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 57 8575

Articles from The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues

Tukish Gun Ships Blast Kurdish Sites 2007-11-14 13:47:01 Tension on the Turkish-Iran border remained tense as Turkish helicopters blasted away at abandoned villages and former camps of the rebel Kurdish Workers Party(PKK). President Talibani of Iraq insisted that his nation is “against all violent operations against Turkey.” He also indicated his government would take a much harder line against the PKK and try to get them to leave Iraq. The good news is that Turkish military forces are attacking abandoned villages and former bases. In this way, no one gets killed and there is no further escalation of tension. Since the eight Turkish soldiers who were captured are now in prison for neglect of duty, this new campaign to bomb empty villages will avoid the problem of casualties or prisoners and thus protect Turkish soldiers from winding up in prison. ...

Putin Blasts His Own Party! 2007-11-14 10:24:25 President Vladmir Putin came out swinging against his own party — United Russia– claiming he had joined it because he “didn’t have anything better.” The president asked: “What is United Russia then? Is it an ideal political organization? Of course not. The party has no stable political ideology or pinciples for which the overwhelming majority of its members ware ready to fight (for).” However, Putin made it clear that the expected victory of United Russia in upcoming elections for the Duma gave him a “moral right” to have a dominant influence in Russian politics. He refused to make clear what he meant by having an “influence” in the political life of Russia once his term as president concludes. President Putin, undoubtedly, is bothered by having to spend his precious time even talking or negotiating with people in political parties. Perhaps, he would feel more comfortable if Russia would simply do away with the irksome p ...

Hidden Costs Of Iraq-Afghanistan Wars Double What Bush Claims 2007-11-14 09:28:13 A report entitled, “The Hidden Costs of the Iraq War” says the cost of wars being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan was almost double what Bush has requested for military operations in 2008. Since both wars began, President Bush has essentially been give a carte blanche checkbook to spend whatever he claims is necessary because Democrats are either divided or unable to garner sufficient votes to overcome the 60 required in the Senate. The new report was prepared by Democrats and includes “hidden costs” such as higher oil prices, treatment of the war wounded, and interest on monies borrowed to fund both wars.” This report, states Senator Schumer, “makes crystal clear is that the cost to our country in lives lost and dollars spent is tragically unacceptable.” The total cost of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is expected to exceed $1.6 trillion. Schumer also notes that money spent on fighting wars is money diverted from being invested in productive asp ...

I Am The Law, Claims Musharraf 2007-11-14 09:02:17 President Pervez Musharraf made clear to American newspapers and TV that he will not back down in the fight which has erupted between himself and Pakistan political activists. He told the New York Times that opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, could not tell him to resign and classified activists as lazy people who don’t even bother to vote. He told an American TV interviewer that “When the nation is about to be declared a failed state, tell me whether the restoration of so-called democracy is important or efforts to save the country? Of course, it is important to save the country.” In other words, is democracy more important than survival of the nation of Pakistan? As he spoke, a 100 car caravan of Bhutto supporters took off from Lahore on the opening stages of a long march for freedom. Ms. Bhutto is still confined to house arrest and when supporters attempt to visit her, they are being arrested. President Musharraf certainly raises a key issue — which comes f ...

Indonesian Equality– All Should Be Equal In Bribery! 2007-11-14 08:42:28 In a recent article appearing in the Jakarta Post, a senior prosecutor discussed some recent conversations he had with his son, an aspiring lawyer, about the issue of equal rights in bribery. His son argued since his father took bribes it was only logical and fair for his father to pay a bribe so the son could get a job as a lawyer. His son argued that Indonesia must abide by the rule that if bribes are common, all should pay bribes, but, those taking bribes are honor bound to pay them when they desire something. His son argues that to become wealthy it is less a matter of his skills as a lawyer, and more concerned with his skills in bribery. “You can charge your client,” he says, “then distribute the money to the police, prosecutors, judges, the rest goes into your own pocket.” This approach to equal rights is certainly novel and should be investigated. One can only wonder if this principle is really extended throughout Indonesian society will there be laws pas ...

China Demands End Of US Arms Sales To Taiwan 2007-11-14 08:23:37 The ever present issue of Taiwan continues interfering with relations between the United States and China. In 1949, as Chinese Communists took control of China, its deposed leader, Chiang kai- chek, fled to Taiwan with the remnants of Kuomintang troops. Since that event, the presence of an independent Taiwan has created turmoil and hostility between the United States and China. The Chinese government is upset at sale by America of arms, ammunition, and anti-missile equipment to Taiwan. It is difficult uncovering a logic al reason why Taiwan needs anti-missile arms. If, in the unlikely event, China launched an attack on Taiwan, such equipment would be destroyed within hours. China is ready to make some sort of agreement with Taiwan that might be accepted by both parties. For example, Taiwan could acknowledge it is a province of China, but is granted local autonomy and retention of its democratic rights. Perhaps, not a perfect solution, but one that would end the silly concept of an ind ...

Council Of Europe Questions Terror Lists 2007-11-14 01:21:03 The Council of Europe has issued a report dealing with the validity of terror lists compiled in order to identify potential terrorists. Its study indicates several weaknesses in how lists are compiled and the rights of individuals to challenge their name being present on them. “There are no procedures for an independent reviews of decisions taken…A serial killer has a lot more rights.” Swiss Senator Dick Marty argues the lists “threaten democratic order” because of the possibility there are mistakes and people have difficulty getting their names erased once they are on a list. An issue that concerns civil libertarians is who does the identification of a terrorist and what is the process of identification. Twenty years ago, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress was a terrorist organization and today it is the governing part of South Africa. Palestinians regard certain Israel military units as terrorist while Israel claims Hamas is a terrorist g ...

Violence Continues In The Congo 2007-11-14 01:00:06 Thousands of refugees poured out of camps in the eastern area of the Democratic Republic of Congo after Tutsi dominated insurgents attacked the army. Aya Shneerson of the UN said “There’s a massive movement of displaced toward Goma. It’s thousands of people. They’re packed onto the road carrying whatever they can carry.” The UN believes in the past few months an estimated 370,000 people have been displaced by the violence raging in the Congo. It is apparent Congo’s armed forces are not capable of defending the country against the various groups which have taken over large areas of the country. Hutus from Rwanda, who killed an estimated 800,000 Tutsis fled that nation and moved into the Congo after the Tutsi government overthrew the Hutu government. It is estimated that about 3,000,000 people have died in the Congo since the new century began, but the world remains indifferent to this tragedy. Somehow, the death of these millions does not register on ...

Japan Academic Argues Iran Has Right To Peaceful Use Nuclear Energy 2007-11-13 10:59:41 Naoki Tanaka, president of Japan’s Center For International Public Policy Studies, told Tehran Times reporters that Iran has the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful uses. He pointed out that Japan has possessed knowledge of nuclear energy for over forty years and it has only been used for peaceful purposes. He argued against a policy of sanctions which he felt was ineffective and urged Iran to engage in negotiations with other nations in pursuit of a resolution of their current conflict over nuclear energy. Tehran Times editor Esmaelli agreed there was need for negotiation and argued Iran wanted the end of double standards such as allowing Israel to have atomic development, including use of nuclear weapons, but denying such energy sources to Iran. Tanaka suggested part of the problem was that Iran had a history of being manipulated by outside western powers and that influenced their approach to the issue of trust. Mr. Tanaka raises an important issue — Iran was do ...

Chile Debate Rages Over Hugo Chavez Behavior At Conference 2007-11-13 10:42:09 The debate within Chile’s legislature between supporters of Venezuela’s President Chavez and opponents became hot and furious as demands were expressed for an apology after Spain’s King Juan Carlos told the would be Venzuelan dictator to “just shut up.” Chavez had been attacking Spain’s business influence in the region and insisting he was doing more for democracy than any other nation. Chilean Foreign Minister Moxley responded that Chile has accomplished a remarkable program over the past fifteen years in ending the Pinochet dictatorship and creating a vibrant democracy. He also expressed “a profound solidarity with the King and the Prime Minister Rodriguez Zapatero.” Chavez has billions of oil dollars to spread around Latin America in his efforts to popularize his version of “Bolivarism.” Chile has made incredible strides in ending vestiges of a cruel authoritarian regime and establishing the basis of a democratic society. ...

Israel Urged By Turkey To Back Syrian Attendance At Annapolis 2007-11-13 09:03:18 The Turkish government is presently hosting a meeting with Israel President Peres and Palestinian President Abbas in hope of fostering peaceful relations. President Gul urged Israel to support the presence of Syria at the upcoming Annapolis conference but the Israeli leader was hesitant since he charged Syria is hostile to peace. Gul also emphasized the importance that “tangible and cocnrete results” will emerge from the conference. He also supported the desire of Abbas that all meaningful issues related to the Middle East should be open for discussion at the conference. Peres responded: “I believe we can make peace with Palestine, it takes time to make peace.” Perhaps, the United States might learn the importance of allowing regional powers such as Turkey to assume leadership in moving the Middle East forward toward peace. Gul is right that all issues must be discussed, that Syria should be invited, and that the end result has to be more than talk. Peres is rig ...

Russian Schoolboy Takes Unorthodox Stand For Religious Freedom 2007-11-13 08:50:19 A 7 year old boy in Russia was taunted and beaten by classmates because he refused to participate in an Orthodox service that is part of opening the school year. Prosecutors have determined the elementary school violated the rights of David Perov. The boy’s father is pastor of the local Community of Christ Church. Although Russia’s Constitution envisions separation of church and state, the Orthodox Church has made serious inroads into imposing its presence in schools. David’s troubles began when a local Orthodox priest arrived to conduct services. He was not familiar with the religious activities and said, “I did not want to kiss the cross” which led several boys to hit him. “The teacher saw that they were beating me but said nothing.” When his mother came to pick him up he was hiding in the bathroom and she asked the teacher what had happened and was told nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. Later, a similar response was obtained from the ...

Bhutto Defies Musharraf In Pakistan! 2007-11-13 08:27:03 Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said that under no conditions would she serve in a future government containing President Musharraf as its leader. “I simply won’t be able to believe anything he says.” She indicated her Pakistan People’s Party would not participate in the upcoming January elections because they are “nothing more than a stage-managed show to return the PML(Pakistan Muslin League) to power.” The PML is the party of Musharraf. Even as she spoke, her supporters were opening fire in Karachi on police stations while another group was beginning the march that Musharraf had refused to allow her to lead. Ms. Bhutto said she would reach out to all opposition parties in Pakistan in order to form a new coalition of political groups that are committed to establishment of a democratic Pakistan government. She already is in the process of contacting Nawaz Sharif, a main political opponent, in order to secure his support for the new coalition. I ...

Republican Fred Thompson Wants Million Man Armed Forces 2007-11-13 08:07:04 Republican presidential candidate, Fred Thompson, is calling for creation of an armed force containing at least one million men. “The investments we make today,” he said, “provide the means to defend our nation tomorrow….Too many commitments today leave our armed forces capable of meeting too few contingencies tomorrow.” He wants the Army to be increased by about 65,000 soldiers to a total of 65547,00 and the Marines to be increased by 27,000 to 202,000. He also called for a “modern GI Bill of Rights with educational assistance that will help us recruit and keep our nation’s finest in uniform.” Thompson believes there is sufficient money for these increases. It is difficult to argue with Thompson’s rationale that if the United States wishes to become involved in various struggles throughout the world we simply lack the manpower to achieve these foreign policy aims. The real question is how does one recruit the additional personnel ...

Burma Junta Agrees To Talks 2007-11-13 07:56:56 The Burmese military junta and opposition parties have agreed to hold “meaningful and substantive” talks to resolve the current political crisis in Myanmar. UN Secretary General Ban ki-mon said his special envoy to Myanmatr, Irbrahim Gambari was able to convince Burma’s military leaders of the importance attached to engaging in dialogue with all political parties in their nation. The UN Security Council has urged Burma’s leaders to work constructively with Suu Kyi, the main opposition leader, in order to move their nation forward toward democracy. The Burmese military junta is undoubtedly as stubborn and hostile to outside pressure as was Saddam Hussein. George Bush never allowed the UN to pursue its investigation of the supposed WMD preferring military action which became the disastrous Iraq war. Sometimes, it takes time to achieve results, but Bush lacked time or, perhaps, he never intended to pay any attention to the UN. ...