PoliticalConcern.com

The Israeli Government says it won’t bow to U.S. requests for it to stop its settlements in the West Bank.

“I want to say in a crystal clear manner that the current Israeli government will not accept in any fashion that legal settlement activity in Judea and Samaria be frozen,” Transport Minister Yisrael Katz, an official close to the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said, using the Israeli term for the West Bank. “The government will defend the vital interests of the state of Israel.”

This was the first official reaction from the Israeli Government after U.S. President Obama’s request for the them to halt settlements.

Israel’s settlement of the West Bank is a key hurdle to peace talks with Palestinian authorities. While I understand Israel’s need for security the Palestinian people require the same security. How can the Israeli Government justify forcing people put of their homes so that they can build settlements on land that is in a separate State to Israel. They have effectively invaded this land.

If Israel expect to have security for themselves then they have to respect the need for others to have security. Israel says it requires its settlements on the West Bank for natural growth. What other State in the World expects to be able to legally expand its borders to establish new settlements.
It is my opinion that Israel is being unreasonable in its expectations and needs to halt these settlements now and respect the borders it shares with other sovereign states. Until it does this I cannot see how peace between Israel and other Middle Eastern states can be achieved.

The latest information on the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) contains a statement from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Foreign Ministry (North Korean Foreign Ministry) regarding the UNSC’s threat of additional sanctions.

In the statement they seek to justify their reasons for conducting nuclear and missile tests to maintain their own national security.

The Statement from the DPRK Foreign Ministry starts by saying “Over the past several decades, the DPRK has made every possible effort for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but the U.S., instead of seeking a substantial removal of nuclear threats, has steadily increased the level of pressure upon the DPRK and it has eventually brought even the six-party talks to collapse in wanton violation of the principles of respect for the sovereignty and sovereign equality, the underlying spirits of the September 19 Joint Statement, over the DPRK’s launch of satellite, the universally recognized right of each state.”

The statement goes on to say ” At present, some countries were shocked at the news of the DPRK’s second nuclear test. But an exceptional act has its exceptional reason.
The recent nuclear test conducted by the DPRK is the 2054th one on the earth.
The five permanent members of the UNSC have conducted 99.99 percent of all the nuclear tests.
Those countries have posed the biggest nuclear threats to the world. But they took issue with our first nuclear test, which was conducted in October 2006 as a self-defensive measure to cope with increased nuclear threats by the U.S., terming it a “threat to the international peace” and adopted the sanctions resolution against the DPRK. This is exactly the UNSC Resolution 1718.”

They also explain their position on Nuclear Non Proliferation and the Missile Technology Control Regime saying “The DPRK is neither a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty nor to the Missile Technology Control Regime or MTCR. Such being the case, it has a right to conduct as many nuclear tests or missile launches as it wants in the event that the supreme interests of the state are infringed upon. Such self-defensive measures do not run counter to any other international law.”

Looking at this statement on face value it would seem that North Korea could be quite justified in believing they have every right to conduct these tests. Why shouldn’t they be able to do what they feel they have to, to ensure their own security. Other countries spend huge amounts of money developing sophisticated military technology and what North Korea seems to want is to exercise its sovereign rights as it seems fit. A fair expectation I guess.

The problem that many other countries have with North Korea having nuclear weapons and the capability to attack almost any other country in the world is can they be trusted. North Korea’s boisterous stance is legendary and the fear is that this could lead to extreme action and the possible use of weapons of mass destruction.
North Korea does not seem willing to listen to its large and powerful ally in China and it is this type of attitude that causes such concern.

I guess the problem is how do you balance international security with with a countries sovereign rights. Do you allow North Korea to develop a nuclear capability and trust that they will use it as a deterrent just like every other nuclear power in the world.

I understand the agreement that the existing nuclear powers have not to limit the spread of nuclear weapons with the eventual disarmament and a peaceful use of nuclear energy, but North Korea has never been a signatory of this agreement so you can understand how they can feel that they shouldn’t be forced to comply with it.

What ever happens I only can only hope that a peaceful solution can be found.

From Just Politics?

Will these people stop at nothing to change everybody’s life? If a Conservative just wants to be left alone by the government than a Liberal wants everybody to do as they say:

GIVE up lamb roasts and save the planet. Government advisers are developing menus to combat climate change by cutting out “high carbon” food such as meat from sheep, whose burping poses a serious threat to the environment.

Out will go kebabs, greenhouse tomatoes and alcohol. Instead, diners will be encouraged to consume more potatoes and seasonal vegetables, as well as pork and chicken, which generate fewer carbon emissions.

“Changing our lifestyles, including our diets, is going to be one of the crucial elements in cutting carbon emissions,” said David Kennedy, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change.

Kennedy has stopped eating his favourite doner kebabs because they contain lamb.

A government-sponsored study into greenhouse gases found that producing 2.2lb of lamb released the equivalent of 37lb of carbon dioxide.

The problem is because sheep burp so much methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Cows are only slightly better behaved. The production of 2.2lb of beef releases methane equivalent to 35lb of CO2 Tomatoes, most of which are grown in heated glasshouses, are the most “carbon-intensive” vegetable, each 2.2lb generating more than 20lb of CO2 Potatoes, in contrast, release only about 1lb of CO2 for each 2.2lb of food. The figures are similar for most other native fruit and vegetables.

Of course, this all would be less of a problem if some Brits have their way this would all be unnecessary because they want to reduce the population of England to a mere 30 million people.

So forget your booze (1.5% of England’s “greenhouse” gas production), no chocolate either (4.5 pounds per 2.2 pounds eaten), and wash it down with a Coke because smoothies generate twice the emissions.

The article continues:

“We are not saying that everyone should become vegetarian or give up drinking but moving towards less carbon intensive foods will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health,” said Kennedy.

The climate committee is analysing emissions from farming and will suggest measures to reduce them. However, it has concluded that people will have to change their habits.

Why don’t Liberals change their habits and sot off, leaving the rest of us alone?

The Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s official news agency, has just reported more missiles being fired by North Korea.

A recent report on its web site says:

“N. Korea fires short-range missile off east coast: source

SEOUL, May 29 (Yonhap) — North Korea launched an additional short-range missile from its east coast, an official at the government official said Friday.

North Korea appears to have launched a missile into the East Sea at around 6:12 p.m., according to the official.

The North has been firing a series of missiles since Monday, when it said it successfully conducted a second nuclear test.”

These latest test would seem to further show North Korea’s determination to snub its nose at the World and further antagonise South Korea. It is also sure to push the rest of the World towards tougher sanctions through the U.N. Security Council.

With North Korea’s threat to respond to any action against its shipping or ships enroute to its ports with military action and its continuing aggression it seems determined to force a military conflict with South Korea.

Israel must halt their expansion into the West Bank and Palestinians must increase West Bank security to allow the Middle East peace process to advance, said President Obama after meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday.

Obama told reporters “I am confident that we can move this process forward if all the parties are willing to take on the responsibilities and meet the obligations that they’ve already committed to.” during a joint appearance with Abbas following the White House meeting.

Abbas said the Palestinian Authority was committed to fulfilling its obligations under the 2003 Middle East road map.

The two leaders called for immediate progress in the peace process in the hope of restarting peace talks directly between Palestinians and Israeli’s.

No formal Palestinian-Israeli negotiations have occurred since the latest Israeli elections brought Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to power.

“What is needed right now is to resume the discussions with the current Israeli government,” Abbas said.

Obama pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, last week, for a firm Israeli commitment to Palestinian statehood as part of the so-called two-state solution, a position strongly advocated on Thursday by Abbas.

Netanyahu has committed to removing illegal settlements but has also committed to continue expansion or “natural Growth” of existing settlements.
Netanyahu has also refrained from committing to a Palestinian state saying that Israel needed security and a clear Palestinian Leader to talk to.

Obama said “It is in our interest to ensure that Israel is safe and secure,” and for steps to be taken towards a Palestinian free state.

At the same time, Obama said he told President Abbas “in a frank exchange” that continuing anti-Israel sentiments and incitements were “impediments to peace.”

The Palestinian Authority headed by Abbas holds power on the West Bank, while the militant Palestinian Islamist group Hamas controls Gaza. Abbas is under pressure to negotiate with Hamas on creating a unified Palestinian leadership, Obama noted, and praised him for insisting that such a Palestinian leadership must agree to Israel’s right to exist and commit itself to peace.

Without both sides of this conflict doing their part and recognising each others right to security and a clearly defined boundary peace will be difficult to establish and maintain.

Clearly some large policy shifts will be required from both sides before a suitable peace can be found.

Republished with permission from Just Politics?

Advocates of gay marriage were none-to-pleased by democracy in action. They sought redress from the courts (as Liberals often do) when the people don’t vote the way they should. The court did not actually take a stand on gay marriage but rather on the ability of the people to amend California’s constitution through propositions. The court did uphold the gay marriages that took place when they were legal, before California voters overturned the legislature.

I do feel sorry for the gays who seek marriage but can’t say as though I’m upset that a proposition that recieved a majority of the votes was upheld. In typical Liberal fashion, however, it was painted as a tyranny by the majority. Tough. I have to live with the many propositions that are passed in California with which I disagree and, because I live in San Francisco, have to deal with many of their stupid attempts to limit my freedoms such as the overturned handgun ban that recently cost San Francisco $800,000.00.

I’m not sure if gays were more upset that they could not wed or that a majority of voters didn’t want them to legally marry. After all, even if you do live in California, not everybody is okay with gay marriage.

Activists will put a proposition of their own on the ballot next time around seeking to overturn the last one. Maybe they will succeed, maybe they won’t. While I do empathize with their plight I am pleased that the law was upheld. And, had gay marriage been approved by the voters and had people sued to overturn that I would still have been in favor of the law being upheld.
There are some haters to be sure.

Unfortunately, many who are against gay marriage are none-to-nice about it. While I understand their religious beliefs might preclude them from advocating same sex marriage, it does not sit well with me that some have chosen to express their feelings in the form of hatred and anger.

We will see whether Obama’s pick for the Supreme Court, if she is confirmed, would uphold the law in general or whether she would bring her “unique life experiences” or whatever that garbage means to bear in her decisions.

As I’m sure time will show, the media will not portray this as the upholding of the law but, rather, some soft and squishy ideas about freedom and human rights. Those are issues, but not the central ones.

One thing is for sure today and that is that even in a Liberal state such as California not every idea goes down smoothly.

North Korea has announced that it no longer recognises the 1953 armistice that ended its war with South Korea. What would seem to make this announcement more serious than previous announcement is that it came directly from the North Korean military rather than its official newsagency.

This renouncing of the armistice comes as South Korea joins the US-led Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), with North Korea describing it as tantamount to a declaration of war.
Pyongyang has announced that any attempt to stop and search any North Korean ships or ships delivering goods to North Korea “will face an immediate and strong military strike in response.”

“Our military will no longer be bound by the armistice accord as the current US leadership… has drawn the puppets (South Korea) into the PSI,” said the statement from the North’s military representative at the border truce village of Panmunjom.

One woman has made the U.S. Hispanic population proud today. Sonia Sotomayor has been nominated as a Justice in the U.S. Supreme Court by President Obama.

Sotomayor has been often mentioned as a candidate for the Supreme Court position, replacing the retiring Justice David Souter. Sotomayor is not likely to change the ideological balance of the bench but she will add a great deal of diversity. The Supreme Court will consist of two women, with Sotomayor being only the third woman to sit on the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court members will include eight whites and one african american.

Sotomayor’s journey to the Supreme Court is also certain to add to the diversity she brings to the bench. Sotomayor was the daughter of working class parents in the Bronx Her father, who didnt speak english and only had a third grade education, died when she was nine. Her mother then worked six days a week to support them. Sotomayor worked hard throughout school and on a scholarship to Princeton and the went on to Yale to study Law. She became a prosecutor in New York, then a corporate litigator, before being seated to a federal trial court by the first President Bush. Six years later, President Clinton elevated her to a New York-based appeals court. Her rise through adversity would seem to be one that rivals Obama’s on rise to power.

While Sotomayors time in the judiciary has mostly concerned routine matters it has not been without controversy. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), among other groups, called her an “activist” judge. One of her more controversial votes as a judge was one endorsing a Connecticut city’s decision to discard the results of a firefighter promotion test because blacks and Hispanics scored disproportionately lower than whites. The case is now before the Supreme Court.

Sotomayor will not be shy about countering such criticism. She said she decides cases based on the law, without an agenda in mind. “I firmly believe in the rule of law,” she said.
While Democratic members of the Senate back her nomination republican members say they will need some time to review her 17 year record.

North Korea has again staged an underground nuclear test yesterday. This time much larger and more successful than the test held in October 2006. It has also tested short range missiles yesterday and today.
North Korea has declared an off-limits area for vessels in the Yellow Sea off Jungsan county in South Pyongan province and it is thought that more missile tests may follow.
North Korea’s official news agency reported that the test were carried out “as part of the measures to bolster up its nuclear deterrent for self-defense in every way.”
So why does North Korea think it has to show the world that it can defend itself. It closest ally is China, the worlds biggest economy and a world military power in its own right closely followed by Russia, another major world power. So who do they think is crazy enough to attack them and risk drawing themselves in a conflict involving China and Russia.
North Korea has no need to show it can defend itself like this, so why has it sent the World into such a frenzy by performing these tests.
North Korea seems to have a need to make the World take notice of them. Like the naughty kid who shows off to get attention. Carrying these test helps it feel like a world power and watching the resulting flurry of panic as the World struggles to deal with the consequences of these tests just serves to give North Korea the justification they feel they deserve.
North Korea enjoys annoying people and this is exactly what they have been able to achieve.
As well as feeding the ego what else has North Korea achieved with these tests. They have, for the moment at least put China and Russia off side. China has backed North Korea often before the UN Security Council but these tests have made it hard for China to continue doing this. Russia have already announce their intention to support the U.N. against North Korea.
The U.S. already have forces in South Korea and are moving to increase their presence in the area in an effort to be seen to be supporting their close ally South Korea as well as Japan, who also see North Korea as a major regional threat.
With significant sanctions already placed against North Korea by the U.N. they face further sanctions when the U.N. decides what its reaction will be. Many countries around the World have already voiced their support for tougher sanctions.
U.S. President Obama has also promised a strong reaction and will most certainly be pushing for a strong reaction from the U.N.
North Korea is already one of the most isolated countries in the world due the sanctions already in place and any increase in these sanctions or loss of support from China would put a lot more pressure on their already strained economy.
The Worlds biggest fear is that Korea and Iran may form an alliance. Such an alliance could see two new nuclear powers with very little need to conform to the expectation of the rest of the World. Korea has uranium resources, and this combined with its test results and nuclear production technology being married up with Iran’s enrichment technology could result in an alliance to that would give the world good cause to worry.

Colin Powell former U.S. Secretary of State issued a challenge to former Vice President Dick Cheney, saying that Republicans should not bow to “diktats that come from the right wing.”
The challenge came during an interview on the CBS talk show “Face the Nation” on Sunday. Mr Powell was strident in rebutting remarks by Mr Cheney and Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio commentator, The he was no longer a Republican and should leave the party. “Rush will not get his wish” and “Mr Cheney was misinformed. I am still a Republican” he said.

Mr Powell’s appearance highlighted an extraordinary public struggle among Republicans over the future of the party and the legacy of the Bush administration, particularly on national security.
Mr Powell has sided with Obama over plans to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camps where Cheney has been opposed, just as he was opposed to former President George Bush’s plans to eventually close the prison camps. Still Powell did fault Obama for not having a detailed plan on how Guantanamo would be closed down.
Other signs of leadership struggles are Tom Ridge, who was a Secretary of Homeland Security for Mr. Bush, saying on CNN that he disagreed with Mr. Cheney that the nation was less safe because of Mr. Obama’s national security policies. The comments from Mr ridge and Mr Powell do not help Republican Congress members trying to highlight national security concerns coming from Obama’s to release Guantanamo prisoners.
But Karl Rove, who was Mr. Bush’s senior political adviser, saluted Mr. Cheney for leading the fight. He was doing what other Republicans were not. “The vice president feels very strongly that the administration has mischaracterized and distorted the Bush administration’s record,” Rove said in an interview.
So it seems there are many mixed messages coming down to Republican constituents making it hard for them to know exactly what their party is up to. Hopefully the Republican leaders can get their stories together before the next Presidential Election or they will seem doomed to another election loss.