Wednesday, January 7, 2009
In Cambodia
Combodia marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Khmer Rouge. Though jubilant at the anniversary celebration, many feel short-changed by the fact that there has not been a single trial or persecution of any leading Khmer Rouge figure, reports the BBC. Some blaim the Cambodian government, itself employing ex-Khmer Rouge officials that defected from the group early on. Human Rights Watch voiced concern over the governments deliberate delays in bringing some to justice. A tribunal is planned to try five member in March.
Onward Ho?
Israel is still debating whether or not to continue on with the third stage of their plan, which would include further incursions into major strategic points in Gaza. Diplomats involved in the discussions are working closely with Egypt to find another way to assuage Israeli strategic concerns, thereby founding a cease fire.
The strategic concern centers on the Philadelphi route, a point on the Gaza-Egypt border Hamas has been smuggling weapons through. Egypt says they have destroyed many tunnels already and that the long range missiles may be coming to Gaza by sea. Diplomats are looking at ways to deal with that scenario as well.
My guess is that Israel's concerns about its own defense will not be quelled in the near-term. There seem to be too many variables, a lack of transparency and an inability to monitor the area effectively enough to appease Israel. Israel will likely move on with phase three.
The strategic concern centers on the Philadelphi route, a point on the Gaza-Egypt border Hamas has been smuggling weapons through. Egypt says they have destroyed many tunnels already and that the long range missiles may be coming to Gaza by sea. Diplomats are looking at ways to deal with that scenario as well.
My guess is that Israel's concerns about its own defense will not be quelled in the near-term. There seem to be too many variables, a lack of transparency and an inability to monitor the area effectively enough to appease Israel. Israel will likely move on with phase three.
He Keeps it Cool
Barack Obama's silky-smooth words fall upon my ears like early morning dew. I swear, this guy is good. As he works to assuage the concerns of legislators in Washington, he has very much calmed me on the Panetta pick.
Anyone seen the movie Slackers? Remember the "seed of doubt"? It's as if Obama can convince me of anything in that measured eloquence he's so deft with.
Anyone seen the movie Slackers? Remember the "seed of doubt"? It's as if Obama can convince me of anything in that measured eloquence he's so deft with.
Who Passed Gas?
Gas shortages continue throughout Europe stemming from the Russia-Ukraine dispute, this in the middle of winter, while Russia and the Ukraine continue to bicker like two sorority sisters fighting over the only blow dryer in the house. Aside from disputes over prices and claimed thefts, Ukraine says Russia is trying to weaken the Ukrainian government as it seeks NATO membership and closer ties to the West, while Russia claims Ukraine is trying to curry anti-Russia fervor in the West. (Washington Post.)
Obviously, East and Central Europe have been crippled the most, with some industries shutting down completely, but shortages are felt all over.
Just to recap, The EU gets 25% of its gas from Russia, and 80% of that via Ukraine.
Mild winters and previous scuffles have prepared much of Europe with a two week surplus stockpile, which should help until matters are resolved. Times Online says that throughout Europe, blame has fallen on both parties.
Also telling is that some countries are turning to Iran for increased supply.
Obviously, East and Central Europe have been crippled the most, with some industries shutting down completely, but shortages are felt all over.
Just to recap, The EU gets 25% of its gas from Russia, and 80% of that via Ukraine.
Mild winters and previous scuffles have prepared much of Europe with a two week surplus stockpile, which should help until matters are resolved. Times Online says that throughout Europe, blame has fallen on both parties.
Also telling is that some countries are turning to Iran for increased supply.
Two Wrongs
An AP report seems to back the notion that militants were firing on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from within the UN school that came under attack yesterday. Unfortunately, this means little to the conscience when the aftermath is this gruesome.
My mind is entirely lost somewhere in the equation of wrongs equaling rights at this point. And it doesn't help that I just watched Full Metal Jacket for the first time in my adult life the other day.
My mind is entirely lost somewhere in the equation of wrongs equaling rights at this point. And it doesn't help that I just watched Full Metal Jacket for the first time in my adult life the other day.
Sweet Reprieve!
Israel has halted operations in Gaza for a three-hour window to allow humanitarian aid in. Sweet reprieve! And it appears that this three-hour reprieve will be a daily thing, during which a Hamas spokesman said the group WILL NOT fire on Israel. This is a great move on Israel's part, and a great step forward for the whole situation.
Some aid workers say the humanitarian situation in the area while not be changed in the least by a three hour window. "When you are trying to feed 750,000 people a day in Gaza as we are, you need a permanent ceasefire. You can't do that in a three-hour window," said one. It still seems a positive move to me.
Major powers in the region continue working on a cease fire. Hamas has been largely boxed out of the dialog, for better or worse. My guess is, in the end, negotiating parties (Egypt and France, the United States in the background) are going to deal directly with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and guide them into a controlling position in the area. This may be a very good thing for the area for at least a little while.
Some aid workers say the humanitarian situation in the area while not be changed in the least by a three hour window. "When you are trying to feed 750,000 people a day in Gaza as we are, you need a permanent ceasefire. You can't do that in a three-hour window," said one. It still seems a positive move to me.
Major powers in the region continue working on a cease fire. Hamas has been largely boxed out of the dialog, for better or worse. My guess is, in the end, negotiating parties (Egypt and France, the United States in the background) are going to deal directly with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and guide them into a controlling position in the area. This may be a very good thing for the area for at least a little while.
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