I Spy with My Little Eye 12/22/2013

We've been hearing a lot about how the U.S has been spying world leaders to get information that would benefit us. This time, there have been reports that both the U.S AND Britain are spying on little old Israel and Israel is pretty annoyed by it. The U.S and Britain has been looking through some emails from the prime minister. There were about 1,000 organizations monitored. But doesn't every country collect foreign information? That's how they know how to make concrete foreign policies and how they keep themselves protected. It’s all about self-interest, and if countries don't spy, they are losing the game. Even Israel spied on the U.S. In fact, it used one of our own and afterwards, stated that it would NEVER spy on the U.S. Jonathon Pollard was convicted of espionage in 1987 and was sentenced for life. Obama has said that he will work on reforming the NSA (National Security Agency), but has not directly addressed the "issue". Although very unclear, I think the problem here is how they are getting this information. If not, then it’s the fact the U.S and Britain got caught. This isn’t new. This whole spying thing. It dates back to the first civilizations. Remember the Trojan horse? And it doesn’t just happen between enemies. We know that Israel and America are allies, but a friend today could be an enemy tomorrow, and the way that the relationship between these has been going since the deal with Iran, we could be enemies in a couple of decades. So the U.S has to get prepared today. And in politics, an ally doesn’t mean much as it would in a real world. Let’s look at it at a macro level. It’s high school and I am really good friends with this girl. We protect each other from bullies and share a lot of similar interests. Our bond becomes stronger and we end up becoming best friends and tell each other everything. This is what DOESN’T happen in politics. The point of a national is to look out for itself and its interest. To have an ally is to have someone that you share a mutual enemy with. But it doesn’t get to the best friend level where they tell each other everything. If it did, the U.S wouldn’t have to spy on Israel and vice versa. http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/22/world/meast/israel-nsa-spying/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/us/spying-on-allies-everybody-does-it/

Best Comedian ....Fox News

I don't necessarily have a problem with conservative views, and although most of their views don't correlate with mine, people are entitled to their opinion. But Fox news is RIDICULOUS!There is a difference between conservatism and bigotry and animosity. Everyone knows by now how right-winged Fox news is. After watching Rachel Maddow bash fox news ( and pleasantly enjoying it) I learned that they make up stories and facts just to back up their ludicrous views. They speak openly about their hatred towards minorities and certain ideals that are held by others that they don't believe in. Their motto should be, " fight vice with vice." One minority group that they hate and I mean really HATE are Muslims. In the video above, Bob talks about how all Muslims are being trained to attack America and how they should be stopped from coming in the country. I understand that when one is attacked, they hold anger towards the attackers. the problem isn't necessarily the feeling, but how you address those feelings. Another problem is how close minded you become and start hating anyone that resembles your attacker. This is everyone who speaks on Fox News. The difference between them and liberals ( real liberals) is how open minded liberals are (sometimes a little too open minded but we won't get into that) and how diplomatic they are. Now I'm not saying that ALL conservatives or republicans are like that (I mean look at Chris Christy), but fox news surely makes it seem that way. They truly fail to understand that not all Muslims are terrorists and not every brown person is a Muslim, let alone a radicalist. They probably feel like the white race is being attacked again ( they previously released several false stories about how black people are a dangerous threat to white people......funny right). I had the unfortunate opportunity of encountering one of Ann Coulter's videos on her response to the Boston Bombing. The funniest part is when she sad that the bombers wife should go to jail for wearing a "heeeejabbb". This lady really has my blood boiling but I've learned not to waste my time on her. She continuously talks about how America is not benefiting from Muslims. Fox News is feeding in into the islamaphobia that has risen in the post 9/11 world.We don't need anymore ignorant people in this world.

Ukraine and U.S 12/15/13

Ukraine has been in turmoil as people took on the streets protesting against their government for rejecting a trade agreement with the European Union. Citizens are upset and feel like the government is holding Ukraine back from prospering. They want to shed off their soviet past and move on into the future. They want to get away from Russia, and join the rest of modernized Europe. The Ukraine has been very dependent on Russia for resources such as natural gas, so this trade agreement would've allowed them to break free from this dependency. Russia being aware of this, doesn't want to lose that dependency and has threatened Ukraine by saying that it will withhold resources and halt trade if it decided to sign the agreement. This revolution is the largest ever since the orange revolution in 2004-2005. The E.U has halted negotiations with Ukraine, stating that it has not made up its mind and is giving unclear signals. Ukraine said the it would be willing to sign the agreement if they received 20 billion euros worth of financial aid, but the E.U still doesn't see any sign of commitment. John Mccain addressed the protesters, saying, "People of Ukraine, this is your moment. This is about you, no one else. This is about the future you want for your country. This is about the future you deserve.A future in Europe, a future of peace, with all of your neighbors. The free world is with you, America is with you, I am with you." Ukraine is split between the western civilization and Russia. It kind of reminds me of the cold war to a certain degree. Each side is trying to win over the country, and America is trying really hard according to Mccain's speech. I do have to wonder though, if his speech is sincere or tactical. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/world/europe/protests-continue-as-ukraine-leader-defends-stance-on-europe.html http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/15/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Globalization and America 12/8/13

Globalization has connected the different civilizations of the world through economy and militarism. But is it having an effect on America? According to Edward Goldberg, writer for the Huffington Post, it is. He says that America's energy independence has caused it to step back from world affairs and is close to becoming isolated. America has become the largest producer of hydrocarbons and non-OPEC in the world. However, now that it can produce more of its own energy it no longer needs to import as much from other countries, and it is losing the influence that it once had on them. Regardless of this, the Federal Reserve Bank has become very powerful through globalization because the dollar has become the staple currency, exchange rates and the stability of the U.S economy. The idea of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is becoming more realistic. Bush and Clinton hoped that one day,the U.S, Mexico and Canada would unite their economies to beat China and to lessen the amount of illegal immigrants from Mexico. America has been involved in world affairs for most of, if not, all of its history. It has been a mediator between countries, a friend to others, and an enemy to some. How will the world function if the U.S becomes isolated? Every empire runs its course and we hope that America is too young to die. And let's hope that it has not become too tired of dealing with the world's crap. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/edward-goldberg/the-globalization-5----ho_b_4377331.html?utm_hp_ref=foreign-affairs

Can We Be Friends? 12/1/13

After the Nuclear deal with Iran, things look like they might be heading towards a bigger compromise and maybe even a friendship.Too soon? Probably, but the U.S is rethinking its foreign policy and is trying to see if it can befriend Iran in the future. The Iranian-American relationship has been tumultuous over the last couple of decades. Iran naturally opposes many of the U.S's foreign relations, not because of the difference in ideologies, but because of the hostilities that have occurred in the past between the two countries. Although the two were once allies when America was fighting the Soviets, the U.S's support of the Shah put them back on shacky grounds.However, if the U.S is able to become allies with Iran, it would benefit not only the U.S but many other countries. Iran's optimal locations puts it in position where it can scrutinize Chinese activities in energy rich places as well as serve as a barrier against hungry Russia. Its ties with Hezbollah and Hamas allows it to be a puppeteer to countries like Lebanon Israel and Syria, hopefully swaying favors towards some sort of compromise in both Lebanon and Syria. with it's mutual hate with the U.S against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, it can provide vital information through its military. And shockingly,Iran has proven to be the only middle eastern country that can efficiently work with Israel. I think that the U.S should ally itself with Iran and it doesn't matter if Iran supports terrorists at this point, because the U.S did the same before the blowback that they received. Befriending Iran, a country known for its nuclear weapons, puts the world at safe position. Its better to be friends with a bomber than an enemy. And for the human rights, the U.S isn't innocent either. It was accused of violating human rights during the cold war and even after. One of the only differences between the U.S and Iran is that Iran tells you that it violates human rights while the U.S tries to mask it. BUT, the U.S doesn't violate human rights t home, but rather overseas, so they are a little bit "moral" than Iran. With this sense of morality, the U.S can rub off onto Iran if they do become allies. And even though Saudi and Israel might be disturbed by the alliance, its always good for the U.S to ally a Muslim country. Of course the U.S personally benefits from this alliance. They get the oil. And that's why their ties with Saudi aren't close anymore, because Saudi, once being the world's largest exporter of oil, has little to offer today, especially compared to Iran. Americans might be worried about the fact that we might be allying ourselves with a country that supports our terrorists, but I think that this friendship will influence Iran's mind on the matter. With this alliance, both of the countries ideologies will be changed to accommodate the other We need to see the U.S and a Muslim country on good terms for once and maybe it will open a path towards peace in the middle! Too soon. Probably. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/09/opinion/iran-from-enemy-to-ally.html?_r=0

Deal-day

Lets clap it up for a historic moment. P5+1 has finally come to an agreement with Iran on its nuclear power and plans after a decade of gridlock. Iran agreed that it will not make an nuclear weapons or let other countries use nuclear weapons as well as allowing thier nuclear plants to be monitored. In return, about $10 billion of Iran's sanctions will be lifted. This will help its economy and maybe decrease the 24% of unemployment. Iran also agreed that it will not use more than 5% of uranium to make weapons for civilian use and to help power electricity and such things. Any amount above that will allow them to make nuclear weapons. However this plan is not set in stone. Both parties have given themselves 6 months to see how strong this agreement is. It is one step towrds ending Iran's nuclear program all for once. The people of Iran seem pleased that they have finally reached some sort of agreement, and that some sanctions have been lifted off the country. However, some very important sanctions remain in place, just to show that Iran isn't getting away that easily. On the other hand, Israeldoes not feel very happy about the plan, calling it a historic mistake. They are still very distrustful of Iran and feel threatened. Iran and Israel have tensions that run deep and one agreement won't alleviate anything. Once again Israel says that it will be ready to attack if it feel too threatened. The united states says that Iran is under close monitoring, and if it fails to abide by the rules of the agreement, the U.S might have to take extensive measures, such as stricking Iran's nuclear plants. Either way it seems like we are one more step closer. I hope. http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/24/world/meast/iran-nuclear-deal/index.html?c=world&page=9

Oh Iran

November 16, 2013 Almost there. The united states, along with the rest of P5 plus 1 (most powerful members of the U.N, France, Britain, Russia and China, with the addition of Germany) are still trying to hammer out a deal with Iran so they can freeze its plan for Nuclear bombs for six months until it can guarantee a solid plan that will eradicate most of Iran’s plans for unnecessary potential nuclear weapons. They want to make sure that Iran is only planning on using its weaponry for civilian proposes, and while Iran argues that it possess peaceful weapons, the rest of the world is afraid that it might develop nuclear bombs. Iran has an abundance of uranium, and it currently uses 20 % of it to develop weapons. Iran wants to continue using that amount because it was approved by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. However, the U.S says that that was never promised and wants Iran to us only 3.55 of its Uranium strictly on civilian nuclear reactors. Another idea is to give Iran all of its rights in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and then agreeing to interperate the treaty differently (maybe this is just me, but what’s the point of that?). These countries are trying to approach Iran in a calm manner until they can finally have a plan (it’s kind of like when someone points a gun at you, and instead of running or trying to fight back to only have them shoot you, you try to calmly talk them out of shooting you). Iran is already losing an enormous amount of money because its monetary funds that are in foreign banks have been frozen. That is about $100 billion that it can’t access because of sanctions placed on them. Also, Iran’s oil exports have decreased from 2 and a half million barrels in 2011 to only 1 billion barrels, costing Iran $5 billion a month! At this point, Iran is being crippled by the money that it is losing and frankly, if this continues, it might have to give in (or at least that’s what P5 and Germany hope). Obama encourages the U.N not to put any more sanctions on Iran, fearing that it might force them to shoot that bullet. The foreign policy chief of the European Union, Catherine Ashton will be talking to the Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday. If they come to some point of agreement, John Kerry, with other foreign ministers, will go to Geneva to further discuss an agreement. If Iran agrees on something, the U.S says that it will loosen its sanctions. The meeting planed next week in Geneva. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/16/world/middleeast/solution-may-be-near-for-iran-nuclear-deal-us-official-says.html?ref=politics&_r=0

America-Israel .......Shaky Relationship 11/10/13

Ohhh it’s getting hot in here as tensions rise between the U.s and Israel. These two long term best friends seem to disagree on two topics that may jeopardize the safety and economy of both countries. But before I elaborate on these issues, let’s look at the past factors that might have predicated this rift. First of all Obama and Netanyahu (prime minister of Israel) are not that compatible. Obama is all about diplomacy while Netanyahu just wants to attack the enemy. Obama thinks that the Israel and Palestine issue is the main problem in the Middle East while Netanyahu naturally disagrees and states that the true problems lie within radical Muslims and in Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons. Obama believes that Israel should try to peacefully discuss some equal grounds with Palestine, but Israel disagrees. These differences in opinion between the two leaders play a large role in the drifting relationship between Israel and the U.S. The first issue is the U.S’s approach to Iran’s nuclear weapons. The U.S has been trying to end the gridlock between Iran and the western world on the topic of Iran’s nuclear weapons. It met with several other countries in Geneva and they have been discussing the issue. Israel is upset because it thinks that the US is going to allow Iran to maintain but control its weapons while Israel wants Iran to eradicate all of its weapons because it fears for its safety. At this point, it seems like France is taking America’s position in the friendship and trying to protect Israel. Ok no t really. But France is also opposed to the deal proposed at Genava, out of self interest (surprise!) and self protection. Netanyahu says that if Iran is given the freedom to “control” its weapons, it would put not only Israel in danger, but the whole world and that is why it will continue to lobby against this proposal. But Israel is also willing to attack Iran if it feels threatened. And what if this happens? Well it would raise the oil prices in the U.S, the U.s might also have to dip its toe in the attack, the attack might escalade into a war, other countries will join either allying with the U.S or with Iran, Iran will develop its nuclear bombs, Saudia Arabia and Pakistan might also develop weapons, the U.S will pull out its big guns, World War Three will take place and we will all die because some men couldn’t settle a disagreement like adults. Just kidding……………. But if Israel does attack, we will not be far off from a nuclear war. The second issue has to do with the long standoff between Israel and Palestine. Obama really wants Israel to negotiate with Palestine over the disputed land but Israel continues to place Jews in land that is said to be Palestine. Secretary of State John Kerry has persuaded Israel and Palestine to talk it out, and they agreed to reach a settlement by April. Kerry and Netanyahu met on Friday I to discuss these issues. Kerry says the Israel should not feel so threatened or “Jump to conclusions”. He also said on Israel’s channel 2 that Israel will be internationally isolated and will face violence if it does not work it out with Palestine.

America, Israel and Syria Together Forever.................

Soo .......Israel launched a missile attack againt Syria on thursday near the port city of Latakia. There was an explosion at the missile site and Israel did not confirm an attack (but we already know it was them). You see, Israel is trying to protect its back by disabling any shipment of weapons to Hezbollah, an extremist Muslim shi'it group based in Lebanon. Then they tried to protect thier backs again by stating that they don't ''refer to foreign reports" when they were interviewed. What? Well we already know they did it and they already stated that they will target any future shipments of weapon to hezbelloh AND already bombed Syria in January. For those who don't know much about the Syrian war ( please come out from under your rock), here is a brief history. Syria is a country in the middle east bordered by Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq and Jordan. The civil war started on the march of 2011 when the Syrian people uprised against president Bashir Al-Assad, whose power was handed down to him by his father(even though Syria is NOT a monarchy). There are some people who support him and others that don't. About a year and half ago, it was declared a civil war. Currently, 100,000 people have died and 2 million have fled. Now that you know ,you're probably wondering where the world police is in this situation. Haaaaaa it' s too busy worrying about healthcare and keeping the government open. However, there is a huge possibility that it will get involved but its involvment will probably be messy. First, Israel and America are BFFs. If one gets hurt, the other seeks revenge (actually come to think of it, its only a one way street, when Israel gets hurt America defends). Israel is bombing because it feels threatened. But hold on.......remember that speech that Obama gave about intervening in Syria because of chemical weapons? He spoke up because Syria orginally promised that it would never use chemical weapons, just like the 197 other countries that made that promise. But was Obama scared for the safety of Syrian people, or for the protection of Americans and Israelites? OR was it for the general safety for the people of the world. I don't know, I do not know. Anyways, if America gets involved will it be on Israel's side and also try to protect its back, or will it be on the side of the innocent Syrian civilians who keep getting killed? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/31/israel-strike-russian-missiles-syria_n_4183174.html http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/31/world/meast/syria-civil-war/

Introduction

Watch out guys, make sure that you'r not driving under the influence, that you have your seat belts on, and most importantly, that you haven't killed anyone, because the po po has been patrolling around. At a micro level, we are all glad that we have police officers and other law enforcers that help protect us and make sure that the bad guys are behind bars. On the macro level, our beloved America plays the world's officer, patrolling around to other countries making sure that the leaders don't kill half of their population or use weapons of mass destruction. And where does the U.S get its jurisdiction from. Well, I mean come on, almost every country worships us, right? Wrong. The U.S gets its jurisdiction from its ability to control the rest of the world through soft power, through its diplomatic foreign policy, and because we represent ONE of the most just countries in the world. How we police the rest of the world reflects how the rest of the world views. We have to keep our appearance. The purpose of this blog is to see whether the U.S's foreign policy and police work post an internal and external danger, and if not, how it is keeping the world sane.