Category: Politics

Hamas vs Fatah

As Fatah and Hamas openly clash, the media is awash with pro-Fatah reports. All you hear in the media (especially the Western media) is about how extreme Hamas is, the fact that they won’t recognize Israel, etc. While its hard to understand the true picture on the ground, it is good to read views from both sides for a change. Check out this piece in the NY Times. This is a rare (nevertheless self-serving) piece which gives the Hamas side of the story.

Democratic Presidential Candidates: Debate 2

Last night’s debate confirms that the front-runners are still very much Hillary, Obama and Edwards. As for the rest, while they clearly make the debate more lively, its only a matter of time before they exit the race and hope for a VP spot on the ticket, unless one of the front runners slip up significantly. Among the front runners, Hillary literally took center stage this time. She was so much more at ease than ever before and seemed very much in control. She might have “goofed” when she said that “America is safer today but not safe enough”.

Obama on the other hand seems to be gaining with experience. He does sometimes get caught up in legislative detail and struggles when he has to give a concise answer. On the other hand, he was very quick to seize the opportunity and sound leader-like when he attacked the question about the National language issue by saying, “This is the kind of question that is meant to divide…”. On a side note, Obama was the only one who could pronounce “Pakistan” correctly (perhaps showing his attention to detail!).

The top punch lines of the debate where easily, Hillary Clinton’s reference to “This administration sometimes send Cheney on diplomatic missions…” and Obama’s “You were late by four and half years on leadership on this issue” response to Edwards’ complaint of the lack of leadership among Senators in bringing the war to end. The quality of the questions from the audience was a little disappointing.

Joe Biden seemed so angry for most of the debate! I guess he figured fireworks might get him some attention. Bill Richardson might have a good resume, but he was far from convincing for what was essentially a TV contest. Dennis Kucinich is perhaps the only one who is significantly different from the rest, but the man is completely unelectable in today’s big money world of American politics.

Wolfowitz Saga: “Win-Win” Politics

Mr. Wolfowitz had apparently rubbed many on the wrong side at the World Bank and to make matters worse had landed himself in a scandal. His opponents pounced on the opportunity and saw this as a way to get rid of him. They accused him of being “unethical” among other things.

Mr. Wolfowitz being a hand picked appointee of President Bush complicated the matter even more. His opponents were threatening to fire him and to find a replacement candidate. Historically, the US has had control of the top job of the World Bank which has been an appointee of the US President. In short, there was a conflict and three affected parties.

What followed was classic “win-win” politics. Mr. Wolfowitz agreed to quit provided the World Bank withdrew their accusations against him. The President agreed to the compromise, provided he could appoint his replacement. In short, it was time to for some seemingly friendly kisses, although of the goodbye kind! However, the World Bank Group Staff Association, issued a statement trashing both Mr. Wolfowitz and the Wold Bank Board!

While Mr. Wolfowitz has finally done the necessary thing by resigning, he has damaged the institution and continues to damage it every day that he remains as its President. He cannot continue to be the face of the World Bank. He has demeaned the Bank, insulted the staff, diminished its clients, and dragged this institution through the mud. He put his own interests before those of the institution. In making a statement of gratitude to Mr. Wolfowitz, the Board has done the same. They have attempted to save his face and in so doing have destroyed that of the institution that they are entrusted to protect.

The World Bank Group needs to rebuild its credibility immediately, regain its focus and devote its full attention to its clients. This cannot be done while Mr. Wolfowitz remains in his position as President. See all the related statements here.

Its a pity that similar political crisis resolution could not be achieved prior to the Iraq war, given that both President Bush and Mr. Wolfowitz were the key players at that time as well.

George Tenet Shouldn’t Try Another “Slam Dunk”

Is George Tenet trying another slam dunk? Oh, please no! Thankfully, this time it is in the form of a book.

“As if you needed me to say ‘slam dunk’ to convince you to go to war with Iraq,’ ” Mr. Tenet apparently writes of Mr. Cheney’s infamous accusation that the WMDs were a CIA conclusion. While the decision to go to war was mostly that of the President and his insiders, Mr. Tenet simply can’t point fingers and try to go unscathed. He claims that the “slam dunk” comment was taken out of context. Even if this might be the case, it is well known that the Bush administration widely publicized the CIA findings as the basis for going to war. If Mr. Tenet felt strongly enough, he should have stood up for what he believed in at that time, rather than crying foul now. I suspect his book does more damage to himself than anybody else. Mr. Cheney is an easy target and so even if Mr. Tenet’s accusations were true, it does little to absolve him of any of the blame for the Iraq war.

According to the article in NY times, Mr. Tenet apparently expresses puzzlement that, since 2001, Al Qaeda has not sent “suicide bombers to cause chaos in a half-dozen American shopping malls on any given day.” “I do know one thing in my gut,” he writes. “Al Qaeda is here and waiting.” — And this guy was the CIA chief? When you read this, it sure sounds like his “slam dunk” defense seems less plausible.

With each passing day the Iraq war is losing its supporters, thankfully. Those responsible are in some form of trouble or the other if not already out of the scene. At the present moment, those responsible for the current state of affairs can better serve the world (and themselves) by trying to help deal with the mess in Iraq, than cashing in by writing books about the shameful past.

John Edwards’ Hairy Issues

As if his infamous hair styling video was not enough, John Edwards now has another issue to deal with, once again related to his hair! John Edwards spent $800 on two hair-cuts and to make matters worse showed it as “consulting fee” on his campaign expenses! Now he is re-paying his campaign for these expenses.

Its impossible to defend or be supportive of such actions. On the other hand, in this day and age, where elections are decided to a large extent on TV, candidates have a dual challenge of appearing to represent the common man and at the same time looking as photogenic as they possibly could. It is easy to criticize these folks (Bill Clinton had his own hair-cut issues when he was President) and brand them as hypocrites. The reality is that these folks are just a product of the times we live in. In the pre-television era it was probably a lot easier to focus on the issues and less on ones’ looks. After all studies have shown that these days attractive people earn more money!

Don Imus Firing

The firing of Radio jock Don Imus is a positive step in American media. There is an implicit belief that if you have a sizable audience you can get away with pretty much anything. Don Imus and the like have been doing this for years and getting away with it. Hopefully, this will deter other radio hosts from mouthing offenses on air.

On the one hand it is great that both MSNBC and CBS took the final step of dropping the otherwise popular radio host. On the other it is disappointing that they did so only after extreme pressure from advertisers and minority groups. At some level it was probably just economics at work and not a genuine concern for offensive radio talk.

George, It’s All About Your Legacy!

Disclaimer: This is a fictitious conversation between President Bush and his Dad, George Bush Sr. It is set in the month of Dec 2006 after the Iraq Study Group Report and after Rumsfield was replaced as Secretary of Defense. If you are wondering why now, it is because I didn’t publish this for various reasons — waiting for my site re-design, busy with other things, plus a combination of laziness and “will get to it later” syndrome.

Ok, so here goes..

Hi, George. How are things?

Hangin’ in there I guess.

Have you read the ISG report yet?

What?

I said the ISG report!

What is that?

I mean the report that Baker put together.

Oh! Ok. Don’t get me started on that. I thought Baker was bored and you wanted me to give him something to do. I did, and he turns in this huge a… report and now I have to read it, because everyone on the planet wants to know what I think about it! What do you expect from a bunch of grumpy old men? Did you know that the average age on that group was 74? Those men are nuts. Also, the whole concept of a bipartisan study group makes no sense. What our politicians in Washington can agree on does not mean that it’s best for Iraq, does it?

George. Can you stop givin’ me the talking points that Karl has been feeding you? Iraq is a complete mess and you gotta act quickly and do somethin’ about it.

So you think I am doing nothin’? I just met with Malliki and what-was-his-name, the deputy PM of Iraq, whatever his name was. I have been talking to Blair all the time. I might even meet the Syrian guy, Syriana or somethin’…was that his name? And, who knows, maybe even that crazy Iranian President chap, the guy who hates Israel. Dad, it’s hard. But I’m doing my best.

But son, the situation has gotten really bad. Americans are dying. Your poll ratings are dropping. And the world is watching. Please plan on some quick action, will ya?

There you go again. So you think I am not doin’ enough?

Fine, you are doin’ your best. But lemme tell ya, from now on for you, it’s all about your legacy.

Legacy? What is that? It sounds like you have found something new to complain about. BTW, I meant to ask you. What was all that stuff about you choking in public at a speech with Jeb? People are saying that you were overcome by emotion because you had planned for Jeb to be President but I became President instead! I am having enough trouble as it is in Washington. Can you sit tight and not make things worse for me, please? Tears in public, nonsense! And what does Jeb do, he runs up to the stage and hugs you. Oh…goody-goody son of yours. Crap!

Fine, I’ll sit tight. But please do something about Iraq.

Ok, you want me to embrace Baker’s report? The Iraqis don’t like it, nor does Condi or myself. Limbaugh, Bennett, and others don’t like it either. How do you expect me to accept it? When I ask Cheney about it, he says let’s go hunting and discuss this! You know what happened the last time someone went hunting with him, don’t you? And now Rummy is gone and I have this new guy, Gates, to work with. Isn’t he like the richest man in world or somethin’?

Good Lord! Please, George. You are confusing Bob Gates for Bill Gates! To be honest, I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry. Anyway, George, you gotta get something done about Iraq. That’s your only hope to leave behind a decent legacy.

What’s with the legacy thing again?

It’s about what people will remember you for long after you are gone from office. Reagan is remembered for the end of the cold war. I am remembered for the Kuwait war. Bill is remembered for great economic times and, of course, his nonsense with that girl in the White House. What do you want to be remembered for ─ A lousy war that sacrificed American lives and plunged the Middle East into utter chaos and spread terrorism worldwide? Think about it, George. People like that guy Gore are going around saying that your decision to attack Iraq was the greatest strategic blunder in American history.

Gore! What does he know? The smart ass that he thinks he is. Remember I kicked his butt in the last election.

Mmh…..Not quite, George. It was not until I put in a call to Rehnquist, remember?

Ok, ok. Let’s not get into that right now.

Anyway, Gore has only the climate to worry about. I hear he is makin’ movies these days. Isn’t he going to win an Oscar or something for that movie “Inconvenient Truth?” We have a joke in the White House — the biggest inconvenient truth is that he lost the election in 2000! He still can’t get over it so he named his movie after it! Anyways, when is the last time someone from Hollywood was taken seriously?

Don’t be so sure, George. That Arnie chap in California just won re-election. Also Clooney and others are making a lot of noise about Darfur and being heard.

Mmmhh…. Interesting. What will I be remembered for? Lemme think here ─ No child left behind, privatization of social security, patriot act, making America safer, spreading freedom and democracy…….

George, cut it out! Cut it out, will ya? None of this stuff you are babbling about matters. Your legacy will be determined by what happens in Iraq over the next two years of your Presidency. The people have already put the Democrats in charge of the Congress. You need to wake up and smell the coffee. Laura, Laura, are you around? Are you listening? Can you please join in this conversation and explain this to George.

(Laura speaks up…..Yes, Dad, I am listening. I am here to help in anyway I can!)

Aw, Dad. Stop getting hysterical.

What do you mean, hysterical? People are dying in Iraq, George.

You think I don’t know that?

You certainly do, but you ain’t doin’ anything about it. You hear me?

There you go again. What do you mean I am not doin’ anything about it? I just got off the phone with General Casey, I spoke earlier today with Abbas of the PLO, the Egyptian President, and others.

That’s fine, George. Just do something quick, please. People are going to forget about my Kuwait victory and instead remember me for being your Dad!

Aha-ha, ok, now this is all starting to make sense. That is the problem! You are afraid of your — what do you call it….legacy? Yes, your legacy. So if I don’t fix Iraq, you will start to look bad. Is that it?

George, George, listen to me.

No, I don’t want none of that, Dad. Remember, the American people elected me not once, but twice. The booted you out after one term and brought in that Bubba chap from somewhere in the boonies…wherever that was… I think it was Louisiana or some place like that.

(Laura helps…Honey, Clinton was from Arkansas.)

Thank you, Laura. Yes, Arkansas. Who cares anyway?

Barbara steps in. George, that’s enough! I have had it with you. Your Dad has been so worried about Iraq and you and he is trying his best to help you. He dragged Baker into this so he could help you out. Instead of appreciating this, you have the gall to talk to him like that!

Mom, last I checked, I was President of the United States.

Cut that crap George. You were my son first before you become President. Besides, we have had other Presidents and Governors in this house before you. Just remember that.

Mom, Mom, calm down. I take that back. Dad just pushed me over the edge. Life is tough in Washington as you know……Ok, I’m sorry. Time out, time out! Let’s take a step back for a moment. How do you explain Dad going around town shedding tears in public for Jeb, the son who should have been President?

George, I am not getting into that. End of discussion. Not another word.

Fine, Mom. Laura, lets go. Thank God for being President, at least I have the last word outside this house!

Obama’s 25M+ is VERY Impressive!

Wow! Just Wow! 25M in the first quarter is simply amazing for someone who just jumped into the presidential race. Hats off to him and his team. Very impressive indeed! It sure sounds like the Clintons are in for a big battle. Obama’s unprecedented momentum is going to get harder to match up to.

The Presidential race is sounding just like Wall Street with quarterly numbers, forward looking statements and what not being rolled out!

On a side note, it is well known that it takes huge amounts of money to win elections in the US and most politicians in the US are wealthy to start with. It is not clear where Obama made his personal wealth. Anyone seen any articles or reports about this? Just curious. There was no reference to it in his book either.

John Edwards: Looking for a Surge in Support?

John and Elizabeth Edwards, the aspiring first couple, announced at a press conference that Elizabeth Edwards was once again suffering from breast cancer, this time in an incurable form. They expressed confidence that the disease could be managed with treatment, and that there would be no interruption in his campaign.

One can’t help but feel sorry for Mrs. Edwards and wish her the best of health. On the other hand, it is hard to comprehend why the couple should go public with this news in such a big way. The decision whether to continue in the race or not is entirely a personal decision and the Edwards family should be free to chose any path they like. But to make such a public deal about this, does raise questions about sincerity. Is this a crass move to gain public sympathy (as it is seems to have largely accomplished) and a blatant publicity stunt? I hope not, but its hard to argue with anyone who says it is.