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 59 8752

Articles from The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues

Islamic Reformers Ready To Join Morocco Government 2007-09-24 13:43:33 Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD), which won 46 seats in Parliamentary elections this month and came in second behind the conservative Istiqlal party, indicated it would serve in a coalition cabinet if requested. Saad Eddine Othmani, who heads the Muslim reform group that is modeled after Turkey’s Justice and Development Party, said he is interested in working toward constitutional reform that would give more power to parliament. His party strives to end corruption and stimulate the economy. Many experts believe the PJD acts to thwart efforts of more radical Muslim groups in Morocco. Arab nations need more parties like the PJD if terrorist and radical elements are to be weakened. ...

US Air Force Plans Iran Attack 2007-09-24 12:41:22 Sarah Baxter, reporting in Sunday’s London Times, claimed the United States Air Force has organized a special project whose goal is developing plans for an air attack on Iran. Project Checkmate was re-established by the Pentagon in June, and among its tasks is creating a plan for eliminating Iran as a threat to American interests. It is headed by General Lawrence Stutznem who is assisted by former Israeli military officer, Dr. Lani Kass, who is an expert on cyberwarfare. This project reports directly Air Force head, General Michael Moseley. According to retired General Thomas McInerney, “There’s no question we can take out Iran. the problem is the follow-on, the velvet revolution that needs to be created so the iranian people do know it’s not aimed at them, but at the Iranian regime.” Many Middle East experts warned that invading Iraq was relatively easy, but the aftermath would prove difficult. Apparently, American military leaders still haven’t lea ...

US Air Force Plans Iran Attack 2007-09-24 12:41:22 Sarah Baxter, reporting in Sunday’s London Times, claimed the United States Air Force has organized a special project whose goal is developing plans for an air attack on Iran. Project Checkmate was re-established by the Pentagon in June, and among its tasks is creating a plan for eliminating Iran as a threat to American interests. It is headed by General Lawrence Stutznem who is assisted by former Israeli military officer, Dr. Lani Kass, who is an expert on cyberwarfare. This project reports directly Air Force head, General Michael Moseley. According to retired General Thomas McInerney, “There’s no question we can take out Iran. the problem is the follow-on, the velvet revolution that needs to be created so the iranian people do know it’s not aimed at them, but at the Iranian regime.” Many Middle East experts warned that invading Iraq was relatively easy, but the aftermath would prove difficult. Apparently, American military leaders still haven’t lea ...

South African Defender Of Rights Fired 2007-09-24 11:57:08 President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa fired Vusi Pikoli, National Director of Public Prosecutions(NDPP) because of an “irretrievable breakdown in working relationships.” No charges were aimed at Pikoli for incompetence or failure to uphold laws. South Africa is a democracy, but this is the second figure to be fired by President Mbeki in three months. He previously got rid of an individual who was leading the fight against AIDS and replaced her with a well known incompetent individual. Firing Pikoli may be merely an example of “relationship” issues or it may be another sign of certain tendencies of Mbeki to rid himself of strong willed individuals whom he considers to be challenging his authority. ...

South African Defender Of Rights Fired 2007-09-24 11:57:08 President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa fired Vusi Pikoli, National Director of Public Prosecutions(NDPP) because of an “irretrievable breakdown in working relationships.” No charges were aimed at Pikoli for incompetence or failure to uphold laws. South Africa is a democracy, but this is the second figure to be fired by President Mbeki in three months. He previously got rid of an individual who was leading the fight against AIDS and replaced her with a well known incompetent individual. Firing Pikoli may be merely an example of “relationship” issues or it may be another sign of certain tendencies of Mbeki to rid himself of strong willed individuals whom he considers to be challenging his authority. ...

Israel Prime Minister Forsees 20 Year Wait For Peace 2007-09-24 10:31:41 Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel says he didn’t expect to arrange a final agreement with Palestinian leaders that would meet the needs of both countries for at least 20-30 years. “You don’t have a mandate from the Jewish people to make these concessions.” Olmert noted that he was talking with moderate Palestinian leaders such as President Mahmoud Abbas and that it would take considerable time to achieve peace. Israel’s tragedy is having a weak leader such as Olmert at an important juncture in their history. He is unable to grasp the meaning of “leadership.” A leader inspires his nation, a leader puts forth new ideas, a leader ventures onto untrod paths, a leader places his nation’s interests before his political needs. Neither Palestinians nor the Arab world will wait 20-30 years while ineffectual people like Olmert diddle daddle around fearing to take steps for peace. Franklin Roosevelt in WWII asked the impossible of his nation, Joh ...

Israel Prime Minister Forsees 20 Year Wait For Peace 2007-09-24 10:31:41 Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel says he didn’t expect to arrange a final agreement with Palestinian leaders that would meet the needs of both countries for at least 20-30 years. “You don’t have a mandate from the Jewish people to make these concessions.” Olmert noted that he was talking with moderate Palestinian leaders such as President Mahmoud Abbas and that it would take considerable time to achieve peace. Israel’s tragedy is having a weak leader such as Olmert at an important juncture in their history. He is unable to grasp the meaning of “leadership.” A leader inspires his nation, a leader puts forth new ideas, a leader ventures onto untrod paths, a leader places his nation’s interests before his political needs. Neither Palestinians nor the Arab world will wait 20-30 years while ineffectual people like Olmert diddle daddle around fearing to take steps for peace. Franklin Roosevelt in WWII asked the impossible of his nation, Joh ...

Nuclear Weapons Fiasco Infuriates Nation 2007-09-24 07:51:40 Nuclear weapons carrying bombs equivalent to the force of 10 Hiroshimas were flown across the United States through a series of blunders and mistakes by air force personnel. The August 30, 2007 flight was kept secret by the Air Force until web sites reported the incident and then chaos ensued as the military tried explaining away the ill fated flight. It appears the bomber was not even guarded while it was on the airfield. A former B-52 bomber pilot who flew nuclear bombs wrote an angry response to the episode. “I’m not sure where to begin. I’m outraged and embarrassed. Back in 1979 we had to sign for nuclear weapons and verify serial numbers, the security posted two guards at the aircraft, the cops maintained two man maintenance crews to the aircraft. What the hell happened here?” There is obvious need for serious re-evaluation on the part of the air force. ...

Nuclear Weapons Fiasco Infuriates Nation 2007-09-24 07:51:40 Nuclear weapons carrying bombs equivalent to the force of 10 Hiroshimas were flown across the United States through a series of blunders and mistakes by air force personnel. The August 30, 2007 flight was kept secret by the Air Force until web sites reported the incident and then chaos ensued as the military tried explaining away the ill fated flight. It appears the bomber was not even guarded while it was on the airfield. A former B-52 bomber pilot who flew nuclear bombs wrote an angry response to the episode. “I’m not sure where to begin. I’m outraged and embarrassed. Back in 1979 we had to sign for nuclear weapons and verify serial numbers, the security posted two guards at the aircraft, the cops maintained two man maintenance crews to the aircraft. What the hell happened here?” There is obvious need for serious re-evaluation on the part of the air force. ...

US Diplomat Warns Turkey To Avoid Iran 2007-09-24 07:37:19 United States Undersecretary of State Reuben Jeffrey who handles energy affairs, told Turkish reporters of American concerns about their nation’s dealings with Iran. Turkey and Iran have discussed several major arrangements which would result in Iran supplying Turkey with energy resources. Jeffrey said: “Iran is pursuing nuclear programs and supporting terrorism” as stated in UN Security Council resolutions so any Turkish negotiations with Iran challenge UN actions. He was asked if Turkey would be penalized by dealing with Iran and were told “it was not time to go into hypotheticals.” This is the second time within two weeks an American Undersecretary of State has given warnings and threats to Turkey about how it conducts its foreign policies. One would assume the United States is not in a position to go around the Middle East giving advice on how to handle regional issues. Turkey is engaging Iran in peaceful relations which only serves to reduce tension. ...

US Diplomat Warns Turkey To Avoid Iran 2007-09-24 07:37:19 United States Undersecretary of State Reuben Jeffrey who handles energy affairs, told Turkish reporters of American concerns about their nation’s dealings with Iran. Turkey and Iran have discussed several major arrangements which would result in Iran supplying Turkey with energy resources. Jeffrey said: “Iran is pursuing nuclear programs and supporting terrorism” as stated in UN Security Council resolutions so any Turkish negotiations with Iran challenge UN actions. He was asked if Turkey would be penalized by dealing with Iran and were told “it was not time to go into hypotheticals.” This is the second time within two weeks an American Undersecretary of State has given warnings and threats to Turkey about how it conducts its foreign policies. One would assume the United States is not in a position to go around the Middle East giving advice on how to handle regional issues. Turkey is engaging Iran in peaceful relations which only serves to reduce tension. ...

Indonesian Congress Urges Action On Myanmar 2007-09-24 07:24:15 The Indonesian House of Representatives urged President Suslio Baqmbang Yudhoyono to bring the case of unrest in Myanmar to the United Nations General assembly. During the past week, thousands of Buddhist monks have been walking the streets of Rangoon in protest against the brutal military dictatorship which now rules the oppressed people of Myanmar. Rep. Theo Sambuaga also requested: “The President should take the initiative by sending a delgate toMyanmar to ask the junta to engage in national reconciliation because, with the monks’ move, the country is on the brink of civil war.” One of the problems in Myanmar is continued support of the military junta by China, Russia and India which have extensive economic ties with the nation of Myanmar. It is heartening that representatives of the Indonesian government have taken such a forceful role in supporting democracy in the world. Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world which probably will go unnoticed by crit ...

Indonesian Congress Urges Action On Myanmar 2007-09-24 07:24:15 The Indonesian House of Representatives urged President Suslio Baqmbang Yudhoyono to bring the case of unrest in Myanmar to the United Nations General assembly. During the past week, thousands of Buddhist monks have been walking the streets of Rangoon in protest against the brutal military dictatorship which now rules the oppressed people of Myanmar. Rep. Theo Sambuaga also requested: “The President should take the initiative by sending a delgate toMyanmar to ask the junta to engage in national reconciliation because, with the monks’ move, the country is on the brink of civil war.” One of the problems in Myanmar is continued support of the military junta by China, Russia and India which have extensive economic ties with the nation of Myanmar. It is heartening that representatives of the Indonesian government have taken such a forceful role in supporting democracy in the world. Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world which probably will go unnoticed by crit ...

Putin Allows Youth Thugs To Intimidate Opposition 2007-09-24 07:10:05 The Nashi Brigades which were organized by Putin’s political henchmen announced they would be in the streets during Duma elections in December to maintain law and order. A spokesperson said:”In December, volunteers will head out on their own to patrol the streets to help Moscow police to control the situation.” Imagine a group of youthful vigilantes authorized by the government to wander the streets of a large metropolis stopping people and telling them what they can or can not do. Why the city of Moscow which has a police force requires the assistance of young thugs whose only real purpose is intimidating political opponents of Putin is beyond the comprehension of those believing in democracy. The Nashi Brigades were established after young people in the Ukraine organized a peaceful overthrow of a dictatorship. Putin obviously does not want democracy to challenge his increasingly authoritarian rule so he created these young toughs who are used to push around members ...

Putin Allows Youth Thugs To Intimidate Opposition 2007-09-24 07:10:05 The Nashi Brigades which were organized by Putin’s political henchmen announced they would be in the streets during Duma elections in December to maintain law and order. A spokesperson said:”In December, volunteers will head out on their own to patrol the streets to help Moscow police to control the situation.” Imagine a group of youthful vigilantes authorized by the government to wander the streets of a large metropolis stopping people and telling them what they can or can not do. Why the city of Moscow which has a police force requires the assistance of young thugs whose only real purpose is intimidating political opponents of Putin is beyond the comprehension of those believing in democracy. The Nashi Brigades were established after young people in the Ukraine organized a peaceful overthrow of a dictatorship. Putin obviously does not want democracy to challenge his increasingly authoritarian rule so he created these young toughs who are used to push around members ...