.
Ask yourself, when exactly does sharing turn into outright theft?
Maybe we can figure this out together.
(It's time to pay attention.)
Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree here.
Wolves and a sheep deciding on what's for dinner?
Weights and measures.
(Take your finger off of the scale.)
Haste, waste, mistake.
Spinning out of control.
(Bathing in dish soap.)
Truth and lies.
Justice delayed, justice denied.
Sometimes, lines can be blurred.
Difference without distinction?
No.
Ask yourself, when exactly does sharing turn into outright theft?
Maybe we can figure this out together.
(It's time to pay attention.)
Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree here.
Wolves and a sheep deciding on what's for dinner?
Weights and measures.
(Take your finger off of the scale.)
Haste, waste, mistake.
Spinning out of control.
(Bathing in dish soap.)
Truth and lies.
Justice delayed, justice denied.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Dyslexia.
Inhale, digest, re-assess.
Lessons of redemption taught during recess.
This land will be called my home forever.
When accepting your calling, forget about "It's better late than never."
(There's no such thing.)
With a bible in one hand, and a bloody mouse in another.
I've learned a lot that I failed to realize while I was much younger.
(Irregardless of your personal beliefs,
there's a time and place for everything.)
When bullets start flying, and martyrs start dying.
There are certain things that need some memorizing.
"Cleaning your bible and quoting your rifle."
Your reaction to truth: possibly dyspeptic.
Your reaction to this passage: possible dyslexic.
Lessons of redemption taught during recess.
This land will be called my home forever.
When accepting your calling, forget about "It's better late than never."
(There's no such thing.)
With a bible in one hand, and a bloody mouse in another.
I've learned a lot that I failed to realize while I was much younger.
(Irregardless of your personal beliefs,
there's a time and place for everything.)
When bullets start flying, and martyrs start dying.
There are certain things that need some memorizing.
"Cleaning your bible and quoting your rifle."
Your reaction to truth: possibly dyspeptic.
Your reaction to this passage: possible dyslexic.
Friday, February 3, 2017
One Day.
One day I arrived at the realization that my life had a purpose and meaning.
Click, drag, drop, clear.
Some things should be avoided like the plague.
Some things, like the plague, are unavoidable.
Rolled-up fire and Bombay Sapphire.
Guitar, bass, and a lyre.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Inhale, exhale.
"Is this thing on?"
Deus ex machina.
Click, drag, drop, clear.
Some things should be avoided like the plague.
Some things, like the plague, are unavoidable.
Rolled-up fire and Bombay Sapphire.
Guitar, bass, and a lyre.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Inhale, exhale.
"Is this thing on?"
Deus ex machina.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Face It.
Closing the door on my way out.
Locking it, also, as the crisp winter air hits my face.
The rubber soles of my shoes strike the ground
as I make my way toward town.
Wrapped toastily in a jacket, donning gloves,
hiding my hands in my pockets.
Ears covered by a knitted hat.
Neck wrapped in a protective scarf.
Looking both ways before crossing the street.
Looking up from the book I happen to be reading.
Stopping for a cup of coffee,
adding cream and sugar to taste.
Checking my watch as I step into the building.
I remove my outerwear.
"It's 9:30 AM,"
I read aloud.
A 5-mile walk?
Good.
Locking it, also, as the crisp winter air hits my face.
The rubber soles of my shoes strike the ground
as I make my way toward town.
Wrapped toastily in a jacket, donning gloves,
hiding my hands in my pockets.
Ears covered by a knitted hat.
Neck wrapped in a protective scarf.
Looking both ways before crossing the street.
Looking up from the book I happen to be reading.
Stopping for a cup of coffee,
adding cream and sugar to taste.
Checking my watch as I step into the building.
I remove my outerwear.
"It's 9:30 AM,"
I read aloud.
A 5-mile walk?
Good.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
"Hello..."
"Get this right and you'll be out of here in no time. Age?"
"29."
"No, you're wrong. 31, soon to be 32."
At this rate, an abacus might soon become a staple in my apartment.
Years, cups, ounces.
Millimeters, inches, miles.
2 hours to a pack.
A life begins to burn immediately.
Circumspection, retrospection.
Insight, introspection.
There's no such thing as being born too late or too early.
Mysterious?
I don't intend to be.
There is such a thing as asking too many questions.
Hang it up, disconnect.
The allure of mystery.
Imagination.
"29."
"No, you're wrong. 31, soon to be 32."
At this rate, an abacus might soon become a staple in my apartment.
Years, cups, ounces.
Millimeters, inches, miles.
2 hours to a pack.
A life begins to burn immediately.
Circumspection, retrospection.
Insight, introspection.
There's no such thing as being born too late or too early.
Mysterious?
I don't intend to be.
There is such a thing as asking too many questions.
Hang it up, disconnect.
The allure of mystery.
Imagination.
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