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August 23, 2006
When you get lots of sex from a prostitute, you aren't too anxious to throw her in jail for breaking the law.
Russia and China both urge restraint and negotiations with Iran over the nuclear development pursuit. (AP)
Iran urged Europe on Wednesday to pay attention to what it called "positive" signals in its counterproposal to a nuclear incentives package aimed at persuading Tehran to roll back its nuclear program. Russia and China backed Iran's call for negotiations to end the standoff....
If the Iranians were to leave the door open to halting enrichment as talks progress, for example, that would drive a wedge between the Americans, British and French on one side and the Russians and Chinese on the other. Last month, Russia said the Security Council was in no rush to pressure Iran, striking a more conciliatory tone than the United States.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said it would continue to seek a negotiated solution. China appealed for dialogue, urging "constructive measures" by Iran and patience from the U.S. and its allies.
They each have so many business deals cooking with the Iranians the last thing they want is to vote for sanctions. Plus they have little incentive to help the West increase its power in the region. It appears that neither feels particularly threatened if Iran does acquire nuclear weapons.
Posted by Chip Spear at 12:25 PM
August 14, 2006
A quick note
If the Democrats want a strategy they should attack what some perceive as the Republican strength, terrorism. The reality is that the Republicans, and Joe Lieberman, have been incredible enablers of Muslim extremists and terrorism. The war in Iraq has enboldened fanatics throughout the Middle East. And the Bush adminstration has cut funding over the past couple of years on initiatives to develop more sophisticated methods of fighting terrorists, like the recent liquid bomb issue.Make Karl proud.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:45 PM
August 6, 2006
Fabulous Fumble of the Week - 8/5 - Condi
Ah, Condi, how we love you. We love how you studied the great masters of double-speak. With graciousness and sincerity that only a blind man sees, Condi wants to solve the most perplexing issue of our time, hatred and prejudice in the Middle East, by only talking to people who are basically on our side. Then she has the audacity to state how important it is to support democracy in Lebanon, Israel and Iraq, when she represents an administration that has been repeatedly described as imperial. It is an administration that has been in overdrive to deny people the ability to vote (Ohio - 2004), has worked in the courts to stop vote counts (Florida - 2000) and has done absolutely everything in its power to gerrymander districts to ensure Republican victories. Yes, democracy, isn't it wonderful? Condi you deserve this week's Fabulous Fumble of the Week.
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:14 PM
August 4, 2006
Political Sports Player of the Week - Hasan Nasrallah - 8/5
This guy is a master...upstaged Al Qaeda, Osama, Bush, Cheney, Olmert, everyone. He has the world on a string. He has the Israelis shooting at shadows. Everything he touches right now is turning to gold. His support grows faster than any weed or bamboo. The Middle East is screaming his name from Iran to Morocco. Even our pal, Mahmud Ahmadinezhad takes a back seat this week to the head of Hezbollah. Despite the Israeli's best efforts their military response has no effect. You can't deny the man is a player.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:27 PM
Condi's Bait and Switch
I find it soooo much fun to watch someone like Condi Rice talk about democracy around the world. I was listening to her this evening on Hardball. She was saying how important it was for the Cuban people to experience "free" elections and real democracy. My immediate reaction was to think about the Supreme Court and election results in Florida in 2000, the election results in Ohio in 2004 and the way Congressional districts are currently configured,. which essentially eliminates any real democracy. Isn't hypocrisy a wonderful political tactic?
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:22 PM