Concern Over The Spread Of The Taliban

In my blog yesterday I discussed the spread of the Taliban from tribal regions to Pakistan proper, and the danger that this presents in a country whose government is fragile at best. The thinking is that with nuclear weapons under the control of some members of government who may be sympathetic to the Taliban, this is a major concern.

Some who responded to me on this questioned whether my concern for our safety from without was warranted. Where was my proof that there was any reason to be worried? As if 9/11 and the documented attacks before it were not enough, what of the desire of Iran to go nuclear? Is this a figment of our imagination? Take a look at the map and notice where it is that Iran sits. What country's does it border?

Americans have notoriously short memories, and after all 9/11 is almost 8 years removed and we have not had any repeat performances, due in large part to the actions of the Bush administration. That in no way means that we are out of the woods. Far from it.

The Obama Administration Iran Plan

In a realization of one of the fears during the campaign season, this is what it appears that the Obama administration plans to do with Iran:

"On Wednesday — less than 24 hours after his inauguration — the Obama White House Web site announced, inter alia, that they will engage in “tough and direct” diplomacy with Iran “without preconditions” and that he intends to use “the power of American diplomacy” to deal with “Iran’s illicit nuclear program, support for terrorism and threats towards Israel.” (Fox Forum).

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Are we going to sit at a table and negotiate in good faith with Ahmadinejad? Why don't we include North Korea and Venezuela as well while we are at it. How can you negotiate with documented liars who have stated that their goal is to wipe one of the parties in the negotiation off of the face of the earth.

People can sign anything they want, but if you are fairly sure that they will not adhere to any of it, then what is the point other than a public relations victory at home.

 Taliban Personified?
Originally uploaded by pav21

The Plan To Shut Gitmo Down May Run Into A Headwind While The Taliban Has Not Gone Away, Far from It

In what can only be termed as an extremely disturbing situation in Pakistan, the Taliban is becoming a stronger and stronger influence, not only in the tribal areas but now deeper into the heart of the country. In a front page article in the Sunday New York Times, this penetration and the accompanying spread of terror and brutal punishment for the "violation" of its' own interpretation of how life should be is showing no signs of abating. To the contrary it would seem to be gaining momentum.

What this means for not only the United States but for all of the world is that this spread of the Talibans power, the fear of the politicians and security forces to stand up to it as well as the uncertainty of who in government is actually sympathetic to the Taliban, all places a nuclear arsenal in unknown hands.

This is an area that the Obama administration needs to address immediately. We know that these weapons would not only be coveted, but if obtained would no doubt be attempted to be used.

A Possible Monkey Wrench In The Plans To Close Gitmo

In a story in Newsweek, a Pentagon report that is due to be declassified will reportedly show that some of the detainees that have been released from Guantanamo have gone back to their terroristic ways. If in fact this is the case, can the Obama administration take the chance that a newly released captive perpetrates an attack on us or on our allies. I don't think they can.

For the Obama administration, getting the economy back on track is critical, but let's not forget the dangers from without that have never gone away!

 White House, Washington D.C.
Originally uploaded by hanneorla

The Festivities And The Honeymoon Are Over!

Moving, Historic, Joyous, etc.

These fawning descriptions of the inauguration of Obama from our "unbiased" news reporters are all well and good. The comparisons to where we were in terms of race relations and where we are now are great, but at this point irrelevant. Bottom line. He is now President and will be judged on one thing, and one thing only. Performance. Let's see him perform.

It is now Wednesday and the pomp and circumstance are a thing of the past. The inaugural address with all of its' flowery words and promises is in the record books. The inaugural balls and parties are done and the hangovers are being dealt with. It is now time, as they say in show business to "get this show on the road"

Let's Implement The Change And Fresh Ideas

Swept into power by promises of "change" (although his circle of advisers represents anything but. Mostly more of the same old tired Washington retreads) and "yes we can", he has precious little time to get done what needs to be done. Primarily that would be the righting of the U.S. economy and a continuation of whatever policies have kept us safe since September 11th.

The accolades and ring kissing are behind us. The starting gate has opened and the announcer has said "They're Off". Although he will be given every benefit of the doubt by the liberal leaning media, they will, as the media does, turn on him in a split second if and when he falters.

All of that said, what is it that the American public wants him to accomplish from all of the things that he promised that he would:

• Ensure all children have health insurance 73%
  
  
• Double production of alternative energy 70%
  
  
• Reduce health care costs for families 70%
  
  
• Enact major spending program on infrastructure 60%
  
  
• Cut taxes for 95% of working families 57%
  
  
• Withdraw most troops from Iraq within 16 months 51%
  
  
• Increase military strength in Afghanistan 43%
  
  
• Lift restrictions on government funded stem-cell research 42%
  
  
• Close Guantanamo 32%
  
  
• Make it easier for unions to organize 28%

(USA Today/Gallup poll)

It's a short honeymoon Mr. President. Let's get this show on the road.