Dec, 28, '15: Iraq on the road to victory over ISIS

But that's not all! 

To the victors go the spoils!  The Sunnis should be entitled to control their hard earned lands.  That means the Shia' should not control lands the Sunnis have led the way to win.  The Sunnis have an unemployment problem that could be readily reduced in size by hiring more Sunni military to provide local government in lands they have gained.  So what if some Sunnis that are hired had gone over to the ISIS!  Should the Shia' be assigned to these Iraqi lands, the entire strife between Shia' and Sunni could erupt irreparably. 

And thinking ahead, should the Iraqi Sunnis enter Syrian lands now occupied by the Caliphate rebels, the boundaries of Iraq might be expanded to include these, too,         

India, 'Christian,' Pakistan, Muslim, US thinks

You know, I take only my social security pension given me each month.  In that way I try to remain independent from political pressures that can be exerted by special interest groups.

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Over the decades, Pakistan has had to cope with the continuing migration of Afghans into their country.  Currently, many are being housed in northern Pakistan.  Largely due to US pressure, meetings between Kabul and the Taliban have led nowhere.  Nevertheless, the Taliban rule the tribal areas of Afghanistan to this day.  I've contended for years that the two parties must form a coalition government for sake of the people's heritage.

Last week, the State Department's Especial Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan appeared before a House Congressional Committee.  He seemed to support continued aid to Pakistan.  On the other hand, he admitted to widespread corruption in the civilian government.  But if the government is so corrupt, the Pakistan military should be given reign to revamp the regime even as did the Egyptian military in deposing Morsi.  And, just as with Egypt, should not the US refrain from offering aid to Pakistan until the regime cleans up its act?  So to the Congress:  don't give Pakistan a dime!  (The Pakistan government does not have the wherewithal to retaliate, should that ocur.)

However, Pakistan is in need of assistance in ridding the Kashmir of Indian domination over a largely Muslim population. That disputed land is fertile and a valuable asset for the production of food and grain.

But isn't it true in general terms, that the US sides with India against Pakistan in their manifold disputes, since India is deemed a 'Christian' nation and Pakistan a Muslim?  Of course the inclination is natural.  On its premise, American companies have welcomed programmers and computer experts to replace American-born professionals in the US; and tele-marketer companies and corporate division of customer services have migrated to Indian shores, forsaking American workers once employed in these positions.  To my mind and I would think to anyone else who has followed the relations of the US with both India and Pakistan, it's obvious that the US comes down hard on Pakistan by giving but lip service to acknowledging that country's self-interests!

At the hearing in Congress, legislators present alluded to the Al-Quada's leader secret home in Pakistan as proof that Pakistan is not an ally of the US.  Okay, if not an ally, Congress should definitely let loose of Pakistan and by so doing, delight in expected reforms that the military could bring about in the civilian government!

P.S.  Might also the Indian government need a good and thorough housekeeping?

Wait out ISIS; don't get involved!

I think the US is doing the right thing in attempting to shut down ISIS' financial network, including freezing its monetary assets globally.

The plan of action I argue for is make it difficult for countries, including Turkey, to benefit from its trade with the Caliphate and the supporting groups.  Russia should not be able to benefit from its backing of Syria, either.

What ISIS is doing is cutting deals that make those who cooperate with it to reap profits or escape penalties it would otherwise exact.  In the lands it occupies, it's easy for them to say to a citizen "You won't have to pay all the tax required, it you play ball with us!"  Or, to Turkey, "We're with you against the Kurds!  And, we'll kill them because they're your enemy!" 

Now, it's notorious that Muslims don't want to kill other Muslims, no matter if some Muslims deserve it--let the US army do it, because the US is the infidel!    Thus, Saudi Arabia, which is currently forming a coalition to stop ISIS' military advances, is doomed to display too little effort.

But you say, the EU can't effectuate an embargo of goods and services against Russia much longer, despite Russian aggression in the Ukraine and in Syria.  NEVERTHELESSS, WAIT AWHILE LONGER.  Russia is hoping, knowing the history of these European several countries, that they will tire and lose interest in the whole series of its own transgressions.  "It all will soon be forgotten."   All, except the mounting bills Russia is unable to pay and the arrogance of another dictator on their backs, V. Putin.

Congress is replete with members who want the US to make a major assault on ISIS.  To what end?  To support an Iraq government that simply won't contain the belligerence of its Shia' against the Sunni?  To put an end to ISIS aggression against the Syrian government?  To favor one Libyan faction over another?  To bolster Saudi Arabian's claim to be the true home of Islam?  The ever-continuing plague over the entire Near-East is not due to American influence but rather due to an endemic disease affecting its inhabitants.  Rid yourself of involvement not of your own doing!

The Lunz Focus Group is holding meetings attended by Muslim Americans demonstrating that a Reformation of the Islam religion is taking place worldwide, true, but absolutely true of Muslims living on American shores, as reported on the national networks.  Specifically, Islam is being fashioned for Muslim life in the 21st Century rather than promulgating its 7th Century culture.  And,  the Reformed Islam is without reference to an aggressive jihad against the "infidel." 
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Nevertheless there's the old Republican Guard, spearheaded by John McCann, and visible in the defunct Republican Presidential Campaign candidacy of Lindsey Graham, who boldly and self-righteously proclaimed, "...the world is waiting to be led..."

Is China waiting to be led; is Russia waiting to be led; is South Africa waiting to be led; is Brazil waiting to be led; is France waiting to be led; is Germany waiting to be led?  Where the hell do these jerks get the effrontery to claim the world is waiting for them to do the leading!

If so--if they are being prophetic--then let the world wait awhile longer!  For, there is within ISIS the seeds of its own self-destruction. 

Meantime, Western nations, mind your borders to prevent acts of terrorism; and minimize the violence in your own countries!



   

Being valued as a professional/worker

Take a taxi-cab driver.  What makes him to be valued is not only the tools of his profession: knowing how to drive safely, use GPS to get to where he needs to go, but also the contacts he maintains as part of his professional activities.  Contacts with:

1. the police department, say a police detective he calls occasionally.  Does he overhear of criminal activity planned or underway.  Is his rider showing signs of being under drug influence?

2.  a hotel or motel cheap, good, and reliable for immediate occupancy.  Would the driver receive due compensation for steering a customer/rider to the establishment for a night, for a week, even for a month?

3. familiarity with various areas about town.  Where the shows are, where prostitutes gather, top places of entertainment, good food establishments of various cuisines.

The more contacts the driver maintains with community groups, the greater is his value as a cabdriver.  And, possibly, the greater his tip!