tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post7476440008400609041..comments2024-03-28T06:32:24.557-04:00Comments on The Elephant Bar: The US still has military spending that is higher in real, inflation-adjusted terms than it was during the peak of the Reagan cold war build-up, the Vietnam war and the Korean war. We seem to be in a state of permanent warfare, and – we have recently learned – massive government spying and surveillance of our own citizens. This is despite an ever-receding threat to the actual physical security of Americans. Only 19 people have been killed by acts of terrorism in the US since 11 September 2001, and none or almost none of these was connected to foreign terrorists. Also, there are no "enemy states" that pose a significant military threat to the US – if any governments can be called "enemy states" at all.Deuce ☂http://www.blogger.com/profile/13472858446242700869noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-87359888211589195012013-08-08T12:09:22.109-04:002013-08-08T12:09:22.109-04:00As Rat said, in the desert "it's all abou...As Rat said, in the desert "it's all about the water". The Israelis have been known to be very good at making the desert bloom.<br /><br />To your point - yes, the Arabs are not easy to deal with and water and who controls it is a thorny regional issue that also plays a direct role in the Palestinian and Israeli peace negotiations.Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16688752302081088907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-59381048779193017902013-08-07T22:37:10.461-04:002013-08-07T22:37:10.461-04:00I like my women like I like my gas...
NaturalI like my women like I like my gas...<br /><br />Naturalsamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11856051164644278989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-19604610177236441782013-08-07T22:31:35.931-04:002013-08-07T22:31:35.931-04:00Ash you should expand your vision.
The issue of w...Ash you should expand your vision.<br /><br />The issue of water is important.<br /><br />Look to the larger region to understand it better. Learn about Israel's pumping water to Jordan beyond any agreement.<br /><br />Look at usage, water recovery, sewage usage it name a few points.<br /><br />Also learn about the below issue:<br /><br />Hasbani River<br />The Hasbani River (Arabic: الحاصباني / ALA-LC: al-Ḥāṣbānī; Hebrew: נחל שניר / Nahal Snir), also known as Snir Stream within Israel, is a tributary of the Jordan river. The Hasbani River derives most of its discharge from two springs in Lebanon,[1][2] the Wazzani and the Haqzbieh, the latter being a group of springs on the uppermost Hasbani.[3] The Hasbani runs for 25 miles in Lebanon before crossing the border and joining with the Banias and Dan Rivers at a point in northern Israel, to form the River Jordan.[4] For about four kilometers downstream of Ghajar, the Hasbani forms the border between Lebanon and the Golan Heights.<br />The Wazzani's and the Haqzbieh's combined discharge averages 138 million m³ per year.[5] About 20% of the Hasbani flow[6] emerges from the Wazzani Spring at Ghajar, close to the Lebanese Israeli border, about 3 kilometers west of the base of Mount Hermon. The contribution of the Wazzani spring is very important, since this is the only continuous year-round flow into the river, in either Lebanon or Israel.[7]<br />Utilization of water resources in the area, including the Hasbani, has been a source of conflict and was one of the factors leading to the 1967 Six-Day War.[8][9] The Hasbani was included in the Jordan Valley Unified Water Plan, proposed in 1955 by special US envoy Eric Johnston.[10] Under the plan, Lebanon was allocated usage of 35 million mcm annually from it. The plan was rejected by the Arab League. Instead, at the 2nd Arab summit conference in Cairo of January 1964 the League decided that Syria, Lebanon and Jordan would begin a water diversion project. Syria started the construction of canal to divert the flow of the Banias river away from Israel and along the slopes of the Golan toward the Yarmouk River. Lebanon was to construct a canal from the Hasbani River to Banias and complete the scheme[11] The project was to divert 20 to 30 million cubic metres of water from the river Jordan tributaries to Syria and Jordan for the development of Syria and Jordan.[11][12] This led to military intervention from Israel, first with tank fire and then, as the Syrians shifted the works further eastward, with airstrikes.<br /><br /><br />Nuphar lutea in Snir stream nature reserve, Israel<br />In 2001 the Lebanese government installed a small pumping station with a 10 cm bore to extract water to supply Ghajar village.[13] In March 2002 Lebanon also diverted part of the Hasbani to supply Wazzani village. An action that Ariel Sharon said was a "casus belli" and could lead to war.<br /><br />As with many issues about the arab/israeli conflict, when you only examine the crimes of Israel and do not look at the complete picture you get a distorted view.What is "Occupation"https://www.blogger.com/profile/02054075097495500689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-66947095333141735782013-08-07T22:18:28.478-04:002013-08-07T22:18:28.478-04:00Dumb and dumber discussion things above their payg...Dumb and dumber discussion things above their paygrade...<br /><br />how fun.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-84574557943660240052013-08-07T22:06:52.136-04:002013-08-07T22:06:52.136-04:00On this day in 2007, baseball slugger Barry Bonds ...On this day in 2007, baseball slugger Barry Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron as baseball’s career home run leader. He knocked his 756th home run in San Francisco against the Washington Nationals.samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11856051164644278989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-18000176921762359272013-08-07T22:05:14.646-04:002013-08-07T22:05:14.646-04:00Newly minted Bank of England Gov. Mark Carney, in ...<i>Newly minted Bank of England Gov. Mark Carney, in a memorable public debut, on Wednesday mapped out the biggest change in the central bank's policy framework since 2009, giving a qualified pledge to keep interest rates low and its bond-purchase program at current levels at least until the U.K.'s jobless rate falls to 7%.<br /><br />The new focus on job-market conditions resembles the U.S. Federal Reserve's strategy and marks an attempt by the BOE to keep a fledgling economic recovery on track by dispelling market expectations that it could soon tighten monetary policy.</i>samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11856051164644278989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-13957110826734659242013-08-07T21:29:16.626-04:002013-08-07T21:29:16.626-04:00In the desert, it is all about the water.In the desert, it is all about the water.desert rathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369546288659566961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-70431525885561981602013-08-07T19:46:46.324-04:002013-08-07T19:46:46.324-04:00p.s. the real hard nut to crack is the settlement ...p.s. the real hard nut to crack is the settlement issue and what land actually makes up "Palestine" - for example the last agreement foundered on, among other things, the Israeli desire for all the aquifers.Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16688752302081088907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-37973462906863780492013-08-07T19:06:16.494-04:002013-08-07T19:06:16.494-04:00It did take a while, but the US cut its ties to So...It did take a while, but the US cut its ties to South Africa, disinvestment can happen, not easily but with time and effort, we will get 'er done.<br /><br />One way or another.<br /><br />;-)desert rathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369546288659566961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-76904085227655729602013-08-07T19:00:33.782-04:002013-08-07T19:00:33.782-04:00As I tried to express in my initial post I don'...As I tried to express in my initial post I don't think it will happen but there is a possibility. Yes, the US would have to threaten (and be prepared to follow through) on withdrawal of financial support to Israel. That, in itself, wouldn't be enough to force Israel into an agreement but the hammer combined with carrots could.<br /><br />As to the two issues you've raised they really shouldn't be that difficult for either side to climb down from. The "right of return" of Palis won't happen but some compensation could satisfy and Israel being recognized as a "Jewish" state really is neither here nor there vis a vis the Palestinians but rather an "add-on" to traditional demands. The status of Jerusalem I think is a more thorny issue but a 'shared city' is generally the 'solution'.<br /><br />I don't think the Israelis want, or have ever, wanted a deal unless it is on impossibly sweet terms from their perspective and that is where the hammer needs be waved by the US (and the rest of the world). The Israelis are betting that the US will never pressure them that much and they may very well be right 'cause they sure haven't to date. The US should ratchet up the pressure in my view. Will Obama? Maybe but I doubt it. Kerry is trying though and we don't have a clue what is said behind closed doors. Obviously something is going on because the negotiators have been thrust together somewhat recently after a long hiatus.<br /><br />No negotiations plays right into the Israelis hand and Bush went that route I'm hoping that Obama is looking to his legacy. Ya, ya, his power and manhood appear limited. Still, here's to hoping as opposed to your sad sack cynical existence (you know that a cynic is a fallen idealist don't you?) ;)Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16688752302081088907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-25999495845691610502013-08-07T18:05:52.857-04:002013-08-07T18:05:52.857-04:00.
Something MUCH more interesting than the ME or ....<br /><br />Something MUCH more interesting than the ME or the dicks in D.C.<br /><br /><br />http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/watch/Your-Bleeped-Up-Brain/6524445079807706112/39698499823/Memory/videos?skipTo=16&cmpid=FCST_hero_tv<br /><br />.Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-14786143852340369782013-08-07T17:55:04.087-04:002013-08-07T17:55:04.087-04:00.
The opinion of the Chief Rabbinate and six or s....<br /><br />The opinion of the Chief Rabbinate and six or seven shekels might get you a service taxi ride in Tel Aviv. Besides the settlers biggest supporters are amongst the religious. The Court has ruled that Israel is an 'occupying force' in the occupied territories. Have they ordered Israel to leave the territories? <br /><br />The US cut off aid to Israel? Lord, and I called Ash a cock-eyed optimist.<br /><br />Move over Ash, her comes Pollyanna.<br /><br />.Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-30695188029106129552013-08-07T17:29:07.506-04:002013-08-07T17:29:07.506-04:00.
"...their people's long-term..."
....<br /><br />"...their people's long-term..."<br /><br />.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-41597742440894780642013-08-07T17:27:46.147-04:002013-08-07T17:27:46.147-04:00Well, Q, we do have the Chief Rabbinate of Israel ...Well, Q, we do have the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Israel Court that ruled Israel a belligerent occupier.<br /><br />The religious and legal system of the Israeli have already moved away from lockstep support of the secular government of the socialist state of Israel.<br /><br />Now, if only the government of the US were to do the same, progress towards saving the US taxpayer billions of dollars each year could be made.desert rathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369546288659566961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-316000565942877232013-08-07T17:19:29.279-04:002013-08-07T17:19:29.279-04:00.
You are a cock-eyed optimist, Ash. I'm sur....<br /><br />You are a cock-eyed optimist, Ash. I'm surprised your potato doesn't have more of a smile and is not pictured giving the thumbs up.<br /><br />If it ever does happen (a two-state solution) it won't happen until after the current players are long gone, if then. Bibi and Abbas, even if they thought an agreement was in there peoples' long term interests, are constrained by their current coalitions. That is why both have indicated any potential agreement will have to be agreed upon by a referendum of the people.<br /><br />Both sides could buy into agreement on some issues. For instance, if Israel would offer to take a small number of the refugees back as a token to allow the PA to save face, I suspect the PA would sell the rest of the refugees out in a heartbeat just as all the other Arab nations have.<br /><br />On the other hand, when it comes to Jerusalem or the PA recognizing Israel as a 'Jewish' state, I don't see it happening. These are issues where the leaders have no room to maneuver, not Abbas with the PA and the rest of the Arab world looking on, not Netanyahu with a majority of his people and the bulk of the ruling coalition. And in Israel it will just get worse over time since the fastest growing percentage of the population includes the conservatives and the settlers.<br /><br />Isn't going to happen, not in my lifetime and likely not in yours.<br /><br />.Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-22446985860372359202013-08-07T16:17:11.300-04:002013-08-07T16:17:11.300-04:00He is not welcome any where else, don' know if...He is not welcome any where else, don' know if he's welcome here, but he refuses to leave.desert rathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369546288659566961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-69437233732275767332013-08-07T15:55:47.014-04:002013-08-07T15:55:47.014-04:00peppered by boobie droppings!peppered by boobie droppings!Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16688752302081088907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-66324526230067943512013-08-07T15:50:53.215-04:002013-08-07T15:50:53.215-04:00The Daily Deuce and rat B.S. Dialogues.The Daily Deuce and rat B.S. Dialogues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-7917019080824680652013-08-07T15:50:24.129-04:002013-08-07T15:50:24.129-04:00The Iranians are too tricky for American negotiato...The Iranians are too tricky for American negotiators. Bibi is only trying to be helpful.Deuce ☂https://www.blogger.com/profile/13472858446242700869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-70158701358555028472013-08-07T15:42:07.038-04:002013-08-07T15:42:07.038-04:00Conflicts do, eventually, end. While I am pessimi...Conflicts do, eventually, end. While I am pessimistic that a peace agreement will be formed this time around I do think that it is possible. I think a key ingredient in achieving a peace agreement is that the Israelis be enticed/coerced to make a deal and the US has considerable leverage to do so and, maybe, just maybe, Obama the stones to do it (the press hasn't portrayed him and the Israeli government being too, ummmm, friendly and he doesn't have to worry about re-election). The obstacles are many and formidable though and the Palestinians aren't the easiest folk to make a deal with. Things are pretty bad though and the prospect of eternal conflict doesn't appeal to either side but, on the other hand, the Israelis haven't had much incentive to make a deal to date and they've been slowly and steadily expanding under the status quo... Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16688752302081088907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-60790640739573273462013-08-07T15:29:32.338-04:002013-08-07T15:29:32.338-04:00.
While other issues are raised on this blog, a g....<br /><br />While other issues are raised on this blog, a good portion of it has turned into a mini ME conflict involving balls out supporters of Israeli on one side and promoters of the PA on the other. Neither side will grant that the other side has some legitimate grievances. Neither side will admit that for the most part they, in their support of their chosen side, are supporting a bunch of sectarian dicks. <br /><br />There will be no end to the conflict here just as there will be no end to the actual conflict in the ME, just repetition of the same old arguments and repetition of the same old examples, unless of course rat can find a way to link the fall of Montezuma II to the Israelis.<br /><br />IMO, of course.<br /><br />.<br /><br />.Quirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272168240606512672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-10068732394157535262013-08-07T15:25:59.013-04:002013-08-07T15:25:59.013-04:00Hate to say these strikes against "premier ta...Hate to say these strikes against "premier targets" were predicted, here at the .The Libertarian, but they were.desert rathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369546288659566961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-18717405160431423912013-08-07T15:24:22.868-04:002013-08-07T15:24:22.868-04:00Interesting that the Israeli do not want there to ...Interesting that the Israeli do not want there to be any negotiations, wanting to derail any move towards a more moderate Iran. Seems Bibi cannot function without a boogy man over the horizon. Must be outside his skill sets.<br /><br />desert rathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369546288659566961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-91839343731023626762013-08-07T15:23:45.481-04:002013-08-07T15:23:45.481-04:00Had the seven ”AQ” been in Syria we would have sup...Had the seven ”AQ” been in Syria we would have supplied them with weapons instead of killing them.Deuce ☂https://www.blogger.com/profile/13472858446242700869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21297199.post-28094287925555362692013-08-07T15:22:20.143-04:002013-08-07T15:22:20.143-04:00Someone had to die and the quicker the better
New...<b> Someone had to die and the quicker the better</b><br /><br />New US drone strikes reportedly killed seven alleged al-Qaida members in southern Yemen on Wednesday after the government in Sana'a claimed to have foiled a large-scale terrorist attack and the US and Britain evacuated their embassy staff.<br /><br />Security officials told the Associated Press the latest drone attacks hit targets in Shabwa province, where residents reported seeing two vehicles and several bodies on fire.<br /><br />The news came as details emerged in the capital of an ambitious plan by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a "franchise" of the global terrorist network, to attack oil installations and towns.<br /><br />Rajeh Badi, press adviser to Prime Minister Mohammed Salem Basindwa, said the plot involved dozens of fighters in Yemeni army uniforms storming the facilities on Sunday night, and holding them. Yemeni officials spoke of a plan to take control of the Mina al-Dhaba oil terminal, which is run by Canada, in the Mukallah region on the Arabian Sea.<br /><br />The US state department said on Tuesday that its decision to close its embassy and to repeat a call for all US citizens to leave the country had been prompted by a "specific and immediate threat."<br /><br />US intelligence is reported to have earlier intercepted "chatter" indicating an impending terrorist attack, along with a conversation between the al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is believed to be in hiding in Pakistan, and Nasser al-Wuhayshi, the head of AQAP.Deuce ☂https://www.blogger.com/profile/13472858446242700869noreply@blogger.com