President Obama sure seams to be on a roll. With small virtual victories, he seams to want to ride the coat tails to a victory in 2012 by bringing the troops home from Iraq. Labeling the mission in Iraq as mission accomplished is definitely not the end. [Read more…] about Military Victory vs. Diplomatic Defeat
World
Libya Prime Minister Confirms Muammar Qaddafi Dead
Breaking News: (WARNING: Contains graphic content!)
[Read more…] about Libya Prime Minister Confirms Muammar Qaddafi Dead
The Americas to be the World Capital of Energy
The idea for America to be the worlds capital of energy is not as far fetched as it sounds. With technology catching up to the ideas of unlocking energy from previously hard-thought sources, America is poised for a comeback in the energy game.
Declining oil production from the Middle East, and rising oil costs, is putting the pressure on the U.S. to become the new megasupplier of energy. [Read more…] about The Americas to be the World Capital of Energy
South Korea Returned Artillery Fire Directed at North Korea
During what is described as a disputed sea border, South Korea fired artillery rounds at North Korea after hearing explosions. This comes after both agreed they would try to revive talks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. At some point, you think the North would quit these failed tactics of the past and just keep things quiet to get the help the people need. [Read more…] about South Korea Returned Artillery Fire Directed at North Korea
London Riots; Photo of the Day
For days, there was unrest in London as rioting filled the streets with people looting and setting fires. As peoples tempers enraged, so did the buildings they set fire to. In this photo, the woman risked a jump from the window to save herself from being burned to death. [Read more…] about London Riots; Photo of the Day
DOW Plunges 630 Points in Response to S&P Downgrade
The downgrade by S&P of the U.S. AAA rating stewed in the minds of investors all weekend, and their reaction was to drive the DOW down 630 points. [Read more…] about DOW Plunges 630 Points in Response to S&P Downgrade
Sharia Controlled Zones in London
Islamic leadership in London is proposing, and trying to enforce, the practice of Sharia Law. [Read more…] about Sharia Controlled Zones in London
Putin says U.S. is ‘Living Beyond Their Means”
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin answered questions about the U.S. debt crisis during a visit to the pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi in which he stated, “They are living beyond their means and shifting a part of the weight of their problems to the world economy.”
He also said, “They are living like parasites off the global economy and their monopoly of the dollar.” [Read more…] about Putin says U.S. is ‘Living Beyond Their Means”
Terror Bombing Rocks Oslo
A powerful bomb rocked Norway’s government headquarters in the capital of Oslo on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring 15 others.
The powerful blast also set the nearby oil ministry building on fire. Hundreds of windows in the 17-story government headquarters were shattered, as were others in buildings as far as 400 meters away. Thick, black smoke billowed from some of the offices, and streets in the normally quiet neighborhood were littered with debris from the explosion.
Hours later, Oslo police reported that a gunman disguised as a police officer opened fire on youths attending a camp sponsored by the ruling Labor Party. At least five people were wounded in the attack. Authorities said they dispatched anti-terror police to the campsite on Utoeya island south of Oslo. It is not known whether there is a link between the bomb blast and the shootings.
The headquarters building in downtown Oslo houses the office of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, but a Norwegian spokesman said he and his staff were not injured. Police said two people were killed in the mid-afternoon blast.
Clinton Says US and Russia Agree Gaddafi’s Days Numbered
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, capping a day of wide-ranging U.S.-Russian policy talks in Washington, said the two powers agree that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s days in power are numbered. Clinton and her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov signed of series of agreements including one resolving a major dispute over child adoptions.
The United States and Russia have differed over Libya, with Moscow abstaining on the U.N. resolution authorizing military action in Libya, and criticizing the scale of NATO air strikes.
However, at a press event with Lavrov, Secretary Clinton welcomed Russian mediation with the Libyan parties, and said both agree that the crisis must end with Mr. Gadhafi leaving power.
“We are still getting contradictory signals from Colonel Gadhafi’s camp,” she said. “He has yet to meet the red lines that are set by the international community to cease violence against his people, withdraw his forces and step down from power. So although neither of us can predict to you the exact day or hour that Gadhafi will leave power, we do understand and agree that his days are numbered.”
Lavrov said a political process must start between the Tripoli government and Benghazi-based rebels as soon as possible, for a cease-fire and negotiated settlement and said there is no other way to solve the issue.
The Russian minister also defended his government’s refusal to back a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for its lethal crackdown on protestors.
“You are asking why Russia is blocking the resolution that would condemn Assad. You know, diplomacy does not exist to condemn and start putting on political scores,” he said. “Our goal is to solve problems. But just condemning people without any solution will not lead us to anything.”