Notes on the burgeoning crisis in the east.

Iraqi prime Minister, Maliki

Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari

"Once to every man and nation, comes a moment to decide..."

It seems strange how it all comes together. The Democrats have taken a more prominent role in the Senate, and in the House. The president has made his decision to send additional troops to Iraq. Iran has achieved nuclear capacity. Iran is now capable of producing one nuclear bomb in each of the coming years.

It has been rumored in some circles that we have already “lost” in Iraq. Indeed, rumors circulated last week that even vice president Cheney had conceded defeat. Let us examine the facts.

Our goals in Iraq included removing Saddam Hussein from power, and installing a new democratic government for that ancient section of the world. Clearly we have removed Hussein, at great cost. "Mission accomplished", Bush said. And we placed a new “Unity” government in Iraq. Last week, when we discussed whether Iraq would have the ability and the resolve to work with the coalition forces, we were talking about President Talbani, whom we strongly favor, and with whom we can negotiate. This week, however, with congress pondering feverishly over positions, Talbani is never mentioned. Instead, prime minister Malaki is the monarch to deal with .

And interestingly enough, Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari (see photo) has risen in prominence, as a wise, articulate, and forceful spokesman for the Iraqi people.

So, does the sudden lack of enthusiasm for President Talbani suggest that the lack of support from the people of Iraq means that the unity government has indeed failed, or soon will fail? Is that failure the cause of new sense of having lost?

In truth, Iraqi President Talibani is en-route to Syria to discuss matters with the Syrian president.

Iranian Predsident Ahmadinejad

Iran has achieved nuclear capacity. The Iranian president, President Ahmadinejad,is currently traveling to Venezuela to talk to Venezuelan president Chavez. The two oil producers may have a lot in common. Not the least of wchich, their professed hatred for The United States Of America.

I, always the alarmist, am reminded of the Cuban Missle Crisis, the "Bay of Pigs", when Russian missles were positioned in Cuba, during the Kennedy administration. Kennedy sent a fleet of battleships to the Cuban waters, and insisted they be removed. They were.

China supports Iran, in China’s need for a continuing oil supply. Because of Irans nuclear capacity, we have recently warned Iran to discontinue. In fact some experts say the proper time to attack Iran falls between February and August of this year "The time is right". Russia had been rumbling warnings that if such an attack were to occur, she, Russia, would support Iran. As I said, China has a vested i nterest in Iran, for Iran's oil reserves

Remember, Iran never wavers in stating that Israel should be wiped from the planet.
Iran is funding weapons, and IEDs, in Iraq for use against Americans.

It has recently, during ongoing talks in the Congress, come to light that the al Qaeda forces may indeed have had some part in precipitating sectarian violence in Iraq. They bombed Shiite mosques and schools, and committed other atrocities. The Shiite Muslims counterattacked, wreaking vengence upon the Sunnis, thus the increase in sectarian violence.

Sunnis, my understanding is, follow the will of God. Shiites are more conventional, followng the will of the Shiite leader.

It has been stated that the solution to the crisis in Iraq lies not in increased violence, but in diplomacy, and communication.

former Bush speechwriter, David Frum

President George walker bush has never been a great diplomat. Granted, he is second to none when delivering a speech, this with the help of his former speechwriter, David Frum. In fact I suspect that Frum may have provided some input on current speeches. When it comes to diplomacy, we need a leader who can look an adversary in the eye, can think “on his feet”. Nixon was an excellent negotiator. He established relations with China that still are in effect.

Bush sings with the president of Japan. When the crisis is in Iraq, or Iran, Bush is in Hanoi, then Hawaii. He insults his guests, constantly posing for the cameras. He steadfastly refuses to negotiate with terrorists. Silence breeds misunderstanding.

At this time in world history, we urgently need a diplomat who can change the course of world events, and soon. As time is growing short.

These are my early notes. More later.

BBJ