[DAWN] IT is no secret that my name appears on the list of journalists Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ... Turkey's version of Mohammed Morsi but they voted him back in so they deserve him... wants to see behind bars, and I won’t hide my own expectations that he will suffer that end. So, despite my intrinsic optimism about the future of my country’s democracy, I am writing this article in pre-emptive exile, self-imposed so as to avoid imprisonment.
The fact that I personally, and my media group, publisher of Zaman, The Sick Man of Europe Turkey
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred ||
03/16/2016 00:00 ||
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h/t Gates of Vienna
...A while before the present Trump hysteria, I visited a synagogue in Hamburg. Here the Germans upped the ante, surrounding the area with armoured personnel carriers and police carrying automatic weapons. An isolated event? No, I was told it's like that each Saturday. A few miles to the west in neighboring Holland, a friend involved in security matters told me what few outsiders know: synagogues are being closed up and shuttered.
"So where are the Jews disappearing to?" was my obvious response.
"They're conducting their services underground in private homes", came my friend's ominous message.
Everywhere in Europe, Jews who normally wear head covering identifying themselves as orthodox Jews, have been instructed by communal leaders to stop doing so. Whether it be East London, the Paris underground, or any major skandinavian city, Jews are under attack. And while Donald Trump was still making high-end ties, this has been going on for years.
...The world is ablaze. The long-kives are drawn. The entire European continent is drowning in rapes, assaults, and cultural and physical invasion. Nowhere are people allowed to speak freely about a danger that threatens their very existence. Freedom of speech has gone the way of civility. Instead of security and protection of borders, we get more bilge by the politicos in bed with the Muslim Brotherhood, a recognized terrorist organization. While the destruction goes unabated, law-abiding, overtaxed citizens are branded with the race card for suggesting maintaining their culture, language, and borders. In an upside down world, Egypt, the most populous muslim country in the world has outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood, while here at home they are hobnobbing with Obama in the Oval Office
...For the first time in recent memory, the US is poised to elect a man that the world may fear and respect. Donald Trump may not be a Reagan, but he will certainly give pause to enemies and haters of America. I have no doubt that the jihadist world will have much re-calculating to do, navigating away from the cozy relationship they've enjoyed with Hussein Obama. The rest of the world will look at America differently before the the finest military was purged of its patriots and real fighting leadership. Making America great again requires that our enemies fear us, and our friends can count on us. This, more than anything, is the meaning of the Trump campaign.
#1
As much as I prefer Cruz, this post makes a strong point. Don't know if the "Lyin' Ted" thing can be buried to the point that a Trump/Cruz ticket could become a reality.
#3
For the first time in recent memory, the US is poised to elect a man that the world may fear and respect.
Tough talk doesn't automatically engender fear. In fact, reactionary bluster is often a tell of self-doubt. Not unlike Obama, Trump may be diagnosed as a clinical narcicisist. And like Obama this affliction makes him highly predictable. There's also no indication that allies, adversaries, nor enemies would respect Trump. Most indications would point to the opposite. And to authors's main point; Trump is on record saying he would approach the Isrealies and Palistinians on equal footing. That's not exactly an example of "our friends can count on us".
[The Blaze] Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh predicted that the Republican establishment would select former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush if the contest goes to an open convention.
"It’s abundantly clear that the Republican establishment, all these reports we’ve had prior to today about them being in panic have not even gotten close to reality," Limbaugh said on his radio program. "The panic is real today. They are acting as though their own very future is at stake today."
Limbaugh argued that Ohio Gov. John Kasich "doesn’t have a prayer of becoming the nominee."
"If John Kasich thinks he’s gonna become the nominee in a contested convention, he’s got another thing coming," he said.
The radio host, instead, offered a different name if the nomination is determined in Cleveland.
"If it gets to that point, can I tell you who I think they’re gonna make president, or make the nominee, if all this happens, as they want it to?" he asked.
He added, "[I]f they succeed in this, if they sucked in denying Trump or Ted Cruz 1,237 delegates by the end of the primary process, I’m here to tell you Jeb Bush is gonna be the nominee. That’s what they’re gonna do. That’s what they’ve always wanted."
#1
As much as I believe Trump to be the biggest fraud , and that after looking at his record and the facts, you'd have to be an utter idiot to vote for him...
If the GOP establishment does this, the party will detonate. Its already well on the way to being dead, this will blow up the corpse.
Come to think of it, this is the pefect metphor for what the Trump voters are doing, and the GOP e is attempting to do...
#4
An additional thought... Do they think they can really get away with this? I regard Trump as a authoritarian populist ass, but probably not evil at heart, just a narcissist like Obama who has harnessed anger of a group of unthinking people, and is riding it to power. More like Mussolini, not Hitler.
But this attempt at subverting a broken but still semi-democratic process? This is purely evil if they try to subvert the process because they didnt like the results. These are the acts of people more akin to a Lenin, or Stalin.
Talk about inciting violence? The GOPe will be kicking the hornets nest if they try this.
#5
No Dale, you poor deluded idiot. More people in the GOP voted for someone else, not Trump, Thats not a majority oif the GOP, much less a majority of voters.
This disaster is on you. I just wonder if you are so thick that you will continue to delude yourself after this all blows up in your face. You are the Obamabots of 2016. I and others will not let you forget this.
I'm going to let this ride, but a warning: basic civility towards other commenters is required at the Burg. There are plenty of ways to make your point; do so without insulting others on the Burg.
Trailing wife will be along in a short while with the lavender clue hammer to see if you've taken this warning to heart...
#6
I wonder if we aren't approaching a point where things will demand a possibly violent revolution to fix them - not because of the people, but that the leadership is so distanced that they believe themselves immune to the changes they are causing - leaving violence as the only answer. And that is a really frightening point if you have seen what real wars look like. I have. Thats why I am fighting so hard to stop this one short of violence. Edmund Burke's condemnation of passivity stings those who sit idly by. So unlike others who so blithely give up and stand on the sidelines, I have been out working with a campaign, and trying to jolt people online to wake them up.
It hasnt worked. The temper tantrum continues. If this is what America has become, then perhaps its inevitable that the USA will fail. But not due to my standing idly by. I suggest you consider what the cost of inactivity is, and what your personal integrity, if you have any, demands of you.
So for me, Im all in on Cruz, even though its highly unlikely he can derail Trump, only deny him a first ballot win at the Convention.
And before the accusations start flying, Perry was my first choice. I liked Carson but he was weak on 2nd Amendment and foreign policy - and has turned out to be a sellout. I would have been a Rubio guy, but he sold out to the Gang of 8 and never tried to apologize or make amends, to that's what killed his candidacy for me and many others. Bush, Kasich, that lard-ass from NJ, they are all non-starters, establishment puppets.
So Cruz it is, even though Trump likely will wrap this up in a few weeks.
#11
...but that the leadership is so distanced that they believe themselves immune to the changes they are causing - leaving violence as the only answer.
Sorry chief, but that's where we're at. The Left (Dems, RINO's and oligarchs) will have to be removed by force. We are in my mind at the point of arrival at the last box. Let the festivities begin.
#12
The Trunk Establishment has been comfortable making the party Donk Lite. After handing them the House and Senate, their unsaid motto to their base has been - enjoy it, just lay back and take it, or from another cultural meme - you f****d up, you trusted us.
This is no longer conservatives vs liberals or socialist, this is not Trunks vs Donks (how can you tell the difference in too many cases anyway), no, these are the factions of Rome. Factions are headed by leaders, patrons, protectors because their follows have been stripped of the old protections of law. The is no law but power. The Left has succeeded in dividing, but may well be alarmed at the consequences when all their special interests can't generate enough power as the factions they've created in opposition.
#14
The Republican establishment is of the belief that Trump cannot beat the Democrats (I suspect that is true), so they want to try any trick they can to replace him. They delude themselves if they think any of the recognized names like Bush or Romney would come any closer than Trump. And sadly, I'm sure they can't/wouldn't try to come up with a generally acceptable replacement who could win (if so, they should have run him in the primaries.) I have no problem with an open convention - negotiate a nominee if the voters don't select one by majority - plurality isn't good enough.
#16
At this point probably no one will have a majority of delegates at the convention. That means no one is entitled to the nomination. Will the establishment try to steal it? Of course. So will Trump and everyone else. Should be interesting.
Just think of Donald Trump as a Corporate Raider. The old management has mucked up the company, lived off its revenue, and handed out favors to friends and family at the expense of the stock holders. By doing so, they have so devalued the stock that holders are seeking someone else to take over the mess. Yep, they're betting that value might actually come back to their holdings. Cause with the current entrenched management, their holdings are worthless. (see GM stockholders at the bailout). Not worth the paper it's printed on.
#18
Even if Trump does get the 'clinch' number of delegates I would expect some late rule-changing (perhaps adding super-delegates) from the GOP leadership. They do not want Trump as the nominee and don't really care that it would doom getting the Presidency (which would be a win for them as well - they would rather have Hillary or Sanders over Trump).
#19
The only ethical option is a massive push for Cruz in the primaries that remain. As stupid as a Trump win may sound, its preferred to selling out what remains of our soul to steal an election from him should he rightfully win it.
#20
Ethical, Crusader? You use ethical as something the GOPe might actually care about?
SMH that there are such rose colored glasses still in use.
I'm a Cruz guy now but have been closely watching politics since Barry Goldwater and the GOP of the post-Reagan era have drained me of any illusions that ethics, principles or morality have anything to do with it. The GOP is just one subdivision of the statist, beltway elite party.
If Trump is elected he has as good a chance of blowing up DC as anyone. And, no, I don't think he would.
#21
The GOP knuckleheads violate their own rules. Specifically 40B: Eachcandidate for nomination for President of the United States and Vice President of the United States Shall demonstrate the support of the majority of the delegates from each of (8) or more states, severally, prior to the presentation of the name of the candidate for nomination.
Then the GOP deserves to lose everything. No candidate except Trump will have 8 or more state victories
#22
The solution is for Trump to give Kasich the VP nod. That's an olive branch to the GOPe. That way Trump gets Ohio, both the delegates at the convention and the electoral votes in November. Yeah, I know, Kasich is GOPe. But that's sausage for you.
#23
People voting for Trump to blow up Washington will be sorely disappointed. He is the epitome of crony capitalism. While he might force the eGOP leaders out of the party, the spending situation and favors will remain.
Cruz is the only real hope of somewhat reigning in our wild spending party.
A eGOP chosen candidate like Bush will guarantee they will be crushed and the party will die.
I think Trump could blow it up but I doubt he would
The forcing out of all the GOPe leaders would be a help but I think he would fit in with the proto-fascist oligarchy that runs things (see Clinton Foundation et. al.) now.
#26
Darth has the truth of it. Only very rarely do individuals get elected to high office without "going native." Trump has never been elected anything (or even registered as a Republican). The safe bet is that he will go native as well.
Cruz has been there a few years without having gone native. That's rare, and worthy of support.
Cause with the current entrenched management, their holdings are worthless. (see GM stockholders at the bailout). Not worth the paper it's printed on.
Well in a recent Treasury auction of note maturing in the mid 2030s they only sold %10 of the offering. One can't help but read that as the beginning of a devolution into post WW-1 Deutchmarks.
#28
Buried in everyone's history is someone named Eisenhower. Sought by both parties. Never a party man before the 'populous' draft Ike movement. Never held political office.
No, Trump isn't Ike. However, the long list of 'he' aints doesn't match up with the real record either.
#31
Rush Limbaugh - Really?
I've never got this oxycontin addict's attraction to folks.
Isn't it kind of listening to Keith Richards for business advice?
#32
Would you like Keith Richards bank account and portfolio? Google Keith Richards net worth
I'm wonder if the hate, viciousness, and manipulations being pulled by the GOPe is the thought of Trump having direct access to all that NSA intercepted traffic that Obean uses to nudge pols with.
I'm wonder if the hate, viciousness, and manipulations being pulled by the GOPe is the thought of Trump having direct access to all that NSA intercepted traffic that Obean uses to nudge pols with.
In addition it would include data on the other billionaires who own both the GOPe and the Democrats. For Trump Inc. it would be a goldmine! Excellent idea.
#34
If Trump wins I suspect he'll get one term. The negatives are too high and they'll get worse (If he truly fixes the economy that could change of course). After one term will there be a GOP left to contest him in the primaries? Or will it simply go over to the Donks?
#38
Looks like vulture Soros is trying to fund instability through Moveon.org etc. during this election cycle. Charge him and extradite him to the US to stand trial if serious events occur.
Posted by: Ho Chi Crinens5363 ||
03/16/2016 17:25 Comments ||
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#39
Why would they cooperate with Trump?
To save their pensions. Trump has enough people to quickly replace a lot of the upper bureaucracy that does not have Civil Service protection. Trump is smart enough to recall what happened to Bush in keeping carry overs.
#43
Soros? Where did that come from? But it figures he would have a hand and money in this somewhere. Backing Hillary, right? Or is he buying Bernie as an insurance policy? Or is he funding Ayers and the would-be rioters?
You want true evil, go no further than Soros, a craven excuse for a human being who sold out fellow Jews to the Nazis.
#44
Must mean the future CPUSA of Amerika, the OWG Mighty USSA versus the OWG Weak USRoA Global SSR, where the POTUS = General Secretary + Chairman as chosen by the CPUSA Politburo + Central Committee FKA the Pro-Socialist "Unitarian" Congress + "archaic" Two-Party System.
#45
I cannot believe the GOPe is still talking about selecting someone they want. They hate Cruz and fear Trump so much they would rather destroy the GOP?
Maybe its time the GOP needs to be torn apart if this is what it has become. These dogs in DC are not the heirs of Reagan and Goldwater.
Trump has got on step in his campaign with the anger and fury of people that have been betrayed by the mainstream GOP establishment. Their anger at the betrayal of the GOPe toward the voters that have changed the composition of the House and Senate, and EVERY TIME the GOPe has betrayed this trust by giving the farm away to the dems and O&Co. People have had enough. Trump's bombast and outsider remarks have galvanized many of the public.
I would imagine that a lot of working dems feel the same way about the Democrat establishment. What is your choice?
A moonbat socialist?
A pathological liar and career criminal that gets a pass?
Who do you have in the republican bullpen?
Kasich?
Cruze?
Trump?
You have only one who is perceived as an outsider. Problem is that he is acting like a bully and not presidential.
He needs to quit attacking his opponents and to tell how he is going to downsize the power and size of government. He needs a tip from Ross Perot and have simple messages and simple visual aids to show how the government as is cannot survive---it is not sustainable.
Then he needs to offer solutions that inspire. Keep it simple, messages bite size so that they can be digested.
If he does that, he will rock the establishment and win hands down.
The worst thing the GOPe could do is to try to sabotage Trump in a backroom deal to manipulate the outcome of the convention. They do that and the anger will become fury. The GOPe will be finished.
If Hillary or Bernie gets in, the country will accelerate into bankruptcy and eventual collapse.
Regardless of Trump, Hillary, et al, this country is going headlong into a crisis. We have to face the crisis and see it through, or it will see us through. It's show time. There are not good choices. Just least awful alternatives.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
03/16/2016 23:36 Comments ||
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[DAWN] OPERATION Zarb-e-Azb ..the Pak offensive against Qaeda in Pakistain and the Pak Taliban in North Wazoo. The name refers to the sword of the Prophet (PTUI!)... may have been an urgently needed military operation, but it was also obvious at the time of its launch that it would be the apogee of counter-insurgency operations in Fata. Once Zarb-e-Azb would be completed, militarily the clear-and-hold phases across all seven agencies would have little further to go. Now, the country appears to be at a stage where the military is turning its attention to what comes after clear and hold -- in fashionable counter-insurgency parlance, that should be the build-and-transfer stages. Adjusting for local realities that would mean the mass resettlement of IDPs, Fata reforms and the rehabilitation of a civilian administrative apparatus that can focus on socioeconomic needs to bolster the security that the military has provided.
Yet, as Zarb-e-Azb comes to an operational close -- with the capture of major heights and strategic passes in North Wazoo, large-scale fighting will likely end in the region -- there are several questions that need to be asked. First though, the bravery and courage of the soldiers and military personnel who risked their lives for the country’s safety and security should be warmly applauded. What, however, about the numbers of alleged gunnies killed in the final, Shawal phase of the operation so far? The figure provided by the ISPR, 207 gunnies killed, is small for an area that has proved so difficult to capture. Have many more gunnies done what they have done before in other regions ie melted away into adjoining areas? If so, where have they gone? And what is the military’s plan to progressively stamp out the last hard boy sanctuaries?
The morphing of Zarb-e-Azb from a counter-insurgency operation in Fata into a broader counter-terrorism agenda across the country ought also to be questioned. The fight against militancy was always going to be a long one and there is a great deal of interconnectedness between militancy in Fata and terrorism in the rest of Pakistain, but specific operations do need closure. The fate of North Waziristan should be clear and separate from the very different nature of counter-terrorism and intelligence-led operations that are continuing across the country. Closure also provides a relatively straightforward way to assess military claims. Rah-e-Raast (Swat), Rah-e-Nijaat (South Waziristan), Operation Thunder (Mohmand Agency ... Named for the Mohmand clan of the Sarban Pahstuns, a truculent, quarrelsome lot. In Pakistain, the Mohmands infest their eponymous Agency, metastasizing as far as the plains of Peshawar, Charsadda, and Mardan. Mohmands are also scattered throughout Pakistan in urban areas including Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. In Afghanistan they are mainly found in Nangarhar and Kunar... ), Khyber-I and Khyber-II were each launched and eventually concluded, allowing the claims of military success to be tested against realities on the ground. Similarly, Zarb-e-Azb and its conclusion would allow Fata and its residents to turn their attention fully to reconstruction, resettlement and political reforms. For all the sacrifices made by the residents of Fata and the military, the gains are far from permanent. Fata cannot simply return to its pre-insurgency way of life. Yet, meaningful reforms and socioeconomic uplift become all the more difficult in the face of an open-ended military operation, even if just in name.
Posted by: Fred ||
03/16/2016 00:00 ||
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#2
Putin is managing things very well. Should Hilly be elected more of the same from here. Pulling out of Palmyra was brilliant. This calms the fears of the Russian people. They don't want war. Keeping Iran on a tight leach is their problem to manage in their back yard. The technology of Israel and Russia combined would be formidable. Many Russians live in Israel. I look for Russia to make overtures to India. That would be a masters stroke under the eyes of China.Well after all China just wants resources. Its messy dealing with people. Now if Trump inters the mix we should see a warming trend with Israel and Russia. Much more productive than the EU in many ways.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Wazoo
Mohmand Agency
