Look at the whole picture: Turkey at the crossroads or in the crosshairs?

Islam in Turkey: Turkey, steadily since the rise of the AKP party took power in 2002, has been investing considerable resources in expanding its reach both in the Islamic and in the Western world, by the use of Islamic organizations that spread in dozens of countries and are mainly composed of Turkish-descent citizens. The web of relations and transactions between them and with Turkey are multiple and far-reaching.

Part of NATO missile defense goes live : The station is located in the city of Malatya, about 400 miles southeast of the capital Ankara, and is manned by both Turkish and U.S. personnel, the spokesman said. Turkey is one of five countries that have agreed to deploy parts of the U.S.-designed defense system. Portugal, Poland, Romania and Spain have also agreed to participate.

I remember a couple months back when Iran said as soon as the site in Turkey was on line it would be a valid target for Iran. I also just caught that Russia and the United States are pretty close to an agreement on being partners on the MDS. The only problem now is getting the US to put on paper that Russia is not a target. That should not be a problem one way or the other. Sign the damn paper.

On the new Turkish naval strategy: Turkish Naval Forces Commander Adm. Murat Bilgel outlined the new Turkish naval strategy in the latest issue of the Proceedings magazine of the United States Naval Institute. In the same issue, naval force commanders of other NATO member countries also outlined their new perspectives ahead of the strategic turn in the coming NATO summit in May in Chicago.

Therefore, one of the two main factors framing the needs of the new Turkish Navy is in parallel to the new NATO needs. Adm. Bilgel summarizes this as “focusing on sophisticated, modular designs that allow us to move toward economy in our operations with fewer crew and lower fuel costs. The objective is to maintain and develop a credible naval force despite budget constraints.”
The other main factor is in parallel to the new Turkish military approach, which is integrated with the Turkish foreign policy and economy needs.

Turkey is an up and coming Nation straddling the middle east, Europe, Islam, and the west. As such they are walking a fine line. They are serving us and the middle east well.

We just discussed this! We need Turkey, the EU needs Turkey, the world needs Turkey. However the US and the EU as you know has long frustrated Turkey. Supposedly she is turning towards Iran but while we tighten sanctions and money Iran is using Turkey to fill the void but in the end Iran as you know will go her own way and Turkey will stay with us.

I again reiterate the whole story: Turkey's future is tied to a pipeline!

It really drives me crazy but the more you research the more you realize all throughout the middle east, Georgia, Afghanistan, everywhere, all the wars and controversy can be tied back to gas and oil. Russia's interest in Iran in numerous and as such is not singular to nuclear cooperation. You might have already known Russia was also interested in Iran's gas and oil but an interesting possible relationship and cooperation just dawned on me.

I am sure you remember Russia creating a crisis recently shutting off Europe's gas and oil supply after its confrontation with Georgia, that and the fact that Turkey has long desired and endeavored to become a member of the European Union. This opens up a win, win for all involved!

* Center pin Turkey, King pin Russia, center pin Iran! Winner US, European Union, Iran, Russia, and all our union and future! Remember the missile defense shield President Obama killed as an issue by switching to the Aegis? The missile Defense shield was starting to look like a necessity with N Korea in pressing on missiles capable of carrying war heads and the ability to reach Hawaii or so we hear. Iran we still do not know about but they will not compromise their nuclear desires so with a responsible credible ally if Russia is one, the responsibility to ensure Iran's real intentions would be there's under scrutiny of course. There is room here.

** The winners in all this is everyone, but Turkey and the EU above all! Russia wants the franchise for Iran's gas and oil! Turkey is at the crossroads of the middle east and the European Union. This is a major point for compromise in all our problems! Give Russia the franchise, the EU lets Turkey join in turn for Turkey allowing a pipeline from Iran through Turkey into the EU. Everyone wins! A win, win for all and a chance for us to move into the future as one.

I reiterate the future is up to a pipeline!

In the Middle East we have been living a total lie from 9/11 on! You have not heard the truth once! Not on the events of 9/11, the Anthrax attacks which scared Congress to pass the so called Patriot Act and give Bush the abusive power he needed to attack Afghanistan for not allowing his pipeline through Afghanistan.

 The only remaining obstacle on 9-11 was the remaining agreement between the Taliban and Bridas Corporation. The Bush Administration, Congress, many in our major media, and even the 9-11 Commission and Cheney Energy Task Force all know about Bridas Corporation because that Argentine oil and gas company was standing in the way of our US oil companies and UK oil companies. The Caspian Basin oil is landlocked and there are only so many ways to get that oil out of the ground, to the ocean ports and into your gas tanks or home heating oil tanks.

What a coincidence huh? There is the direct route from Turkmenistan across Iran to the ocean, but that is not politically popular since the overthrow of the Shah of Iran many years ago. There is: 1.) the route across the Caspian Sea westward, which is extremely costly; and through Azerbaijan through Turkey to the Mediterranean; and 2.) from Turkmenistan through Georgia to the Black Sea; and 3.) through the Ukraine to Europe; and 4.) the Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to the ocean. Until one of those solutions was in place, the holes being drilled into the ground by British Petroleum, Chevron, Exxon and others could not go anywhere and could not produce revenues for those companies. A route northward through Russia would put US oil companies at risk to changes in Russian politics and the Eastward route through China was not deemed secure enough since China is soon to become the second largest user of petroleum in the world after the United States.

Lastly!

Many of us have said numerous times that Bush was advised before hand that if he attacked Iraq he would destabilize the Middle East. He knew before he ignored all good advice that the neighbors would get involved and they are. He knew that it was most likely that Iraq would be divvied up between the Kurds, the Sunni's, and the Shiite and it will be. In the past I have written extensively the entire Middle East would blow and then the entire world would be involved in war.

I know that both Turkey and Iran are fighting Kurds that are looking for Autonomy but never really thought that a free Kurdistan would encompass areas of Iran and Turkey as well as Iraq. Knowing the close American Kurdish relationship I really have to rethink what Bush's real goal was here after I discovered an old story. Tell me what you think!

Kurdistan Observer: A Free Kurdistan! Recent nuances and nudges in government policy as well as tacit support for the most obscene anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism by the ruling political party of Turkey ought to cause the United States to begin to rethink its comprehensive policy toward Asia in general and toward one non-Arab minority in Iraq in particular: the Kurds. What, today, is the most intractable political problem in Iraq? It is the very real political and religious aims of Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish regions of the nation. Since the inception of Operation Iraqi Freedom, President Bush maintained that the unity of the nation of Iraq was non-negotiable. In politics and in war, however, nothing should be non-negotiable.

This sounds vaguely familiar but Iraq is not a nation in any real sense, it was rather three separate concentration camps each with differing degrees of oppression. An answer? Maybe but there are numerous counties involved and they all want their answer as a result there will be none I am afraid because peace and prosperity is not the goal but getting ones way and individual National Sovereignty is!

The US needs Turkey for its Middle East policy but it is obvious the rest of the world does too. Turkey and the world are at a crossroads which way will we go!? Let Turkey join the European Union! There are drawbacks as membership would give them freedom in the rest of the member countries but it can be managed and I think there are more positives than negatives.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Afghan election front-runners trade fraud allegations: One corrupt Government is as good as the next

                                  

 Afghan election front-runners trade fraud allegations: Former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah and ex-World Bank economist  will compete in a head-to-head vote after results from the April 5 election showed neither gained the 50 percent needed for first-round victory. The eventual winner will lead Afghanistan into a new era as US-led NATO combat troops end their 13-year war against the Islamist insurgency that erupted after President Hamid Karzai took power in 2001.

"We said from the beginning that fraud is our only rival, and we still hope that the complaints we have delivered will be addressed in a transparent way. "There were fraud violations -- organised, systematic fraud." Abdullah also accused the government of "meddling" in the vote.  The 2009 election, when Karzai retained power after defeating Abdullah, was marred by massive fraud in a chaotic process that shook the multinational effort to develop the country after the ousting of the austere Taliban regime. Preliminary results released on Saturday showed Abdullah secured 44.9 percent of the first-round vote, with Ghani on 31.5 percent.

 Of course there is fraud, one 14 year old said he just voted and in some areas there were more votes than people. Ashraf Ghani is Karzai's man, he will win so Karzai can keep running his drug business. I firmly believe Abdullah won the first election too. It does not matter, the Taliban will waste no time in taking over.

Afghanistan Chaos Seen After US Troop Withdrawal: Duh

  Afghanistan Chaos Seen After US Troop Withdrawal, Post Says: The National Intelligence Estimate, comprising information gathered by the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies, predicts a resurgence of influence by the Taliban as the U.S. withdraws,the Post said, citing unnamed officials who have read or been briefed on the report. 

 

The Pentagon has pressed Afghan President Hamid Karzai to sign the agreement that would let U.S. forces train and assist Afghanistan’s army after 2014, when most U.S. troops will come home from a war now in its 13th year. Karzai so far has refused to sign.
 Why do we want to be in the middle of the ensuing mess? Intel says gains made in Afghanistan will be gone by 20217 but they will be gone almost instantly and many will die needlessly. Afghanistan belongs to the Taliban not Democracy. Like it or not we have created another Vietnam which belonged to the North Vietnamese!

At this point it is obvious to me that the general population wants the freedom to do what they want in life. Their army has proven that they have the will and wherewith all to fight for their country. I do believe that the vast majority do not want to live with the threat of having their limbs and heads hacked off at the whim of the Taliban.

It is time to treat the Taliban as what they are "enemies of the State" and everyone should take it as their duty to out them so the military can take care of them. Get rid of them, put them in their place while you can, relegate them to an active part of the Government or as a subservient entity.

I personally believe if all Afghan's that want something to say about their own life come out of the closet and start standing up against the Taliban that they can keep the Taliban at bay. Let them have their beliefs but keep them to those that want to follow them.

Mullah Omar was invited to join the upcoming election in 2014 and he did not respond. He did not have to he knows when we are gone so is corrupt Karzai.

I  remember during the election with Abdullah and Karzai's victory was found to be grossly corrupt the people just shrugged and said one corrupt Government is the same as the next.

That said, the people would be wise to remember the cutting off of heads and hands that is routine for the Taliban and how stifling it is under their rule. As a whole they should remember the thousands of them the Taliban have purposely killed. They should form Lashkar's (civilian defense against the Taliban) and eliminate the Taliban or life as they want it is over.

Afghans fear what will happen when troops leave: Among Afghans around the country interviewed by The Associated Press, the worry is pervasive. Many are deeply skeptical that Afghan police and security forces, which the U.S.-led coalition has spent years trying to build, will be able to fight insurgents and militants without American and NATO fighting alongside. Worse-case scenarios that some fear:

The Afghan forces could splinter along ethnic line and prompt civil war, the nation could plunge into a deep recession, or the Kabul government — plagued with corruption and still fragile despite efforts to establish its authority — would remain too weak to hold off a Taliban takeover.

 Just a 45-minute drive south of Kabul, residents of Wardak province directly feel the tenuousness. The province is a battleground for Afghan and coalition forces trying to squash hotbeds of the Taliban. Residents quickly warn visitors that it’s dangerous just to go past a checkpoint less a kilometer (half-mile) outside the provincial capital, Maidan Shahr.

In Afghanistan, Businesses Plan Their Own Exits: America may be struggling to come up with a viable exit plan for Afghanistan, but Abdul Wasay Manani is sure of his. This month, Mr. Manani, 38, flew to India for 14 days to scout out a new business, and a new home, ready to leave Afghanistan and everything he worked to build here, just in case things fall apart when most Americans and other foreign troops leave in 2014. “If the Taliban come like last time, ordering people around with whips, I can’t stay here,” he said. “I have to leave this country to keep my family safe.”

Many Afghans share his concern. In this environment, troubling indicators are not hard to find. More than 30,400 Afghans applied for asylum in industrialized nations in 2011, the highest level in 10 years and four times the number seeking asylum in 2005. The only Western bank operating here said on Wednesday that it would be leaving. Piles of cash equaling about a quarter of Afghanistan’s annual economic output were physically carried out of Afghanistan last year.

I just do not get it. If those people know how bad their life is going to be under the Taliban then why do they not fight to defeat them? *Vietnam all over again regardless of what they say. They are now offering the Taliban to join in the Government.

I really do not care what they do. Our soldiers did their job. We should get them out now with heads held high for a job well done. They have performed magnificently.The Taliban are going to take over again regardless and the people know it that is why everyone who can is making preparations to get out now. Afghans. all of them, better stand up and now if they want to get out from underneath the Taliban gang of miscreant Muslim's.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Time to give Afghanistan to Afghan's as 5 more soldiers senselessly killed by drone

  5 ANA soldiers killed, 17 injured in NATO airstrike:A 203rd Thunder Military Corps commander in the area, Col. Abdul Razzaq Sapi, said 13 ANA soldiers were either killed or wounded in the air raid. He said he was heading to the site when the airstrike occurred.

Meanwhile, Defence Ministry spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi said five Afghan army soldiers were killed and eight others wounded in the NATO air 0strike. He said an investigation was underway and that "the defense minister and all the staff of the ministry were saddened by the incident.  The airstrike is likely to draw another verbal attack from President Hamid Karzai against US and NATO soldiers in his country.

The transition, which began in early 2011, is slated to give Afghan forces full responsibility for security by the end of 2014 when most NATO troops will have withdrawn.

Afghan Troop Deaths Rise as Army Expands Its Role: The Afghan government has hit a grim record in its quest to take over the country’s security from coalition forces: more than 1,000 soldiers died in 2012, a roughly 20 percent increase from 2011.

Though the Afghan Army’s death rates have outstripped those for international forces in recent years, the new figures show the widest margin yet, as more and more Afghan units have taken the field. International forces were reported to have lost about 400 soldiers in 2012, the lowest number since 2008. 

 Afghan Army Can't Go It Alone After 2014, Pentagon Says:  The report bolsters calls by top U.S. commanders for sometroops to remain in Afghanistan for years to come to trainsecurity forces and conduct special-forces operations againstterrorists.

  President Barack Obama hasn’t decided how manyAmericans should stay after next year, and the administrationhasn’t ruled out what’s called the “zero option,” removing alltroops if a long-term agreement can’t be reached in sometimesacrimonious negotiations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.“The insurgency remains a potent force,” although“significantly degraded” since 2011, according to the report.

 

I don't know about ours but Now that I know the Taliban killed Karzai's father his motive appears to be a vendetta. In 1999 his father was assassinated, allegedly by the Taliban, and Karzai became head of the Populzai. We should leave totally before the 2014 elections and leave Afghanistan to its own demise as long as they pose no threat to us.

Mullah Omar was invited to join the upcoming election in 2014 and he did not respond. He did not have to he knows when we are gone so is corrupt Karzai. I remember during the election with Abdullah and Karzai's victory was found to be grossly corrupt the people just shrugged and said one corrupt Government is the same as the next.

That said, the people would be wise to remember the cutting off of heads and hands that is routine for the Taliban and how stifling it is under their rule. As a whole they should remember the thousands of them the Taliban have purposely killed. They should form Lashkar's (civilian defense against the Taliban) and eliminate the Taliban or life as they want it is over.

Afghans fear what will happen when troops leave: Among Afghans around the country interviewed by The Associated Press, the worry is pervasive. Many are deeply skeptical that Afghan police and security forces, which the U.S.-led coalition has spent years trying to build, will be able to fight insurgents and militants without American and NATO fighting alongside. Worse-case scenarios that some fear:

The Afghan forces could splinter along ethnic line and prompt civil war, the nation could plunge into a deep recession, or the Kabul government — plagued with corruption and still fragile despite efforts to establish its authority — would remain too weak to hold off a Taliban takeover. Just a 45-minute drive south of Kabul, residents of Wardak province directly feel the tenuousness. The province is a battleground for Afghan and coalition forces trying to squash hotbeds of the Taliban. Residents quickly warn visitors that it’s dangerous just to go past a checkpoint less a kilometer (half-mile) outside the provincial capital, Maidan Shahr.

In Afghanistan, Businesses Plan Their Own Exits: America may be struggling to come up with a viable exit plan for Afghanistan, but Abdul Wasay Manani is sure of his. This month, Mr. Manani, 38, flew to India for 14 days to scout out a new business, and a new home, ready to leave Afghanistan and everything he worked to build here, just in case things fall apart when most Americans and other foreign troops leave in 2014. “If the Taliban come like last time, ordering people around with whips, I can’t stay here,” he said. “I have to leave this country to keep my family safe.”

Many Afghans share his concern. In this environment, troubling indicators are not hard to find. More than 30,400 Afghans applied for asylum in industrialized nations in 2011, the highest level in 10 years and four times the number seeking asylum in 2005. The only Western bank operating here said on Wednesday that it would be leaving. Piles of cash equaling about a quarter of Afghanistan’s annual economic output were physically carried out of Afghanistan last year.

I just do not get it. If those people know how bad their life is going to be under the Taliban then why do they not fight to defeat them? *Vietnam all over again regardless of what they say. They are now offering the Taliban to join in the Government.

I really do not care what they do. Our soldiers did their job. We should get them out now with heads held high for a job well done. They have performed magnificently.The Taliban are going to take over again regardless and the people know it that is why everyone who can is making preparations to get out now.
James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Taliban waiting to implement their constitution on Afghanistan

Afghan's Beware: Taliban fighting for implementation of their constitution and don't forget their code of conduct

This alone should wake up all those peop;e and make them realize they are fighting not only for their freedom but their very life and limb.

 Taliban fighting for implementation of their constitution:

 The Taliban has published a shadow Afghan constitution outlining an alternative hardline government to that of President Hamid Karzai.

Taliban 'may retake land won by Army' The 23-page document envisages a country where women would remain veiled and uneducated, "un-Islamic thought" would be banned and human rights would be ignored if "contrary with the teachings of Islam". 

Intel says gains made in Afghanistan will be gone by 20217 but they will be gone almost instantly and many will die needlessly. Afghanistan belongs to the Taliban not Democracy. Like it or not we have created another Vietnam which belonged to the North Vietnamese!

At this point it is obvious to me that the general population wants the freedom to do what they want in life. Their army has proven that they have the will and wherewith all to fight for their country. I do believe that the vast majority do not want to live with the threat of having their limbs and heads hacked off at the whim of the Taliban.

It is time to treat the Taliban as what they are "enemies of the State" and everyone should take it as their duty to out them so the military can take care of them. Get rid of them, put them in their place while you can, relegate them to an active part of the Government or as a subservient entity.

I personally believe if all Afghan's that want something to say about their own life come out of the closet and start standing up against the Taliban that they can keep the Taliban at bay. Let them have their beliefs but keep them to those that want to follow them.

Mullah Omar was invited to join the upcoming election in 2014 and he did not respond. He did not have to he knows when we are gone so is corrupt Karzai.

I  remember during the election with Abdullah and Karzai's victory was found to be grossly corrupt the people just shrugged and said one corrupt Government is the same as the next.

That said, the people would be wise to remember the cutting off of heads and hands that is routine for the Taliban and how stifling it is under their rule. As a whole they should remember the thousands of them the Taliban have purposely killed. They should form Lashkar's (civilian defense against the Taliban) and eliminate the Taliban or life as they want it is over.

Hamid Karzai saw no good in 12 years of Americans dying for Afghanistan? leave him to the Taliban

Afghanistan presidential campaign opens, marred by violence

 Hamid Karzai: 'I saw no good' with America's presence in Afghanistan:Hamid Karzai, 56, has grown increasingly hostile towards Barack Obama as Afghanistan prepares to elect a new president in April. Mr Karzai will not stand again, but he is determined to emphasise his disagreements with the United States before he steps down.

"This whole 12 years was one of constant pleading with America to treat the lives of our civilians as lives of people," he said, adding that he had not spoken to Mr Obama since June. Mr Karzai said that he "saw no good" in the American presence in his country. 

After Billions of dollars and many allied lives as well as being called the enemy we should simply leave it to his real enemy and see how much Afghani's want their freedom.

  Afghanistan Chaos Seen After US Troop Withdrawal, Post Says: The National Intelligence Estimate, comprising information gathered by the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies, predicts a resurgence of influence by the Taliban as the U.S. withdraws,the Post said, citing unnamed officials who have read or been briefed on the report. 

 

The Pentagon has pressed Afghan President Hamid Karzai to sign the agreement that would let U.S. forces train and assist Afghanistan’s army after 2014, when most U.S. troops will come home from a war now in its 13th year. Karzai so far has refused to sign.
 Why do we want to be in the middle of the ensuing mess? Intel says gains made in Afghanistan will be gone by 20217 but they will be gone almost instantly and many will die needlessly. Afghanistan belongs to the Taliban not Democracy. Like it or not we have created another Vietnam which belonged to the North Vietnamese!

At this point it is obvious to me that the general population wants the freedom to do what they want in life. Their army has proven that they have the will and wherewith all to fight for their country. I do believe that the vast majority do not want to live with the threat of having their limbs and heads hacked off at the whim of the Taliban.

It is time to treat the Taliban as what they are "enemies of the State" and everyone should take it as their duty to out them so the military can take care of them. Get rid of them, put them in their place while you can, relegate them to an active part of the Government or as a subservient entity.

I personally believe if all Afghan's that want something to say about their own life come out of the closet and start standing up against the Taliban that they can keep the Taliban at bay. Let them have their beliefs but keep them to those that want to follow them.

Mullah Omar was invited to join the upcoming election in 2014 and he did not respond. He did not have to he knows when we are gone so is corrupt Karzai.

I  remember during the election with Abdullah and Karzai's victory was found to be grossly corrupt the people just shrugged and said one corrupt Government is the same as the next.

That said, the people would be wise to remember the cutting off of heads and hands that is routine for the Taliban and how stifling it is under their rule. As a whole they should remember the thousands of them the Taliban have purposely killed. They should form Lashkar's (civilian defense against the Taliban) and eliminate the Taliban or life as they want it is over.

Afghans fear what will happen when troops leave: Among Afghans around the country interviewed by The Associated Press, the worry is pervasive. Many are deeply skeptical that Afghan police and security forces, which the U.S.-led coalition has spent years trying to build, will be able to fight insurgents and militants without American and NATO fighting alongside. Worse-case scenarios that some fear:

The Afghan forces could splinter along ethnic line and prompt civil war, the nation could plunge into a deep recession, or the Kabul government — plagued with corruption and still fragile despite efforts to establish its authority — would remain too weak to hold off a Taliban takeover.

 Just a 45-minute drive south of Kabul, residents of Wardak province directly feel the tenuousness. The province is a battleground for Afghan and coalition forces trying to squash hotbeds of the Taliban. Residents quickly warn visitors that it’s dangerous just to go past a checkpoint less a kilometer (half-mile) outside the provincial capital, Maidan Shahr.

In Afghanistan, Businesses Plan Their Own Exits: America may be struggling to come up with a viable exit plan for Afghanistan, but Abdul Wasay Manani is sure of his. This month, Mr. Manani, 38, flew to India for 14 days to scout out a new business, and a new home, ready to leave Afghanistan and everything he worked to build here, just in case things fall apart when most Americans and other foreign troops leave in 2014. “If the Taliban come like last time, ordering people around with whips, I can’t stay here,” he said. “I have to leave this country to keep my family safe.”

Many Afghans share his concern. In this environment, troubling indicators are not hard to find. More than 30,400 Afghans applied for asylum in industrialized nations in 2011, the highest level in 10 years and four times the number seeking asylum in 2005. The only Western bank operating here said on Wednesday that it would be leaving. Piles of cash equalling about a quarter of Afghanistan’s annual economic output were physically carried out of Afghanistan last year.

I just do not get it. If those people know how bad their life is going to be under the Taliban then why do they not fight to defeat them? *Vietnam all over again regardless of what they say. They are now offering the Taliban to join in the Government.

I really do not care what they do. Our soldiers did their job. We should get them out now with heads held high for a job well done. They have performed magnificently.The Taliban are going to take over again regardless and the people know it that is why everyone who can is making preparations to get out now. Afghans. all of them, better stand up and now if they want to get out from underneath the Taliban gang of miscreant Muslim's.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Afghanistan Chaos Seen After US Troop Withdrawal: Duh

  Afghanistan Chaos Seen After US Troop Withdrawal, Post Says: The National Intelligence Estimate, comprising information gathered by the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies, predicts a resurgence of influence by the Taliban as the U.S. withdraws,the Post said, citing unnamed officials who have read or been briefed on the report. 

 

The Pentagon has pressed Afghan President Hamid Karzai to sign the agreement that would let U.S. forces train and assist Afghanistan’s army after 2014, when most U.S. troops will come home from a war now in its 13th year. Karzai so far has refused to sign.
 Why do we want to be in the middle of the ensuing mess? Intel says gains made in Afghanistan will be gone by 20217 but they will be gone almost instantly and many will die needlessly. Afghanistan belongs to the Taliban not Democracy. Like it or not we have created another Vietnam which belonged to the North Vietnamese!

At this point it is obvious to me that the general population wants the freedom to do what they want in life. Their army has proven that they have the will and wherewith all to fight for their country. I do believe that the vast majority do not want to live with the threat of having their limbs and heads hacked off at the whim of the Taliban.

It is time to treat the Taliban as what they are "enemies of the State" and everyone should take it as their duty to out them so the military can take care of them. Get rid of them, put them in their place while you can, relegate them to an active part of the Government or as a subservient entity.

I personally believe if all Afghan's that want something to say about their own life come out of the closet and start standing up against the Taliban that they can keep the Taliban at bay. Let them have their beliefs but keep them to those that want to follow them.

Mullah Omar was invited to join the upcoming election in 2014 and he did not respond. He did not have to he knows when we are gone so is corrupt Karzai.

I  remember during the election with Abdullah and Karzai's victory was found to be grossly corrupt the people just shrugged and said one corrupt Government is the same as the next.

That said, the people would be wise to remember the cutting off of heads and hands that is routine for the Taliban and how stifling it is under their rule. As a whole they should remember the thousands of them the Taliban have purposely killed. They should form Lashkar's (civilian defense against the Taliban) and eliminate the Taliban or life as they want it is over.

Afghans fear what will happen when troops leave: Among Afghans around the country interviewed by The Associated Press, the worry is pervasive. Many are deeply skeptical that Afghan police and security forces, which the U.S.-led coalition has spent years trying to build, will be able to fight insurgents and militants without American and NATO fighting alongside. Worse-case scenarios that some fear:

The Afghan forces could splinter along ethnic line and prompt civil war, the nation could plunge into a deep recession, or the Kabul government — plagued with corruption and still fragile despite efforts to establish its authority — would remain too weak to hold off a Taliban takeover.

 Just a 45-minute drive south of Kabul, residents of Wardak province directly feel the tenuousness. The province is a battleground for Afghan and coalition forces trying to squash hotbeds of the Taliban. Residents quickly warn visitors that it’s dangerous just to go past a checkpoint less a kilometer (half-mile) outside the provincial capital, Maidan Shahr.

In Afghanistan, Businesses Plan Their Own Exits: America may be struggling to come up with a viable exit plan for Afghanistan, but Abdul Wasay Manani is sure of his. This month, Mr. Manani, 38, flew to India for 14 days to scout out a new business, and a new home, ready to leave Afghanistan and everything he worked to build here, just in case things fall apart when most Americans and other foreign troops leave in 2014. “If the Taliban come like last time, ordering people around with whips, I can’t stay here,” he said. “I have to leave this country to keep my family safe.”

Many Afghans share his concern. In this environment, troubling indicators are not hard to find. More than 30,400 Afghans applied for asylum in industrialized nations in 2011, the highest level in 10 years and four times the number seeking asylum in 2005. The only Western bank operating here said on Wednesday that it would be leaving. Piles of cash equaling about a quarter of Afghanistan’s annual economic output were physically carried out of Afghanistan last year.

I just do not get it. If those people know how bad their life is going to be under the Taliban then why do they not fight to defeat them? *Vietnam all over again regardless of what they say. They are now offering the Taliban to join in the Government.

I really do not care what they do. Our soldiers did their job. We should get them out now with heads held high for a job well done. They have performed magnificently.The Taliban are going to take over again regardless and the people know it that is why everyone who can is making preparations to get out now. Afghans. all of them, better stand up and now if they want to get out from underneath the Taliban gang of miscreant Muslim's.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com

Turkey should be allowed to join the European Union

Turkey will probably never join the European Union because of prejudicial attitudes by the bloc`s existing members, Ankara`s chief EU negotiator said, in what appeared to be the first high-level acknowledgement that its decades-long bid might fail.

Turkey was more likely to negotiate special access to the EU market, like Norway, EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis  said, according to an article in London`s Telegraph newspaper published.

Turkey is an up and coming Nation straddling the middle east, Europe, Islam, and the west. As such they are walking a fine line. They are serving us and the middle east well.

We just discussed this! We need Turkey, the EU needs Turkey, the world needs Turkey. However the US and the EU as you know has long frustrated Turkey. Supposedly she is turning towards Iran but while we tighten sanctions and money Iran is using Turkey to fill the void but in the end Iran as you know will go her own way and Turkey will stay with us.

I again reiterate the whole story: Turkey's future is tied to a pipeline!

It really drives me crazy but the more you research the more you realize all throughout the middle east, Georgia, Afghanistan, everywhere, all the wars and controversy can be tied back to gas and oil. Russia's interest in Iran in numerous and as such is not singular to nuclear cooperation. You might have already known Russia was also interested in Iran's gas and oil but an interesting possible relationship and cooperation just dawned on me.

I am sure you remember Russia creating a crisis recently shutting off Europe's gas and oil supply after its confrontation with Georgia, that and the fact that Turkey has long desired and endeavored to become a member of the European Union. This opens up a win, win for all involved!

* Center pin Turkey, King pin Russia, center pin Iran! Winner US, European Union, Iran, Russia, and all our union and future! Remember the missile defense shield President Obama killed as an issue by switching to the Aegis? The missile Defense shield was starting to look like a necessity with N Korea in pressing on missiles capable of carrying war heads and the ability to reach Hawaii or so we hear. Iran we still do not know about but they will not compromise their nuclear desires so with a responsible credible ally if Russia is one, the responsibility to ensure Iran's real intentions would be there's under scrutiny of course. There is room here.

** The winners in all this is everyone, but Turkey and the EU above all! Russia wants the franchise for Iran's gas and oil! Turkey is at the crossroads of the middle east and the European Union. This is a major point for compromise in all our problems! Give Russia the franchise, the EU lets Turkey join in turn for Turkey allowing a pipeline from Iran through Turkey into the EU. Everyone wins! A win, win for all and a chance for us to move into the future as one.

I reiterate the future is up to a pipeline!

In the Middle East we have been living a total lie from 9/11 on! You have not heard the truth once! Not on the events of 9/11, the Anthrax attacks which scared Congress to pass the so called Patriot Act and give Bush the abusive power he needed to attack Afghanistan for not allowing his pipeline through Afghanistan.

 The only remaining obstacle on 9-11 was the remaining agreement between the Taliban and Bridas Corporation. The Bush Administration, Congress, many in our major media, and even the 9-11 Commission and Cheney Energy Task Force all know about Bridas Corporation because that Argentine oil and gas company was standing in the way of our US oil companies and UK oil companies. The Caspian Basin oil is landlocked and there are only so many ways to get that oil out of the ground, to the ocean ports and into your gas tanks or home heating oil tanks.

What a coincidence huh? There is the direct route from Turkmenistan across Iran to the ocean, but that is not politically popular since the overthrow of the Shah of Iran many years ago. There is: 1.) the route across the Caspian Sea westward, which is extremely costly; and through Azerbaijan through Turkey to the Mediterranean; and 2.) from Turkmenistan through Georgia to the Black Sea; and 3.) through the Ukraine to Europe; and 4.) the Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to the ocean. Until one of those solutions was in place, the holes being drilled into the ground by British Petroleum, Chevron, Exxon and others could not go anywhere and could not produce revenues for those companies. A route northward through Russia would put US oil companies at risk to changes in Russian politics and the Eastward route through China was not deemed secure enough since China is soon to become the second largest user of petroleum in the world after the United States.

Lastly!

Many of us have said numerous times that Bush was advised before hand that if he attacked Iraq he would destabilize the Middle East. He knew before he ignored all good advice that the neighbors would get involved and they are. He knew that it was most likely that Iraq would be divvied up between the Kurds, the Sunni's, and the Shiite and it will be. In the past I have written extensively the entire Middle East would blow and then the entire world would be involved in war.

I know that both Turkey and Iran are fighting Kurds that are looking for Autonomy but never really thought that a free Kurdistan would encompass areas of Iran and Turkey as well as Iraq. Knowing the close American Kurdish relationship I really have to rethink what Bush's real goal was here after I discovered an old story. Tell me what you think!

The US needs Turkey for its Middle East policy but it is obvious the rest of the world does too. Turkey and the world are at a crossroads which way will we go!? Let Turkey join the European Union! There are drawbacks as membership would give them freedom in the rest of the member countries but it can be managed and I think there are more positives than negatives.

James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
http://anaverageamericanpatriot.blogspot.com