Category: Politics

Foley’s Folly

Congressman Mark Foley’s mess seems to have taken a serious political turn with accusations that the House Speaker Dennis Hastert knew about it but was attempting a cover up. Another election eve scandal to keep Washington busy. Scandal mongers seem to be working over time to unearth scandals just on the eve of the elections. Wonder when the Democrats are going to hit by one to make it even!

Mush on AQ Khan

Much has been said about the AQ Khan network over the years, especially since his “confession”. Its hard to imagine that he was able to act on his own without the approval of the various Pakistani heads of state. In all likelihood, when Musharraf was under extreme pressure from the US, he decided to make AQ Khan the scapegoat. Its good to know that a letter exists somewhere giving the gory details of those in high places who are involved in the scandal.

Mush’s latest book seems to have revived theories about AQ Khan and his activities. Nothing is likely to come out of it, except that Mush will sell more books. Man, talk about a world leader who knows his priorities!

Mush is a master manipulator

Pervez Musharaff easily takes the cake for being the most shrewd head of state in the world. He has managed to remain in power despite the situation in Afghanisthan, his poor relations with India, the volatile situation in Pakistan, his constant need to kiss up the US etc.

His book release is another master stroke. He has started controversies all over, like dropping small bombs! Meanwhile, there are rumors of a coup in Pak! President Musharaff clearly belives in living for the moment. At present his priority is to sell books and that is now more or less “mission accomplished”

Spy Agencies Report: Confirming the Obvious?

Finally, an official report from the US Intelligence agencies that the Iraq war has made the world a more dangerous place. While its hard to commend them for what seems an obvious conclusion, it heartening to note that they at least didn’t chant the administration mantras –We are safe, but not safer, We have had no attacks since 9-11, so here is the proof that things have improved etc. etc.

So the right thinks this another false propoganda by the left? The spin should start from both sides, if it hasn’t already.

Thailand: What after the Coup?

Now that there is a coup in Thailand what happens to Thaksin? Does he return or hang out here in the US or go to some other country. I would think that his assets back home are already frozen and he’d probably be arrested if he returned.

It is interesting that the guy is actually quite popular especially among the poor in Thailand. From press reports, it appears as though the “elite” in Thailand, the king and the army got together to boot him out. Return to democracy of any kind in the short term does not seem likely. Wonder where Thailand goes from here. Hopefully not another mess in the making. On second thoughts…they don’t have freedom or democracy, do they have oil in Thailand, btw? 🙂

Cowboy vs. Combat boots!

Caught a bit of the Senate race debate on NBC last night. Republican Senator George Allen (wears Cowbow boots!) came across as a very seasoned politician (despite his macaca slip) unlike his opponent, James Webb (wears Combat boots!) who seems to be banking primarily on his anti-war stance. The Senator on the other hand seems to swear by anything the Bush administration does. (Wonder how he would react when Jeb Bush announces his Presidential bid!). It is surprising that the polls show that the race is competitive despite the campaign styles, the cash reserves of the incumbent etc. Sounds like opposition to the war in Iraq is finally worth a few extra votes!

Buchanan wants Gore

Check out this interesting article from the SJ Mercury. Pat Buchanan (the author) suggests that Gore should run and announce his interest sooner rather than later. Sounds like the conservatives in the Republican party have given up already. Perhaps they are starting to make their choices from the Democratic party as a premptive strike, lest Hillary and Bill get back into the Whitehouse.

HP: Back in the News

All this recent news about HP is really sad. The so called management gurus on the board, the former CEO all combined have done great disservice to everything that the original founders “H” and “P” stood for. The only good news at the moment is that Mark Hurd appears to be a sensible guy to lead the company and letting him consolidate power might not be a bad thing (at least in the short term). Any investigation into the recent scandal is likely to expose the inner workings of the Silicon Valley given that so many big-wigs are involved. It is not surprising that HP’s Chairman Patricia Dunn is being phased out given that she has chosen to take on some real heavy hitters —Tom Perkins and the like. It should be a great time for the press as the saga unfolds.