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

Possible Secret Meeting Between Abbas and Hamas 2007-10-03 07:53:46 The Jerusalem Post reports President Mahmoud Abbas who heads the Palestinian Authority has responded positively to Egyptian requests for a meeting with Hamas leaders. Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman has been discussing possible peace with leading members of Hamas as well as leaders of Fatah. The Pan-Arabic newspaper Asharq Alawasi says that Hamas is now [...] ...

Artic Meltdown Continues Say Scientists 2007-10-03 07:36:55 Canadian scientists who spent the summer in Arctic regions report there is an unprecedented meltdown occurring in the area. Members of a team from Queens University in Ottawa report that temperatures hit a high of 22C during July when normally the temperature should be lower. “This was exceptional for a place where the normal average [...] ...

Japanese Government Urged To Tell Truth About WWII 2007-10-03 07:18:14 As the American public watches the Ken Burns, The War, which vividly describes fighting in WWII, some Japanese civilians are insisting their government finally tell the truth about what happened to civilians on Okinawa. Over 100,000 Okinawans demonstrated in hope their government would finally issue textbooks for children depicting the reality of how Japan’s military [...] ...

Indonesian Religious Leaders Condemn Burma Military Junta 2007-10-02 19:50:07 Interfaith religious groups in Indonesia united in protesting abuse by the Burmese military junta against its own citizens who were protesting in the name of democracy. Din Syamsudden, speaking at the office of the Indonesian Committee on Religions for Peace (ICRP) bluntly stated: “There is nothing violence can do to solve a single problem [...] ...

Women In Chile Unprotected Against Family Abuse 2007-10-02 19:33:57 Chile’s Nation Women Service (SERNAM) confirmed it is attempting to persuade the country’s Family Tribunals to assume a more proactive role in protecting women from abusive husbands. In a recent case which attracted national attention, Katherine Casas was brutally murdered by her former husband after unsuccessfully trying to obtain assistance from the Family Court [...] ...

President Mugabe Continues Dismantling of Zimbabwe 2007-10-02 19:22:57 President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe continues his disastrous policies of wrecking what was once among the most highly developed economies in Africa. He has announced his government will seize control of foreign mining and business interests by assuming a 51% control of those assets. If foreigners don’t like the arrangement, he told them to “ship [...] ... President

Turkey Seeks Regional Stabilization 2007-10-02 19:02:10 Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Ali Babacan, is visiting Israel as part of an effort to achieve some form of regional stabilization. Turkey has maintain good relations both with Israel and Arab nations which enables it to serve as a mediating force in the Middle East. Turkey, also, has its own reasons for maintaining peace. Ten percent of its population is of Kurdish descent which creates extensive sympathy for the new Kurdish nation. Kurdish rebels continue attacking Turkish forces and then retreating back into Iraq. President Bush has failed to draw upon Turkey as an active player in the effort to achieve stable conditions in the Middle East. It is led by a Muslim government which endeavors to satisfy secular groups within the nation and its military for years has been close to Israel. Perhaps, if Condi Rice would spend more time interacting with Turkish leaders, it might be possible for that nation to assist in dealing with radical groups such as Hizbullah. ...

John McCain: I Want A Christian President, I Think, Maybe? 2007-10-02 13:00:45 Controversy continues over Senator John McCain’s comment last week that since America was founded on “Christian principles…I prefer someone who I know who has a solid grounding in my faith.” The American Jewish Congress blasted the senator by commenting, “to argue that America is a Christian nation, or that persons of a particular faith not seek high offices, puts the very character of our nation at stake.” Of course, McCain’s defenders like Senator Joe Lieberman, an Orthodox Jew, claimed McCain does not have a “bigoted bone in his body.” Although, McCain has not completely rejected what he previously stated, he now thinks qualified people should run for the presidency. Joe Lieberman is probably right that McCain doesn’t have a bigoted bone in his body, but it’s his mind, not his body that is speaking. John McCain wants to be president and he will say or do anything in order to attain that goal. He has spent the past tw ... President

Who Us? Asks Blackwater Founder 2007-10-02 10:53:45 Erik Prince, founder of the Blackwater corporation, challenged congressional and Iraq government reports that Blackwater personnel acted in an out-of-control fashion during the killing of 11 Iraqis in a September 16th shootout. He claimed guards responded to hostile shooting and acted in a responsible manner. Mr. Prince says that “every life is precious whether American or Iraqi,” but “based on everything we currently know, the Blackwater team acted appropriately when operating in a very complex situation.” Mr. Prince claims that “everything we know” indicates Blackwater guards acted “appropriately,” but everything we know based on congressional and Iraqi government reports indicates the exact opposite. His company has had twice the number of shootings as the next two largest security companies combined, but Mr. Prince claims every Iraqi life “is precious.” Observers from various nations, and from the American government note ...

British Troops: Home By Christmas? 2007-10-02 10:38:45 Prime Minister Gordon Brown indicated there would be a significant withdrawal of British troops from the Basra area. He proposed “over the next few months to move from a situation where we have a combatant role for an overwatch role.” He pledged to bring British troops home by Christmas. The prime minister’s comments are interesting because as he pledged to get British troops home by Christmas reports are circulating that Brown has indicated his support for Bush plans to launch an air attack on Iran. If such attacks are made, there is no doubt the world will witness an incredible increase in suicide bombing and insurgent activities against American and British troops in Iraq. If Gordon Brown is serious about his desire for switching from combat to an “overwatch role” in Iraq, he must oppose Bush plans for war with Iran. Only a naive person would actually believe there will be peace and quiet in Iraq after an attack on Iran. ...

Surprise! — Putin Running For Parliament 2007-10-02 08:35:55 Rumors circulating in Russia that once Vladmir Putin steps down from the office of president, he will turn around and run for the Duma which then qualifies him to be selected as the prime minister of Russia. His party, United Russia is expected to garner about 70% of the vote, given Putin’s control of the media and intimidation of anyone who opposes his ideas. His stooge, Zubkov, who was appointed prime minister will undoubtedly run for the presidency, win it, and then appoint Putin as the prime minister. The more things change in Russia, the more the remain the same. Putin’s actions seriously impact the democratic processes in Russia. He has already gotten power to appoint governors of provinces and in this latest escapade of manipulation he has found a way to circumvent the law about running for president more than twice. ...

China Helps Myanmar In Its Propoganda Campaign 2007-10-02 08:07:39 The Chinese Daily, a mouth piece of the government, published a propoganda article by Foreign Minister U Nayn Win of Myanmar, which blamed any violence on”political opportunists” who were backed by “some powerful countries.” According to the new version of reality, Burmese security forces displayed “utmost restraint” in the face of violence by monks and protestors. The curfew was imposed because monks and their supporters became unruly and tried to force security forces into acting violent.” According to him, “normalcy has now returned to Myanmar” and a “neo-colonialist” attempt to take over his country has been thwarted. We can expect in the coming days for Myanmar and the Chinese press to present a new view as to what happened on the streets of Rangoon. Undoubtedly, everything will be blamed on wester colonial forces who were attempting to overthrow a peaceful Myanmar government. One suspects, in one way or another, G ...

Orange Revolution Victorious In Ukraine 2007-10-01 17:08:34 Supporters of the Orange Revolution appeared headed for a victory in parliamentary elections held over the weekend in the Ukraine. Three years ago people poured into the streets to head off a fraudulent election by Viktor Yanukovych who had the support of Russia. As a result of the peaceful revolution, Viktor Yushchenko became president and he appointed the charismatic Yulia Tymoshenko as prime minister. The two have continually argued and have grown estranged from one another, but Tymoshenko’s party garnered 32% of the parliamentary vote and Yushchenko’s party obtained 15% which should provide the coalition a slim majority in parliament. Viktor Yanukovych hired American media consultants to give him a “reform image” but it apparently did not succeed in his gaining a victory. There is little doubt Yushchenko and Tymoshenko will move the Ukraine in the direction of joining the European Union, an action which will upset Russia. ...

Taliban Rejects Karsai Offer For Negotiations 2007-10-01 13:48:58 President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan reached out to Taleban leaders in an effort to fighting in his nation. A few days ago, thirty Afghan soldiers were blown up when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a bus. Karzai’s message to Taleban leaders said: “Esteemed Mullah(Omar) sir, esteemed Hermatyar, why are you destroying the country?” He offered to meet them any place in Afghanistan and gave assurances he was willing to offer the Taleban positions in his government including being members of the cabinet. A Taleban spokesperson, responded to his plea by saying there would be no negotiation in the “presence of foreign forces.” The American Embassy in Kabul is apparently upset at Karzai’s offer since it rejects any form of negotiation with the Taleban.Ironically, the Taleban and the United States government agree there should not be negotation. Karzai finds himself in a difficult situation since he cannot negotiate without the presence of foreign forces ...

Putin Hints At 2008 Surprise 2007-10-01 13:14:16 President Putin addressing his political party, United Russia, at their congress, indicated he might be receptive to the idea of becoming prime minister after he steps down as president next year. “Heading the government is a realistic idea, but it is too early to think about this now.” He said before making such a decision he would have to know there was a president who is an “orderly, capable, and effective person.” Of course, last month he made an old friend, Zubkov, the prime minister, a man who fits the qualifications Putin is desiring in a president. In other words, Putin wants a front man serving as president who will obey the ringmaster, Vladmir Putin. Putin will never achieve greatness because he lacks understand of his nation’s need for leaders who can step down from power and entrust others with that responsibility. Power dominates Putin’s mind and he will not surrender it, even if it means circumventing the Russian constitution. ...