Rarely does the news bristle with such pyrotechnics,such martial intonations. Alas, have we experienced such a barrage as is now found in our everyday lives? Doubtful that has happened before. With Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Libya invading our space, we can only hope that the nuclear reactors in Japan, damaged by the tsunami, do not melt down and contaminate the island nation. The first US military loss was announced today: a Navy fighter jet was lost but the crew was rescued-good news!
Pundits speculate that Libyan leader, the nut case Kaddaafi, is holding out as rebels in Benghazi plot their counteroffensive against Muammar's army and air forces. George Will, the noted columnist, wonders out loud: how can Kaaddafi be considered legitimate in any sense? He seized power, held on to it for 41 years by terror and intimidation, and has promoted international terrorism with his oil fueled bank roll. He has the oil necessary to fuel a good portion of Europe and they have danced to his music all these years. Witness his dealings with Scotland and the UK over the Lockerbie bombing prisoner: he was able to secure his early release and cheered his homecoming, thumbing his nose at all westerners and their governments. Only last year, he was feted in Rome, given the podium to speak his rants in an attempt to gain some semblance of international stature. "If you want my oil, you must let me speak", seems to be his credo. Was it only 2 years ago he got cozy with the US after forswearing nuclear developments? And what of the CIA and its involvement in Libya, training Libyan security forces and intelligence operators-not widely known this.
And where is OBAMA? In South America, reassuring leaders in Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador that the US is promoting hemispheric ties, improving trade missions, and relieving tensions caused by illegal immigration. He is in Latin America while representatives of all Latin American countries are in Washington ,DC, attending the OAS meeting on anti-terrorism topics.
Can we expect any let up in this daily litany of flash points? It does not appear to be the case. With the rising tide of revolt across the Middle east, it will be some time before we can expect relief. Yemen is in turmoil, Bahrain is under siege from within and from without(Saudi's have sent in troops), Syria is punishing protesters, Israel is countering recent mortar attacks by the Palestinians, Egypt is voting on a new constitution, Tunisia is seeking assistance after replacing its leadership, Saudis are distributing billions to its citizens in an attempt to bribe away their disaffection, and the smell of Iran pervades the region as its network of spies and the reach of its leader rolls over the borders.
Interesting times and America is still absorbed with the Great Recession.
It could be worse.
No comments:
Post a Comment