The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues Analyzes issues of liberal concern and gives readers a digest of what is reported in over forty newspapers throughout the world to engage them in critical thinking issues. Statistics Unique Visitors: Total Unique Visitors: Outgoing: Total Outgoing: 0 0 110 8518

Articles from The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues

Kurdish Rebels Ready To End Insurgency-Amnesty Is Issue 2007-12-26 13:05:20 Iraqi President Jalal Talabani claimed members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party(PKK) were prepared to lay down their arms if the Turkish government promised a pardon and the right to return home to Turkey. As of this point, the Turkish government has only indicated a willingness to grant pardons to anyone who can prove he was not involved in violent actions against civilians or the Turkish military. Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey told members of Parliament there were no plans on the part of his administration to grant pardons to Kurds who engaged in military action. President Talabani, who is a Kurd, noted, “the PKK says it will lay down arms if amnesty ensures that PKK members will return home safely. They say they are ready to hand over their guns to the US forces and even to the Iraqis provided that there is such an amnesty.” Talabani emphasized the alternative to an amnesty was continued fighting in mountainous areas. His support for amnesty diverted from the ...

Israel E. Jerusalem Housing Creates Conflict 2007-12-26 12:49:50 The Israel government is undertaking construction of about 304 new apartments in East Jerusalem as its prime minister prepares for meetings with Palestinians to discuss peace. President Mahmoud Abbas made it clear there would be serious difficulties in conducting peace if settlement construction continues in East Jerusalem. A Fatah spokesperson, Abu Rdeneh bluntly stated: “there is need to freeze the settlement activities in order to create the appropriate atmosphere to bring progress in the peace process.” President Mubarak joined in the Arab cry for an end to settlement construction and focusing on the only thing that emerged from the famous Annapolis conference– peace talks. Israel’s Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni sharply criticized the Egyptian effort to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza and in response, Egypt’s Intelligence Minister Omar Suleiman promised his country would take renewed steps to halt smuggling. There is a time and place for everything, a ...

Rudy Giuliani-No Christmas In New York Time 2007-12-26 09:18:31 Rudy Giuliani continues insisting recent illness has nothing to do with his earlier history of getting through cancer, but rumors are flying and they are not all birds of cheer. Although, Giuliani is ahead in 13 states whose combined delegate total is 758 delegates, it is now clear the former New York mayor will not reach the convention floor as the overwhelming favorite of the convention. Huckabee, inadvertently is helping Giuliani, by apparently defeating Romney in Iowa and South Carolina which should eventually result in him garnering about 170 delegates. Romney appears to be headed toward at least 112 while McCain and Thompson will probably obtain fewer than a hundred for their efforts. The real story of this Republican race is the reality no single current candidate will emerge with a majority of delegates. This will be the first time in decades that such a situation has arisen. Once the Republican convention begins, talk will slowly develop about a compromise candidate whose name ...

Westerm Diplomats Expelled From Afghanistan 2007-12-26 08:54:46 Two senior Western diplomats were given 48 hours to leave Afghanistan because they attempted negotiating with anti-government leaders in Helmand province. Michael Semple, head of the EU mission in Afghanistan and Mervin Patterson, a high level UN official were accused of threatening Afghanistan’s national security because they were “involved in some activities that were not their jobs.” The two men allegedly offered aid and development incentives to tribal elders in the Taliban heartlands. Their goal was working with tribal leaders and even members of the Taliban to seek a solution that would end violence and lead to improved cooperation between the government and its opponents. The diplomats met with government officials and tribal commanders in a Taliban dominated area. At least one important leader in Musa Qala agreed to cease supporting the Taliban. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been urging a re-evaluation of Afghan policy which would entail attempting ...

No News– Quiet Christmas In Indonesia! 2007-12-26 08:23:33 The American press which readily reports examples of hatred and violence on the part of Muslims did not report the quiet events that transpired in Indonesia this Christmas. There was not a single anti-Christian incident in the most populous Muslim nation in the world except for a single bomb hoax. jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo made it a point to spend Christmas eve visiting various Christian churches and he dispatched 17,690 police to guard them against any possible violence. “I got the impression,” he said, “that Christians are celebrating Christmas this year more freely and happily. they don’t feel threatened anymore.” He also urged the people of Indonesia to “build a city for everyone” and “set aside all the discriminating manner in ourselves.” The governor was extremely proud that several Islamic groups provided security around Christian churches. The unreported news about Christian-Muslim relations is that in many nations like In ...

Middle Class Rising In China-Headed Toward 100 Million 2007-12-26 08:08:46 China has witnessed a phenomenal growth in its middle class as the economic boom continues to fast forward their nation. A recent study defines the middle class as containing those who make $7,500–$25,000. About 20% of people in this income bracket attribute social connections and networking as among the most important factors enabling an individual to move upward into the middle class wile only 15% attribute this change due to hard work. A significant number recognize the importance of eduction as being the foundation of a successful economic life. A majority of those surveyed wanted a home, a car and a good income and expected these to become more readily available as the economy continues to advance. The poll concluded the number of people in China who are middle class will reach 100,000,000 by 2016. Of course, if there are 100,000,000 middle class people in China by 2016, where does that leave the other billion people? Ironically, as Communist China has unleashed the tiger of ...

Kosovo Independence Creates Crisis In Europe 2007-12-26 01:05:32 The desire for the Serbian province of Kosovo to become an independent nation became even stronger as an election drew near which would enable the people of Kosovo to make that decision. There is little doubt since Kosovo is 90% Muslim Albanian it will vote for independence from Christian Serbia which killed thousands during its drive to crush opposition in Kosovo to Serbian Christian rule. An election in Serbia also is caught in the middle of the conflict. Pro-Western Prime Minister Boris Tadic is pushing hard for membership in the European Union which is supported by 69% of all Serbians. His opponent, Tomislav Vikolic, who leads ultranationalist forces in Serbia that are ready to oppose Kosovo independence, is arguing for placing the unity of Serbia over the desire for EU membership. Too much blood has past under the bridge for the Muslim people of Kosovo to ever again seek to be members of the same country with Serbians who killed thousands during their drive to impose Serbia’ ...

Israel Seeks Talks On Peace With Syria 2007-12-26 01:02:45 Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Syria’s President Bashar Assad that “a lot has changed i relations between Israel and Syria” and seeks to begin negotiations that would lead to peace between the two nations. Olmert told visiting US Senator Arlen Spector who is on his way to Syria to “Tell Assad I await an answer from him regarding the dynamic message I have conveyed to him regarding negotiations.” It is apparent Israel seeks to resolve its differences with Syria even as a recent poll indicated excessive pessimism pervades Mideast people. However, the Harry Truman Institute in Jerusalem found in a poll that 53% of Israelis still support peace proposals advocated by former President Clinton while 47% of Palestinians have a similar viewpoint. The fact such a large percent of people on both sides still cling to the Clinton proposals indicate a strong desire for peace. These figures also demonstrate another failure on the part of George Bush, he refused t ...

Dutch Firework Ads Explode Muslim Anger 2007-12-26 01:01:20 A group of Iraq types dressed and talking like terrorists sit around a new shipment which they assume are more explosives. But, the shipment contains fireworks and a leader who looks like Osama bin Laden is gleeful at the arrival of fireworks and has members of the group put on suicide vests containing fireworks as they say strongly to the TV camera the effort they are prepared to undertake, “demonstrates to you our true power by blowing ourselves up.” A harmless spoof on suicide bombing? A harmless spoof on being careful when using fireworks? The ad was designed for a Dutch consumer group that wanted viewers to be concerned about using fireworks in a harmful manner. Most Dutch Muslim groups were infuriated at the negative image projected about Muslims, but to the ad group, it was all harmless fun. In fact, their view was echoed by Inalayat Bunglawala of the British Muslim Council who said: “I thought they were very humorous public safety films.” Satire is a po ...

“Israel Could Survive Nuclear War!! 2007-12-24 16:37:00 A story out of Washington D.C. by the Center for Strategic and International Studies could readily be the sequel to Hollywood film about nuclear disaster. The Center concludes that Israel would “only” suffer deaths to 200,000-800,000 people while Iran would suffer losses in the millions and be virtually destroyed. According to these experts, the war would last about three weeks and conclude with the annihilation of Iran as a functioning nation. The authors of the study emphasize that Israel has atomic weapons of greater impact and therefore would inflict more devastating deaths. Perhaps, it helps people during the Christmas season to engage in discussing wars that lead to destruction of humanity. Of course, the authors fail to note that atomic weapons may not necessarily fall on designated targets which might result in the deaths of thousands of Arabs as well as Israelis. Atomic war can not ever be allowed to occur. This is not an option, this is a “never.” Of ...

“It’s Time For A Change,” Say British Voters 2007-12-24 08:01:13 An exhausted British population tired of the Iraq war, of scandals in the Labour Party government, and a growing dislike of its leader, Gordon Brown, are turning to the Conservative Party of David Cameron. A new survey indicates the Conservative Party has a comfortable lead of 40% to 31% over its Labour opponents. About 48% of British voters agree with the statement that “It’s time for a change” after ten years of being led by a Labour government. It is particularly striking that 51% regard Tory leader, David Cameron, as more likeable than Gordon Brown, the Labour leader. Gordon Brown, an extremely intelligent leader, has the misfortune to inherit Tony Blair’s problems like the war in Iraq. He inherited scandals such as money being funneled to Labour coffers and his own somewhat brusque style does no come across to the general population. A well liked person would also face incredible problems overcoming the Blair legacy. It has been up to Gordon Brown to place ...

Turkish Army Continues Air Attacks On Kurds 2007-12-24 07:44:18 Turkish war planes for the third time bombed bases of the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party(PKK) with indications such assaults would not cease in the forseeable future. A statement said:”The PKK will see and understand that there is no secure place left in Iraq’s north,and it will understand that it stands no chance against the Turkish republic.” Kurdish sources claim the civilian population go out of villages prior to the Turkish attack and none were killed. Massoud Barzani, who heads the Kurdish community, claimed the air attacks were really designed to crush his government. The US State Department supported air attacks on Kurdistan on grounds of the “right of pursuit,” a doctrine the Bush administration uses to justify attacking other areas of the world. These air attacks serve as emotional aid to the Turkish government, but are of limited military value. It is difficult to cite a single example in 20th century history in which air assaults on rebel mou ...

German Muslims Overwhelmingly Reject Violence 2007-12-24 01:05:07 A German Interior Ministry study of Muslim life in their nation revealed about 40% held a “fundamentalist orientation” which was equated with having strong religious moral values and world view. However, 92% rejected religiously motivated terrorism and violence. Around 6% were classified as harboring “violent tendencies,” and about 14% were regarded as having “anti-democratic tendencies.” Jurgen Mansel, a sociologist at the University of Bielfeld, in a statement to the press said ‘there is no evidence that there is more of a violent tendency among Muslims or immigrants than there is among other groups in Germany.” German newspapers took a measured reaction to the study. Die Tageazeitung noted< ‘Actually the study’s findings should have a calming effect. They’re definitely not surprising. Some Muslim haters may now feel justified. More generally, though, the study offers very little substance. Just the opposite, in fact: ...

Iraq Cover-Up Charged By Former Employee 2007-12-24 01:03:29 Allegations are circulating in the British Parliament about deliberate lies on the part of the security company, ArmorGroup, which allegedly withheld important information from military authorities. An employee said he had been told not to give some pertinent information to the British armed forces and that the company exaggerated the number of its employees on the ground in Iraq. According to Colin Williamson, a former member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, he was in Iraq until the summer of 2005. ‘My role was to go to certain Iraqi police stations daily in the Basra area. But, we were told not to report back any intelligence we picked up there, not to hand it to the British military. why? Because our bosses and probably, in turn, the FCO(Foreign and Commonwealth Office didn’t want to expose how corrupt and infiltrated by the militia the police were.” Williamson claims his Iraqi source was so well informed he could tell the exact moment when mortar attacks would oc ...

Iran Political Analyists Urge Negotiation With US 2007-12-24 00:34:37 Iranian foreign policy expert, Mohammad Ali-Ramin, told the Mehr News Agency, that regardless of American motives, Iran must participate in the next round of talks with the United States over issues related to the security of Iraq. He argued the needs of the Iraqi people should take precedence over any anger among Iranians toward the United States. Ali-Ramin argues the mere fact the Bush administration is asking for Iranian participation in discussions is indicative of its new role in helping to shape policy in the region. The Mehr News Agency also asked the advice of Dr. Pirouz Mojtahedzadeh of the Urosevic Research Foundation in London, who emphasized that America will most probably continue insulting Iran even as it reaches out to Iranian leaders for their support in maintaining security in Iraq. Some Iranian experts such as political analyst Alireza Davari, believe the ultimate goal for the Iranian government is reaching into higher levels of the American government if there is to ...