99 years and no more...

These men are American and German Peacekeepers.

The USA already has in place the ability to conduct Peacekeeping Operations. It is right and correct to also train citizens of afflicted countries to act as Peacekeepers. It is important for any country to have defensible borders.

I don't see the USA expanding it's military from it's present state. I see, however, an expanding military that specializes it's new units as Peacekeepers.

We all know the nightmare that is now Darfur ( Current US State Department Position). The 'idea' that sanctions are enough from a country as wealthy as the USA is grossly "W"rong. There needs to be a better and more immediate response from the USA in any aspect of threat to a nation afflicted with this type of methodology within it's borders.

The USA had dearly little problem recruiting soldiers when it was peacetime in the USA. Soldiers were relatively comfortable with the understanding there weren't major wars to fight and that most deployments are a matter of support to existing governments and in Peacekeeping roles. For that reason, citizens across the USA 'signed up' willingly expecting to be heroes in places where few heroes existed.

That reality was exploited by the Bush Administration when it declared an illegal war in Iraq.

The War in Afghanistan was never a priority by this administration and passed along to NATO because it reaped little to no profits for the cronies. As a matter of fact there were less 'Regular Army' deployed to Afghanistan than there were Police Officers employed in New York City or Los Angeles. Afghanistan was of little consequence to the USA as far as Bush and Cheney were concerned. When it was obvious the attacks of September 11, 2001 were committed by al Qaeda it took a month to move USA ships to battle readiness and deploy them to the Persian Gulf.

So, when the Reserves and National Guard were 'called up' in all aspects to serve it was to conduct Oil Wars for this administration with complete disregard to the UN Security Council and the legislation of the USA Congress. That belligerant focus by the Bush White House continues to exist today 'enabled' by a majority Republican House and Senate.

That type of exploitation has to stop. The wars the USA has to fight belong in smaller venues of power struggles that kill large numbers of citizens while destabilizing governments.

Legislation needs to address the global need for Peacekeepers. The legislation has to dedicate this military directive for THAT purpose only while leaving the current structure of National Guard, Reserve Units and Regular military in place. The Peacekeeper Units will be maintained even when war on a larger scale breaks out and in practice of their directives. This measure needs to be limited in it's scope and purpose and will attract many more people to it's ranks than illegal wars will.

The duration of such legislation is for 99 years and no more with the focus being to eliminate the need for Peacekeepers bringing about stability to regions where people now suffer and are easily killed by current regimes with little regard for life. If the USA is to participate in the United Nations it needs to be an active partner with a ready Peacekeeper force to deploy to areas when the need exists and NOT when it is convenient.

To allow nations to be attacked over and over again while abandoning allies such as Britain, when itself is a victim to terrorists, is not only a breech of USA Security but also the security of our allies. The USA has to be able to respond differently as Former General/Secretary of State Colin Powell stated as a future to the purpose of the American Armed Forces. To stop terrorist networks we have to address the stability of nations and the protection of it's citizens. If the USA cannot find it's way to providing global Peacekeepers, then we are destined to be victim to a growing threat at our borders.

Drug pipeline flows from Mexico to S.C.

Smugglers increasingly are crossing the southern U.S. border by land to bring drugs into the state.

...Mexican carriers transport cocaine on S.C. highways, harvest marijuana from rural fields and receive shipments of marijuana at some Hispanic stores, according to state and federal court records. They also have supplied methampethamines across the state as local meth production declines. And some even have been charged with distributing free samples of heroin to recovering addicts in the Charleston area.


Reviewing Revolt: The Price of Fire, New Book on Latin America Protest Movements

Benjamin Dangl has written a detailed and first-hand study of popular social movement in Bolivia which emerged in response to economic and military violence.
“My aim is to make complicated issues more accessible and give a human face to the looting and struggles of a continent,” he writes.


Venezuela pays off multilateral loans

CARACAS, Venezuela
Venezuela said Saturday it has paid off its debts to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and is cutting ties to the two institutions, which the government of President Hugo Chavez accuses of perpetuating poverty and economic ills.
"My dear sirs at the World Bank, sirs at the International Monetary Fund -- goodbye to you. Venezuela is free ... and sovereign," Finance Minister Rodrigo Cabezas told state TV.
By making early payment on loans expiring in 2012, Venezuela saved US$8 million (euro6 million) in interest payments, Cabezas said.
"We are closing a historic cycle of indebtedness," he added. "We do not have any debts (with them)."

The quiet revolution of Chavez can find itself free of the limiting encumbrances of involvement of "USA interests" and allow a much different face to emerge in South America.

Venezuela's Chavez says Orinoco partners can sue if they want

By Peter Millard
Last Update: 6:11 PM ET Apr 13, 2007
CARACAS (MarketWatch) -- Oil majors at four extra-heavy oil projects can sue Venezuela should they wish to over an ongoing contract overhaul that puts the state oil company in charge of day-to-day operations, President Hugo Chavez said Friday.
"Whoever wants to sue can sue," said Chavez in a televised press conference Friday.
Venezuela has set a May 1 deadline for these companies to hand operations over to state-run Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. They will have an additional two months to sort out how much of an equity stake they will have in the restructured ventures.
PdVSA is demanding a minimum stake of 60% in each venture. PdVSA currently has stakes ranging from 30% to 49% in each of the four ventures.
"Everyone knows that on May 1 we will be taking control of the fields," said Chavez.
Over the past three years Venezuela has leveraged high oil prices to increase oil taxes and put the state in charge of all projects that were previously run by outside firms. Separately, Chavez reiterated he will shut off oil supplies to the U.S. if it "launches a new wave of aggression at Venezuela."
Venezuela accuses the U.S. of leading a failed military coup in 2002, and of plotting to assassinate him. The U.S. has repeatedly denied these allegations.

Canada-Palestine parliamentary association formed

And last but never least. This is a no brainer. Where are the USA Peacekeepers in the conflict that afflicts Israel. So many aspects of 'threat' deters Israel from making long standing plans for peace because of the lack of Peacekeepers. At least they are at the borders with Southern Lebanon but not without peril. It is the most dangerous and the most pivotal peace process the USA could engage. It needs the presence of USA Peacekeepers to succeed.

By: Reuel S. Amdur
The Arab American News2007-04-14
Canadian parliamentarians from all parties have come together to form the Canada-Palestine Association. Among their first activities, their executive committee met with Mustapha Barghouti, Minister of Information in the Palestinian National Unity Government, on April 4. Réal Ménard, a Member of Parliament for the separatist Parti Québécois, and Liberal Senator Lucie Pépin, who are co-chairing the Association, criticized the Conservative government for not receiving him during his stay in Canada.
The objectives of the Association are "to foster discussion between Palestinian and Canadian parliamentarians; to suggest initiatives to foster a better understanding of issues of interest to both countries; to ensure that Canada's foreign policy for the Middle East is in the best interests of the Palestinian people; to suggest measures contributing to fair and lasting peace in the Middle East; and finally, to support all measures conducive to the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."
The Association currently has 37 members. When it obtains 50, it will be an official Parliamentary association entitled to funding for its activities.

Walk a mile, Mushy !

Would I actually expect Musharraf to admit he gives comfort to the enemy? Wouldn't be my first reaction.

Musharraf rejects Karzai claim on Mulla Omar
[2007-04-14 4:14:11 PM GMT]
WASHINGTON: President General Pervez Musharraf has said that Pakistan is pursuing a correct strategy to fight the menace of terrorism and strongly rejected Afghan president's allegation that Taliban leader Mullah Omar is hiding in Quetta.
"Even if we are succeeding 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, the direction is correct, end goal is correct, strategy is correct," he told American CBS news channel, while forcefully defending Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts.
Responding to a question he dismissed as "absolute non-sense" Afghan President Karzai's allegation that Mulla Omar is hiding in Quetta. President Musharraf said the Taliban leader is somewhere in south of Afghanistan.
The President said, "He (Mullah Omar) is in south of Afghanistan somewhere -- he is not in Pakistan, although President Karzai and everyone keeps saying he is in Quetta - absolute non-sense, absolute total non-sense-- he has never been in Pakistan - they are trying to make a scapegoat of Pakistan and we don't like that at all."

But, allas, the India balance of power. Nukes, Mushy. A man that faces threats of assination can clearly understand the balance of power extended in support of the Karzai government.

Musharraf lashes out at Karzai (Caution, as always with India sites, mulltiple pop ups with link)

WASHINGTON/ ISLAMABAD/ SYDNEY: Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has hit out at his Afghan counterpart, saying he is "very angry" at criticism of Pakistani progress in fighting cross-border terrorism in a continuing war of words between the two South Asian neighbours. He has also ruled out "absolutely and totally" any US-Pak joint military operations, saying that "the whole population of Pakistan will rise against it." "Pakistan is being maligned by the West ... unfairly" in criticism that it is not doing enough to root out terrorists on its soil and to help crush the Taliban in Afghanistan. He blamed the criticism on a "total lack of understanding of the environment and reality by President (Hamid) Karzai himself." Asked if he was "angry" with Karzai, he replied: "Yes, indeed. Very angry."

If anyone wants to know how stupid this mess is because of the threat of USA OCCUPATION under Bush, which is what Musharraf fears more than anything else under these circumstances INCLUDING the occupation of al Qaeda, ask the Brits.

Operation Fingel : On patrol and at work

Musharraf rules out Pak-US joint action against terrorists

I swear the fiscal support Rumsfeld started of Musharraf of Pakistan in gaining 'air space' after September 11, 2001 is a treasonist act against the USA. Pakistan has sold out to China munition suppliers in attempt to 'conquer' Kashmir. The very last place on Earth we needed to escalate violence in hopes of stabilizing Afghanistan was Kashmir. Did Musharraf 'back off' his push to domination? No. Why should he when he gets pats on the back from Rummy? Then the Taliban took refuge in Pakistan to regroup and reenter Afghanistan.

Like.

What was that?

And then there is the still 'at large' Osama bin Laden. Hm. I bet it's a tough climb up that mountain to stop an old ally, huh, Mushy?

Why do I find elections in Pakistan vital to returning benevolent government under Butto? Go figure, huh?

Musharraf rules out Pak-US joint action against terrorists

WASHINGTON: President General Pervez Musharraf has rejected "absolutely and totally" the prospect of a joint US-Pakistan military operation to pursue retreating insurgents inside Pakistan.
"The whole population of Pakistan will rise against it," he told CBS news channel in an interview.
Musharraf hit out at his Afghan counterpart, saying he was "very angry" at criticism of Pakistani progress in fighting cross-border terrorism.
"Pakistan is being maligned by the West unfairly" in criticism that it is not doing enough to root out terrorists on its soil and to help crush the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, he said.
Musharraf said the criticism on a "total lack of understanding of the environment and reality by President Hamid Karzai himself."
Asked if he was "angry" with Afghanistan’s US-backed leader, he replied: "Yes, indeed. Very angry."
Musharraf dismissed as "absolute nonsense" a claim by Karzai that the wanted Taliban leader Mullah Omar a close ally of Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden was hiding out in Pakistan.
Musharraf said on Thursday that tribesmen in the South Waziristan tribal area had killed 300 foreign militants of the Al-Qaeda network, with help from the Pakistani military.
But he rejected "absolutely and totally" the prospect of a joint US-Pakistan military operation to pursue retreating insurgents inside Pakistan.
"The whole population of Pakistan will rise against it," he added.

In the front line of Putin's secret war

The Professor Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize for 2005 is awarded to the Chechnyan lawyer and human rights advocate Ms Lidia Yusupova, in recognition of her brave and unrelenting efforts to document human rights violations and act as a spokeswoman for the forgotten victims of the war in Chechnya. Ms Yusupova struggles to defend human dignity in a chaotic war situation and in a context where the working conditions and security of human rights advocates and journalists are increasingly compromised.

This is among my dearest desires. The level of decent is so loud by the Chechnyan populous that is spands now generations and we have the makings of still another Ireland. It cannot be understated that the attacks in Beslan is not of a benevolent culture or an icon of international stability any country can accept.

I view the relationship between Chechnya and Russia, no different than the relationship of Westernized Chinese cultures such as Taiwan and China. One Russia policy. One China policy. The longer the struggle exists in decension among states of a sovereign authority the longer the suffering of the people within that sovereignty.

Currently there are forces outside of Russia in the way of Oligarchs with a claim to exile status requiring protection of other countries, attempting to undermine the stability of Russia in the name of promoting democratic processes. These same men were the powers that attempted to start coupes among themselves including arming themselves with fighter jets within the sovereignty of Russia. I don't think so. They aren't interested in promoting the best interest of Russians and have proven to be corrupt. Those voices do not lend stability to regions such as Chechnya. They fuel decension and cause human death and suffering.

It is the place of USA Peacekeepers to offer Russia assistance in stabilization of areas such as Beslan and the Caucusus Mountains without also offering threat to Russian sovereignty. Through foreign policy that includes mutual nuclear disarmament, cultural exchanges and exploration of mutually beneficial business ventures the USA could lend expertise to fighting crime in places such as Moscow itself.

Bringing the Russian culture and it's people to a venue of benevolence and safety will disarm any attempt to promote nuclear capacity by other countries of either Superpower. Currently Bush's USA is arming India and Russia is lending assistance with Iran. Neither ideas are good ones, except the 'technology' of nuclear energy can provide relief from the deadly damages of carbon based fossil fuels. Russia's approach as a provider and monitor of nuclear fuel rods is a far more benevolent concept than anything Bush has put forward. The enforcement of same will require international inspector vigilance and reporting.

Rather than withholding expertise to allow Moscow high crime levels and even encourage destabilization of places such as the Caucasus Mountains in 'hope' that Russia will implode even further has only bolstered the desires of the Russia Duma to keep influence of a President that enjoys very high approval ratings by the people of Russia.

Through mutual interest in peace the USA and Russia might even find the will to seek each other out when adversity presents itself under destabilizing pressure from terrorists.

I remind.

Russia was the first nation at our side after the al Qaeda attacks of September 11, 2001. They were on the ground in Afghanistan with medical field hospitals to treat any wounded USA military affected by an attempted al Qaeda attack.

Russia is an ally. Not an enemy. Never was, has no desire to be.

The people of Beslan and Chechnya deserve the best the two Superpowers have to offer to bring their suffering in decension to an end. The last place the USA belongs is promoting democracy through dangerous priorities of violence. The 'best' effort The West made in good example would be the demonstrations in The Ukraine that brought forth 'the truth' and the justice that accompanied the truth with a change in leadership. Russia was resistant and to some extent still is but that is in reaction to an aggressive administration in the USA with goals of destabilizing Russia further while carelessly disregarding the cultural enjoyment of the Russian people.

The benevolent relationship between the USA and Russia cannot be understated when one realizes we could never have defeated Hilter's War Machine without them. The Russians will always be a valued friend that likes to feel it's way to changes in social paradyms through measured steps of confidence.

Lebanon marks anniversary of civil war's start in sparsely attended service

Celebrations of liberation from terrorist networks that elevate the populous in their victory is mandatory and a place for USA Peacekeepers. When civilians are this successful it cannot be understated. All those that have perished before they can mark an anniversary of overcoming adversity of infiltration have a place within that celebration and live forever in the memory of their countrymen. But, it has to be right and correct for the people of that nation, not a propaganda campaign that will eventually be undone by 'the truth.' An example of such a dramatic return of 'the truth' is the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the return of a minority religious lineage intended to promote the survival of the Shia.

By Scheherezade Faramarzi
ASSOCIATED PRESS
11:47 a.m. April 13, 2007

BEIRUT, Lebanon – The bullet-scarred bus sat rusting in the spring rain, on display for all to see what triggered Lebanon's 15-year civil war.
Christian gunmen ambushed the bus as it carried Palestinians on April 13, 1975, sparking reprisals that spiraled into warfare between Lebanon's Christians and Muslims, killing 150,000 people.
On Friday's anniversary of the war's start, the bus became the centerpiece of a commemoration ceremony. Someone had scribbled “No to civil war,” on a white board hung amid photos of the death and destruction. “I love Lebanon,” another contributor wrote.
Lebanon is as divided today as it was 32 years ago. Threats of another civil war loom over this small Mediterranean nation, home to 18 religious sects. The country has been paralyzed since November by a power struggle pitting Western-backed Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, who is supported by many Sunni Muslims, against the opposition, led by pro-Iranian Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah.

Upholding international standards of peace and benevolence is not only mandated when the USA commits Peacekeepers to such efforts but only serves to stabilize the international venue of authority. An international authority that needs to be unshakeable in it's resolve to peace and nuclear disarmament with enforcement of The Non-Proliferation Treaty. There have been dearly few examples of failed international stabilizing efforts by the United Nations. Even the much maligned Iraq Oil for Food Program proved to be a substantial effort in the success of disarming a despot and genocidist that Saddam Hussein had proven to be.

Most First World countries have lent esteem to processes of trials and punishment rather than retribution through violence such as al Qaeda claims to be as a liberation tool. The appreciation of First World processes comes when a society can claim benevolence from such efforts achieved by Peacekeepers 'on the street.'

Top UN lawyer to push for Hariri tribunal on Lebanon visit

[JURIST] UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon [official profile] announced [statement] Friday that he is dispatching UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Nicholas Michel [official profile] to assist the Lebanese government and "the country's other political leaders to end their political impasse and set up a special tribunal as soon as possible" to bring the suspected plotters behind the high-profile assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri [JURIST news archive]. In February, the UN and Lebanon reached an agreement to establish the international Hariri tribunal [JURIST news archive], however, its implementation has been delayed in Lebanon's deeply fragmented parliament. Lebanon's pro-Syrian parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri [official profile] of the mostly Shi'a Amal Movement [party website, in Arabic] has refused to convene parliament, preventing the ratification of the agreement.

Somali insurgents, government troops exchange fire in capital; 2 civilians killed

Here again the dynamics of dissension is so prevasive to the area that providing Peacekeeping is a monumental task. That dissension has been nurtured under the guise of religious precept for decades under al Qaeda.

Dismantling terrorist networks require a clear delineation between their 'religious clout' and the 'correct' demeanor of the devout. As with any culture in pursuit of 'spiritual' perfection benevolence through nonviolence has to be undeniably an aspect to it's esteem. A society will not reach for such 'elevated' goals without having it's needs met to clean water, air and the right to survive and thrive. When people realize they can live in peace without struggling for basic necessities, the 'character' of those people change and goals such as education of their children overtake priorities that lead to child labor.

Somalia: Fighting Threatens Peace Efforts in Mogadishu

UN Integrated Regional Information Networks
April 12, 2007
Posted to the web April 12, 2007
Nairobi
The fighting that broke out in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Wednesday, prompting more people to flee their homes, has cast a cloud over anticipated reconciliation talks between various political groups.
Many of the families that fled the latest fighting came from areas that were previously unaffected by clashes between Ethiopian-backed government forces and insurgents.
"There was fighting early Wednesday morning and later in the afternoon at Fagah and Jamhuriya areas [north Mogadishu] but the area is quiet today [Thursday]," said one resident. The fighting, he added, erupted when government forces tried to take over a prominent hotel in the area.
Salad Ali Jeele, the Somali deputy defense minister, said the government forces fought back after being attacked. "We were only defending our positions," he told IRIN on Thursday.
Eye witnesses said families in Sii Sii and Arjantiina suburbs, who had not had to leave their homes, began to leave for fear that the fighting would spread to their area. "These are areas where people stayed and now they are also displaced," a local journalist said.

Death toll from Algiers bombing rises to 33

Algeria is a prime example of failed USA policy. The country defines civil war as exactly what is seen here. It is what goes on in places like Lebanon. It is what goes on in Iraq. The countries witnessing this level of unrest within it's populations don't desire it, but, are burdened by it because of the escalation of war by the USA.

The terrorists that perpetrated this attack did so to shake the confidence in the Algier government knowing full well the fears of old civil wars would haunt the populous. This is what happened to the Afghanistan government before the USA retaliation of October 1991. Afghanistan had a king and President Karzai is no stranger to the people of that country. When domestic bliss is overtaken by fear; the terrorists have won. They then seek anarchy to provide a venue for infiltration of 'al Qaeda' among the impoverished whom are most at risk for believing their government lacks benevolence toward them.

Algeria fears return to "nightmare" of 1990s war

By William Maclean
ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algerians angered by the worst bombings in years voiced fears on Thursday that the North African oil exporting country may return to the political bloodshed of the 1990s.
"We thought the days of terror were over. I am still shocked. I am afraid," said Mohamed Rabhi, a young student drinking a coffee in a central Algiers street.
Interior Minister Nourredine Yazid Zerhouni said the suicide blasts that killed 33 in the capital on Wednesday may have been designed to disrupt May 17 parliamentary polls and torpedo efforts to put a definite end to years of political violence.

The strike here by al Qaeda is no different than the strikes in Afghanistan or Iraq or Madrid or London. They are busy places of commerce intended to hit at the heart of economic success of these countries. The World Trade Towers were a pinnacle of success for al Qaeda. September 11, 2001 was planned so brilliantly sadistic that it would use the very emergency number of the country - 911 - as the date of the attack. Al Qaeda must be defeated and dismantled. The only way to achieve that is to work with countries to solve their problems that facilitate hate and terrorist networks.

The men that performed this bombing 'targeted' the 'culture' and not just the assets or land. The success of terrorist networks is to undermine the confidence of people in their government to the point whereby they turn toward terrorist organizations to resolve the issue of adverse government when in fact they were the enemy the entire time.

If USA Peacekeepers were immediately offered to help threatened governments 'at risk' for destabilization when such an attack occurs the 'attack' would be a short lived success while stabilization of culture and government icons were shored up and intelligence gathered.

You see, this attack was at a USA target. The people of Algiers no more deserves this than we do but it serves to act against the 'idea' that the USA is actually a benevolent entity. It is the obligation of the USA to assist government that fall victim to al Qaeda remain stable especially when the USA is the target.

Peacekeeper forces accompanied with foreign aid packages that create better cultural security for the nation is a global priority that will be respected and welcome. It will defeat al Qaede because no more will tolerance of poor economies or impoverishment be allowed to exist. USA Peacekeepers demand respect for peace and the benevolence of and toward the people that fall under that peace.

Bomb blast hits Algiers
The bomb exploded on a busy shopping street
By North Africa correspondent David Bamford
A bomb has exploded in the busy commercial centre of the Algerian capital, Algiers, injuring 34 people, five of them seriously.
It is the first such attack in the city for two years.
The bomb went off in the late morning in the crowded Casbah district of Algiers.
Some eyewitness reports suggest that moments before a passer-by dropped a large parcel in front of a confectionery store and it was this parcel that exploded.
Street sellers, shop-owners and people out shopping were all hit.
More than 30 people were taken to hospital - some have had to have their legs amputated and five are reported to be in serious condition.
Resuming dialogue
The Casbah was once a frequent target for similar bloody incidents, blamed on Islamist militants, but there has been no such attack in Algiers for the last two years.

When the USA is engaged in active dialogue with countries now classified as 'giving comfort to the enemy' that 'false dogma' quickly falls away and what results are allies that come to the aid of countries that have fallen under al Qaeda viciousness. Recently, Speaker Pelosi met with President Basher al-Assad. The result is a Syrian President that respects established government while willing to speak out for the stability of the region. President Assad's words of reassurance is more important in such tragedy than any American elected or appointed government official could ever be.

Allies. Not enemies is the domaine of Peacekeeping. Vital to it's success. Peacekeepers under the direction of foreign leaders lend to a government's clout and stability.

President al-Assad Condemns the Terrorist Bombings in Algiers and Casablanca

Damascus,(SANA)-
President Bashar al-Assad has condemned the terrorist bombings in the Algerian capital, Algiers, and in Casablanca , Morocco.
President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday sent a cable to Moroccan King, Mohammed VI , condemning the bombings that had taken place in Morocco , expressing heartfelt condolences to the king , families of the victims ,and to the brotherly people of Morocco.
President al-Assad also sent a cable to Algerian President , Abdul-Aziz Boutaflika , condemning these terrorist acts , and expressing on behalf of the Syrian people and on his behalf, heartfelt condolences , stressing Syria's stance by Algeria and Morocco in the face of all evils.
A.N.Idelbi