Friday, 15 December 2006
 

The Kofi Carol
Contributed by George Mellinger

A couple years back I loaned this offering to another blog which has sadly gone to that great blogroll in the sky, so I shall post it again here in honor of the holiday season and of the momentous changes at the United (sic) Nations.

Kwanzaa has not really caught on as a significant holiday, not having any central figure to celebrate, but since it is a made-up holiday anyhow, perhaps we can mix it with observations in behalf of Kofi Annan. If we can squeeze him into Kwanzaa, perhaps both the man and the holiday may be remembered. And besides, a holiday is the only thing Kofi hasn't yet stolen.  It just needs a song. And so, I offer you...

The Twelve Days of Annanzaa

On the first  day of Annanzaa the UN gave to me

A sniper in a palm tree.

On the second day of Annanzaa the UN gave to me

Two pseudo-doves

And a sniper in a palm tree.

<.....>

Twelve Countries bumming

Eleven gripers griping

Ten spies a-peeping

Nine peace-keepers sleeping

Eight agencies milking

Seven inspectors skimming

Six commissioners preying

Five bribery rings

Four brawling Kurds

Three false friends

Two pseudo-doves

And a sniper in a palm tree.

-Rurik

The Poet Lariat

If you think this is a lynching, it only gets verse.

Contributed by George Mellinger on December 15, 2006 at 03:13 PM in DisUnited Nations, George Mellinger, Poetry | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 05 December 2006
 

Once For Yea, Twice For Nay
Contributed by The Gray Dog

Some days I don’t know whether to commit suicide or go bowling.  I was somewhat disheartened weeks ago when Rummy resigned, but for some reason I’m taking the news about John Bolton a little harder. I really like JB. He’s a “take no prisoners” kind of guy that couldn’t be bullied by the third world thugs that overrun the U.N. and he certainly isn’t your typical smug, debate society type that shares “pinky up” High Tea with Kofi and the boys in between Security Council votes.  Nope, I rather fancy old John as my kind of guy; a fellow gray dog.  The President was behind him, and there were ways he could have remained on the job.  But for some inexplicable reason, JB wasn’t interested any longer.  That’s why I have decided to ask for your support in urging President Bush to nominate me, The Gray Dog, as John Bolton’s replacement for U.N. Ambassador.

Continue reading "Once For Yea, Twice For Nay"

Contributed by The Gray Dog on December 5, 2006 at 06:51 PM in Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, The Gray Dog, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Dutch Distribute Badges Of Dishonor
Contributed by Bill Faith

[Posted here by accident. Read it here where I intended to post it to begin with. I guess I need to learn to only open one TypePad tab at a time.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on December 5, 2006 at 02:23 PM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 14 November 2006
 

Blogging for Bolton
Contributed by Bill Faith

(Please read the post immediately below this one first if you haven't yet.)

Are you willing to pay to have a voice at the U.N.?
Bruce Kesler

Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Bravo, Claudia. Bravo Ambassador Bolton.
Posted by Hugh Hewitt | 12:04 AM

If Ambassador Bolton is refused an up-or-down vote by the Senate, I will join Claudia in the necessary fund-raising drive to collect and donate his salary to him.

I heard a lecture by the New York Times' James Traub at the Newberry Library in Chicago yesterday that convinced me Bolton is the greatest thing to happen to the U.N. since Ambassador Kirkpatrick. If Lincoln Chafee's seemingly infinite mediocrity prevents Bolton from having an up-or-down vote in the Senate, President Bush should again use his recess appointment power to keep Bolton at his post. ( I believe but am not certain that President Clinton followed this path with Bill Lann Lee.) Bolton would then serve without formal pay, but as Claudia notes, there are thousands of Americans willing to help keep him at his post if the president is willing to do so.  ...

Email President Bush that you will contribute to Bolton’s salary. president@whitehouse.gov

Continue reading "Blogging for Bolton

Contributed by Bill Faith on November 14, 2006 at 01:32 PM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Politics | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Bellwether?
Contributed by Zero Ponsdorf

John Bolton's position at the UN looks to be the first milestone on the road to perdition. Don Surber offers this:

The death warrant for Israel has been signed. Last week, the world through the racketeer-influenced and controlled organization known as the UN would have condemned Israel if not for a veto by John Bolton.

He'll be gone in January, a victim of Democratic ignorance and Republican cowardice. The Western World thinks it can sacrifice Israel to be spared this Islamic nutjob.

Remember, first they came for the Jews ...

Read the article

Don doesn't go far enough, I think, but he's certainly correct in his analysis concerning what will happen to Bolton.

One should ask; will the west actually sacrifice Israel? Israel isn't Mogadishu, after all. Israel will NOT  fade into a page 6 story if we bail out. In terms even the liberal/left can understand - Israel will not go quietly to avoid disturbing our 2008 elections. No amount of spin will turn glowing, glassy craters into garden pools. 

Contributed by Zero Ponsdorf on November 14, 2006 at 01:05 PM in Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, Islamism Delenda Est, Zero Ponsdorf | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Wednesday, 01 November 2006
 

The Greatest of all Evils.
Contributed by The Gray Dog

On November 7th, Election Day, there will be three great evils that voters should consider.  The first two are well known to the electorate and are usually lumped together, specifying one, implying the other.  So, what the hell am I talking about?  The lesser of two evils.

It would seem that the conservatives have tired of voting for the lesser of two evils.  I know it grates on me at the polls every election day.  Bush spends like a drunken sailor, Frist couldn’t lead a conga line, Foley is a pervert and Hastert should have acted sooner to bust him.  Could, should the American electorate expect and deserve better choices?  Hell yes!  How do we get them?  By opting for the greater of two evils?  Hell no!

Look at the last paragraph and then think of the opposites.  The greater of two evils!

Would anyone have been content with President Al Gore on 9/11 or the second coming of JFK to wrap it up in Iraq?  Would Tom Daschle or Harry Reid offer you any comfort.  Does the thought of Nancy Pelosi, just two heartbeats away from the presidency lift your skirt? 

What is left is the third evil; the greatest evil of all.  Teach those worthless pretend conservatives a lesson; stay home, don’t vote.  Throw our country into endless Democratic investigations and hearings, let them set the agenda; roll back tax cuts, withhold funding for the war on terror, impeach W, repeal the Patriot Act, stop NSA eavesdropping on terrorists cells, keep the southern borders open, enter new bi-lateral talks with North Korea and Iran (give them more nuclear technology to make them play nice), turn foreign policy over to France and the U.N., abandon Israel, close down Wall-Mart, raise minimum wages to $20/hr, socialize healthcare, neuter the CIA, prosecute our troops, leave Iraq to Al-Qaeda, publicly fund Air America, resurrect CNN and MSNBC, replace Christmas with Xmas, Easter with spring break, and finally 4th of July with mid-summer holiday. 

What’s really hysterical about this attitude is that conservatives will do this purportedly to increase their chances of success in keeping the White House in 2008.  Guess what idiots?  All you’ve done is bring it back full circle.  The lesser of two evils.

So two years of upheaval, backslide, turmoil and chaos is worth it for what? 

A chance to vote in 2008 for the lesser of two evils again?

Speak out.  Visit the forum to chime in.  Don’t be shy!  www.oldwardogs.org

Contributed by The Gray Dog on November 1, 2006 at 09:45 PM in CIA/NSA Treason, Current Affairs, Dem Dumbness, DisUnited Nations, G W Bush, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jean Fraud Kerry, Patriotism, Politics, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 31 October 2006
 

October Surprise.
Contributed by The Gray Dog

Down to the wire, the October Surprise was unleashed upon the Democrats yesterday.  Surprisingly it wasn’t launched by the Republicans, but instead the liberal’s very own “useful idiot” John Kerry. 

"You know, education - if you make the most of it - you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq,"

With that comment the Old War Dogs are pleased to make known their own 11th hour October surprise:

The Old War Dogs Forum is now open for membership at www.oldwardogs.org

This site was to be announced next week, but in light of Kerry’s comment and the importance of next week’s elections we hope you will visit what promises to be an exciting place for discourse on the issues of the day.

Participation does require registration, so don’t be shy.

Contributed by The Gray Dog on October 31, 2006 at 07:57 PM in 9/11, Afghanistan, Bill Faith, Bill's Bites, Bobbie Craig, Caring about our troops, CIA/NSA Treason, Current Affairs, Dem Dumbness, DisUnited Nations, G W Bush, Gene Harrison, George Mellinger, Iran, Iraq, Islamism Delenda Est, Jean Fraud Kerry, Jim Bartimus, Lloyd A. King, Mad Jack Murtha, Open Posts, Patriotism, Politics, Religion, Russ Vaughn, Shane Briscoe, Steve Gardner, The American Warrior, The Gray Dog, US Air Force, US Army, US Coast Guard, US Marine Corps, US Navy, Video, Viet Nam, War? What war?, William "1stCav" Page, Zero Ponsdorf | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Thursday, 19 October 2006
 

A Tale of Two Cities Americas
Contributed by The Gray Dog

Two years ago, Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards campaigned with the theme “Two Americas.”  It was typical liberal tripe that attempted to evoke a form of class warfare between the evil wealthy corporate Republicans and the poor starving children.  And while Edward’s characterization of two Americas was off mark, the core phrase has rung true to throughout America’s history.  Tories vs. Patriots, Union vs. Confederacy and White Sox vs. Cubs are but of the few rivalries that have threatened our nation’s existence.

Only forty years ago, Malcolm X advocated for the creation of a new black nation by having the U.S. cede to the Black Muslim leadership, five southern states for that purpose. Oh that “X,” what a joker.  It was a screwball idea that the X-man in later years publicly recanted, but I have begun to believe the idea of really creating two Americas is not without some charm.  After all, since the 2000 presidential election, we have become a nation of “Red” and “Blue” states.  So why not make it formal?   No civil war would be necessary.  Just treat it like a messy divorce. 

Property Settlement

Real and tangible property: Each state shall retain ownership and/or governance of all land, buildings, businesses, military bases and natural resources through the consent of its citizenry, as it exists within each state at the time of this decree. 

Washington D.C.: Like post-war Berlin, the District of Columbia will be partitioned. 

Capital Hill (Blue)
The Blue States shall receive the Capital Building where they may continue to populate the flatulence filled dome with the same bilious bastards that have been stinking up the place for decades. (The Red States shall have a new red barn constructed in central Iowa, where the elected representatives shall meet two weekends each year to conduct the governments business)

The U.S. Constitution (Red)
Since liberal judges have been ignoring this document for over a century, the Constitution with the original Bill of Rights is awarded to the Red States.  As a conciliatory measure, all additional unnecessary amendments are awarded to the Blue States.  By default, The Supreme Court Building also goes Red.

Continue reading "A Tale of Two Cities Amreicas"

Contributed by The Gray Dog on October 19, 2006 at 08:48 PM in 1st Amendment, 2nd Amendment, Caring about our troops, Current Affairs, Dem Dumbness, DisUnited Nations, G W Bush, Islamism Delenda Est, Jean Fraud Kerry, Music, Patriotism, Peacenik Stupidity, Politics, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Saturday, 09 September 2006
 

Remembering September 10, 2001
Contributed by The Gray Dog

For the next several days, ink splatters on newsprint, pixilated images wafting through the airwaves and burning brightly on millions of computer monitors will commemorate the emotional events of 9/11. As it is my nature to avoid crowds, I choose to focus on the America that existed on September 10, 2001.

In looking back, it is difficult to contemplate 9/10 outside the context of 9/11.  While researching the headlines from our last days of innocence, I expected to find some significant contrast to the news stories of today.  After 9/11 and nearly five years into the Global War on Terrorism, I instinctively felt that America had to be fundamentally changed, more focused, perhaps more mature. But, then again, perhaps not.  The following Chicago Tribune headlines from the thirty days leading to September 10th in both 2001 and 2006 tell the story.

Immigration

2001 - “Immigration deal ‘must be fair,’ U.S. says White House will target lawbreakers.”
2006 – “Why this immigration rights march is brought to you by Miller.”

While the White House has maintained a ‘fair but tough” stance on illegal immigration, no new laws or enforcement of existing laws appears to be imminent.  Meanwhile, illegal aliens have become the envy of many hapless sports franchises, by picking up corporate sponsorship from a major beer distributor.  After a rough week crossing through arid deserts and swimming the Rio Grande, “It’s Miller Time.’”

President Bush

2001 - “Lawmakers battle Bush over secrecy; Executive privilege debate rages anew.”
2006 - “NSA Wiretaps ruled illegal.”

“Well, the liberals still have not forgiven Bush for ‘stealing’ the 2000 election.  Their hatred is so blinding that they still will imperil our national security in an attempt to undermine our chief executive.”

Israel

2001 - “Bombs rattle Jerusalem; Palestinians say blasts are reprisal for leader’s death.”
2006 - “Israel accused of truce violation.”

“Israel still can do no right.  It has no right to defend itself.  It has no right to exist.”

Osama bin Laden

2001 - “U.S. citizens alerted about possible threat.”  Richard Boucher declined to comment on whether the threat came from Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden, wanted in the 1998 U.S. Embassy attacks.
2006 – “Video shows Osama bin Laden meeting with September 11 plotters.”

“I’m waiting for the shrewd investigative reporter to announce that bin Laden has discovered a secret method of traversing the Space/Time continuum.  How else does one explain that all headlines continue to report his activities of three to five years ago?”

Rumsfeld

2001 - “’Rumsfeld poised to dump 2-war strategy.  New Goal: Defeat one enemy, repel a second.”
2006 - “Seeing through Rummy’s fantasy.”

“Strategy or fantasy?  Have we defeated an enemy or repelled them?  The same questions remain unanswered.”

North Korea

2001 - “North Korea proposes to renew talks with South.”
2006 - “Soldiers exchange shots along border.  South Korean soldiers fired back six rounds.”

“I guess the South decided to talk back.”

Iran

2001 - “Iran cracks down again; detains liberal filmmaker.”
2006 - “Iran’s president: ‘Purge universities.’”

“Where is the ACLU when you need it?  How can anyone worry about nuclear programs at a time like this?”

UN/Kofi Annan

2001 - “U.S., Israel abandon UN race summit; Powell denounces ‘hateful language’ in proclamation.”
2006 - UN Chief can’t sway Iran; Ahmadinejad and Kofi Annan meet Sunday in Teheran.  Little progress was reported.”

“Still the model of diplomatic efficiency, this anti-Semitic gathering of third world tyrants do nothing more than legally evade millions of dollars in NYC parking fines.”

NY Yankees

2001 - 9/10: Yankees lead Boston in the A.L. East by 13 games.
2006 - 9/9:   Yankees lead Boston in the A.L. East by 9 games.

“Some things never change.”

My research was intended to discover a naïve and narcissistic country five years ago.  I am disheartened to admit that I only had to look at today to find it (so who is naive?).  It is no wonder that we have not progressed.  While we are engaged in a multi-front Global War on Terrorism, Americans at home are unaffected.  There are no shortages, rationing, blackouts or shelters.  Instead, we are blessed with a strong economy and abundance as we smugly sit in our comfortable living rooms anxiously awaiting a new season of American Idol.

Except for the men and women of our military and their families and friends, there is no visible sign that America is in a struggle for its very survival. For most Americans, the biggest battle anticipated this weekend is between Peyton and Eli Manning.  Are you ready for some football?

While others rightfully remember the atrocities of 9/11, we should be mindful of 9/10.  Nothing has really changed.  Isn’t it time?

Contributed by The Gray Dog on September 9, 2006 at 03:08 PM in 9/11, Best of Old War Dogs, Caring about our troops, Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, G W Bush, Iran, Israel, Politics, The Gray Dog, War? What war? | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Sunday, 03 September 2006
 

My Night with Mahmoud
Contributed by The Gray Dog

The Gray Dog’s Note:  After curling up on my mat last night for a peaceful evening’s repose, I was startled to awaken, finding that I had somehow been transported to the President’s residence in Teheran.  There I was snout to snout with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.  Utilizing my years of obedience training, I recovered quickly to take advantage of this unique opportunity and thus obtained this exclusive OWD interview with the Iranian President.

TGD: Mr. President, On behalf of my OWD pack and all dogs everywhere I would like to thank you for this unexpected opportunity. 

MA: You are quite welcome Mr. Gray Dog, it’s a pleasure to speak with such a fine looking member of your species.

TGD: Grrr… Please stop scratching my ear!  I’m not Mike Wallace!

MA: Ah!  Mike Wallace. Still a fine looking gentleman, for his age.

TGD: Enough of the pleasantries. I’m here to discuss Iran’s defiance of the UN deadline to halt its uranium enrichment program.  What do you have to say about potential economic sanctions that may be proposed?

MA: Nuts!

TGD: Nuts?  That’s it?

MA: No, Mr. Dog. Not just any nuts; Persian Pistachio Nuts.  Even after I led, uh, I mean the Iranian students held your embassy hostage for 444 days; Americans are still after our nuts. Any UN sanctions against the sovereign nation of Iran, will force us to keep our nuts at home.

TGD: With all due respect Mr. President, I don’t think the United States will be affected by your embargo.  After all, the entire Mid-East is loaded with nuts. Hell, we have quite a collection of nuts back home as well. 

MA: Ah yes, I recall your ex-president Jimmy Carter is an expert in that field.  Yet, even he couldn’t compete with Iranian nuts during, what did you Americans call it; The Hostage Crisis?  No, I don’t think the poor, imprisoned and under insured American public will settle for your domestic nuts. 

TGD: Please, I promise to get back to your nuts later.  Instead, I would like to focus on your last comments about the problem of America’s poor, imprisoned and under insured.  Are you claiming that Iran does not have citizens that are poor, imprisoned and lacking access to health care?

MA: Oh, no, no, Mr. Dog.  We have all of that in Iran.  The difference is we don’t see it as a problem.

TGD: I don’t quite follow.  Could you explain?

MA: You Americans are so foolish.  It’s a matter of faith.  In our Iranian paradise, if you are a criminal, poor or sick, the solution is simple; you die!  Afterwards, you go to your heavenly reward of seventy-two virgins.

TGD: I must agree that’s a pretty nifty solution; for Iranian men anyway.  I just don’t see that being a great reward for your female population.

MA: Ha!  Who cares?  Besides, have you ever peeked underneath one of those Burkhas?  Whoo Doggie!

TGD: Arrrf!  There’s no need to be insulting now!

MA: My apologies, Mr. Dog.  No insult was intended.  Did I mention that I find you strangely attractive?

TGD: Eh, yes. Now please answer directly.   America is not alone in its concern over your nuclear program.  Do you or do you not plan to comply with UN Resolution 1696?

MA: As you may know, I was visited by Kofi Annan yesterday.  And Iran has agreed to renewed talks.

TGD:    Kofi Annan?  I thought we were off the topic of nuts!  Besides, what is there left to talk about?

MA: GD, may I call you GD?  It is not so important what we talk about.  It is only important that we talk…and talk…and talk.  Anyway, Kofi is such a handsome man, and so agreeable to talk with.   May I offer you a treat?

TGD:   Er, no thanks. It appears you already have someone eating out of your hand.  Now let go of my tail so we can continue!  I’d like to get back to your uranium enrichment program.  You claim that it is solely for the development of domestic energy, yet your country has more than enough oil to meet your energy needs for decades, if not centuries.  Can you explain this please?

MA: It is the fault of the corrupt capitalistic American oil companies!

TGD: Once again, Mr. President, you’ve lost me.

MA: Look around Iran, Mr. Dog.  The evil western oil lords drilled and drilled our beautiful deserts, exploited our people while stealing our oil.  It was only after we nationalized our rightful property that we discovered the American devils had not built any refineries for us.  Americans truly are heartless bastards!

TGD: Forgive me Mr. President; Are you saying you have the ability to develop technology to enrich uranium and build nuclear energy facilities, yet are incapable of building oil refineries? 

MA: Oh, for such a fine looking beast, you are just like all Americans that fail to understand the Persian culture.  Mr. Dog, Iran does not develop anything. We barter!

TGD: Barter?

MA: Of course!  We have oil the Russians and the Chinese need.  They in turn provide us with American nuclear technology.

TGD: What?  How do the Russians and Chinese get Ameri…..  Oh!  I forgot.  Another American president with nuts bigger than brains.

MA: Mr. Dog!  I would have thought you would appreciate President Clinton.  After all, he has beautiful gray hair, much like your own. 

TGD: Mine is fur Mr. President. Fur!  Anyway, fortunately for America, you have to deal with President Bush now!

MA: Ah yes.  This has been unfortunate.  But we will stall and wait out the Americans for two more years until we elect the next President Clinton.

TDG: WE? 

MA: Heh, heh.  Did I say we?  What I meant to say was when the progressives within the U.S. take back control of your government. 

TGD: I’m sorry, Mr. President, but I really sense that you believe yourself to have some control over the American electorate.

MA: For such a wise old dog, you are acting so naïve.  Of course…

It was at that moment that a familiar feminine voice called out from behind the door; “Mahmoud!
Are you coming back to bed?  I’ve got to leave for New York to start my new job Tuesday.”

MA: Uh, forgive me, Mr. Gray Dog, but I must end our interview.  I, uh, seem to be neglecting another guest.  Perhaps we can chat again soon.

Ahmadinejad arose and called back to the closed door, “I’ll be right there Katie.”  Immediately, my senses were over loaded, and through the fog rapidly developing in my head, I realized that the Iranian president had literally been in bed with the UN and the American media.  First, Mike Wallace, then Kofi, and now the new anchor for CBS.  As my head became lighter, and my knees weakened, I knew I had little time left to attack.  Before the Iranian president could turn away, I mustered all of my strength for one desperate lunge.  As contact was made, I succumbed to the fog.

What seemed like hours later, I awoke to find myself at rest on my old comfortable mat.  Unsure of what had just happened, I slowly arose in the darkness of my room and started for my water bowl. Crunch…, crunch...  Using all of my senses, I discovered I was treading upon a couple of Persian nuts. Pistachios, perhaps?   Heh, heh, I think not!

To sleep, perchance to dream.

Contributed by The Gray Dog on September 3, 2006 at 12:16 PM in Best of Old War Dogs, Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, Iran, Politics, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack

Monday, 21 August 2006
 

RE:
Israeli Commando Raid: the Case of the Curious Omission
Contributed by The Gray Dog

A "Best of Old War Dogs" featured post. The webmaster is backdating this post to keep it near the top of the blog for a while. Please scroll down for newer posts.

This item was originally posted 2006.08.20.10:41.

In a post written at Big Lizards by Dafydd, and excerpted here at OWD by Bill Faith, the author summarizes that the blogosphere and news media divided neatly into two groups:

1. Those who think Israel ran a feckless and infantile "pseudowar," and that the United States salvaged what little it could with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the ceasefire agreement;
2. Those who think Israel was right on the brink of annihilating Hezbollah, when the US stuck out an invisible foot to trip them up, then dragged them, kicking and screaming, to the ceasefire.

Both the author and my OWD colleague align themselves in Camp 1, with Dafydd asserting,” The fact that we are still, today, championing Israel's right to conduct this commando raid while the ceasefire is in effect, that we refuse to characterize it as a violation, speaks volumes about which camp is correct.”

Dafydd ends his analysis with the following summary:

The United States still backs Israel in its actual warfare against Hezbollah (contrary to those folks in Camp 2, who cannot let go their charming fantasies about almighty Israel) -- and the mainstream media still supports the other side.

This old dog would take exception to the “two camp” argument as being an over simplification of past six week’s events, but first, I will state two areas of agreement with the author:

1. Israel did run a feckless and infantile “pseudo-war”.
2. America (and Bush) support Israel.

The questions remain:  Why did Israel react so timidly? And, what has been the value of American support?

It has been reported that Olmert had initially wanted to enter into Lebanon with a significant ground force, only to accede to intelligence assessments that proved to be grossly incorrect in their estimation of Hezbollah’s missile stockpile as well as their ability to relocate and avoid detection.  This occurred not only before Israel’s initial strike, but continued to be their Achilles’ heel throughout the first several weeks.  Day after day, reports from the Israeli government predicted that Hezbollah had been pushed far enough north to eliminate the threat to their cities.  No sooner would such statements be released when a new volley of Katyusha’s would reign down on Haifa.  Unfortunately for the Olmert government, world opinion had rapidly shifted from its initial condemnation of Hezbollah to one that repudiated Israel’s disproportionate response.

In hind sight it becomes obvious that Olmert’s initial instincts were correct. But I wonder if his late change in heart was a result of placing too much trust in Aman (Military Intelligence) or if it was the common weakness found in most western democratic leaders who must attempt to balance internal political realities with external strategic goals.  In the end, does it matter? 

Many might say that the reason is unimportant in light of the fact that the result still remains an unsatisfactory standoff that leaves a ticking bomb set to announce the commencement of round two in the very near future.  These are the people set to toss the baby out with the bath water.  I personally want to believe that Olmert has learned a valuable lesson and will trust his gut and establish a firmer hand when the next round begins.  One way to ensure that is to have America provide more than tepid back channel support.

George Bush and Condi have given plenty of lip service in support of Israel, but in practice have engaged in the type of nuanced diplomacy one might have expected from a Kerry administration.  The fact that a resolution was agreed upon with France, no matter how fleeting their support was, ensured a solution that lacked soundness or enforceability. It has been only a few short years since America acted in defiance of the UN and began an assault on Iraq.  What has changed in three years to make us engage this august body as the ultimate arbiter of dispute?

America’s support of Israel in this latest conflict is reminiscent of a playground skirmish between a persecuted kid and the school bully.  With nervous anticipation, America gathered around the contestants with the rest of its classmates ready to cheer on and “stand behind” their buddy.  And while their friend is taking all the punishment, everyone else criticizes the little guy’s tactics and his inability to dispose of the bully.  In the end, America and its classmates dutifully report to the principal’s office to await a proper punishment to be dispensed by the higher authority.

Yes, I agree with Dafydd and Bill Faith that there is plenty of room for second guessing Israel’s half-hearted response to Hezbollah, but I still maintain that America and George Bush have offered no support of substance.  Instead we have smugly sat back and turned allies into surrogates in the War on Terror.  This was a bad tactic used by several presidents during the cold war and certainly not something I would have expected from that same man that said “You’re either with us or you’re against us.” 

Contributed by The Gray Dog on August 21, 2006 at 12:00 PM in Best of Old War Dogs, Bill Faith, Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, G W Bush, Hezbollah, Israel, Lebanon, Politics, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Israeli PM rejects UNIFIL troops
from countries without relations (Updated and bumped)
Contributed by Bill Faith

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel would not accept the presence of peacekeepers in Lebanon from countries that don't have diplomatic relations with the state, officials said on Sunday.

The decision complicated efforts by the United Nations to form a 15,000-strong peacekeeping force to help enforce a truce that ended 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hizbullah.

The decision was made at a meeting of Olmert's inner Security Cabinet, meeting participants said.

"We will not agree that countries which do not have relations with Israel will participate in the multinational force," Olmert was quoted as saying ....

[Read on. H/T: Dan Riehl]

*** Update and bump. Original timestamp 206.08.20.15:58

Israel Rejects Peacekeepers Who Reject Israel

Israel has formally rejected the UN's plan to comprise its bolstered UNIFIL force with nations who do not recognize Israel. Ehud Olmert has warned Lebanon and the UN that it will not abide by 1701 if the UN stations hostile troops on its northern border:

ISRAEL said last night that it would veto the presence in Lebanon of peace-keeping forces from nations with which it does not have diplomatic links.

Ehud Olmert, the Prime Minister, ruled out countries that do not recognise Israel, complicating the already difficult task of assembling 15,000 troops to oversee the United Nations’ ceasefire resolution and bolster Lebanese forces.

Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh — Muslim states that do not have diplomatic links to Israel — are among the few countries that have offered troops for the stabilisation force that is expected to be led by European troops.

[Read on.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 21, 2006 at 09:43 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Hezbollah, Islamism Delenda Est, Israel, Lebanon, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Annan to give UNIFIL 'teeth'
Contributed by Bill Faith

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is expected to recommend Monday that the rules of engagement of the enhanced UNIFIL force to be deployed in Lebanon include opening fire on Hizbullah where necessary, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

[...]

Israel has been pushing for the need for an effective force, arguing that one of the criteria would be the ability to open fire on Hizbullah if the force saw, for instance, Hizbullah launching rockets toward Israel. ...

[Read the whole thing. H/T: Ed Morrissey, who comments here.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 21, 2006 at 09:24 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Hezbollah, Islamism Delenda Est, Israel, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Disproportionate Response II
Contributed by Bill Faith

[...]

From the Boston Herald: With doublespeaking France, honor gets lost in translation.

In recent weeks, France stepped forward to act as a broker of peace in Lebanon. “Act” is the key verb in that last sentence, as it now would seem that the only other verifiable part of the sentence is “in recent weeks.”

To correctly parse that sentence, one must understand that when France suggested it wanted to broker peace in Lebanon, it did not necessarily mean “broker” or “peace” or “Lebanon” in the way we might understand those words. The same is true when France further suggested it wanted to “lead” a “strong” “multinational” “force” there.

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 21, 2006 at 01:02 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, France, Islamism Delenda Est, Lebanon, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Sunday, 20 August 2006
 

The NYT Could Find a Lesson Here.
Contributed by The Gray Dog

I was astounded to say the least, to read the following straight news stories that contained little or no editorializing.  The reports appear to be factual, honest and without bias.  I now truly believe that soon, hell will freeze over and the Cubs will win the pennant.  Click on any of the articles below to discover the surprising source.

France wobbles on troops promise

Israel arrests senior Hamas politician

Hezbollah warned not to violate truce

Israeli jets fly over Lebanon

Contributed by The Gray Dog on August 20, 2006 at 12:47 PM in Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, Hezbollah, Israel, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Thursday, 17 August 2006
 

The Heat is On.
Contributed by The Gray Dog

A "Best of Old War Dogs" featured post. The webmaster is backdating this post to keep it near the top of the blog for a while. Please scroll down for newer posts.

This item was originally posted 2006.08.14.21:53.

It was an undercard bout that promised to produce the leading Mideast contender for the title, but instead turned into a spectacle only Vince McMahon could have produced.  The long anticipated battle between Ehud “Star of David” Olmert and Hassan “Jihadi” Nasrallah delivered little excitement in the early moments of their heavyweight duel, before a sellout crowd at the Ariel Sharon – Teva Pharmaceutical Center.  But as typical with any WWF event, this battle between the two Mideast hopefuls became more interesting as other WWF members arrived at ringside, turning this confrontaion into a wild Texas style tag team death match.

Upon learning the match was in progress, George “Screamin’ Eagle” Bush arrived at the arena on short notice only to discover Bashar “My father was the president too” Assad and Mahmoud “Big Blast” Ahmadinejad were already in Jihadi’s corner distracting referee Kofi “The Corrupt” Annan, while Nasrallah was eye-gouging Olmert in the opposite corner. 

Olmert was expected to make short work of Nasrallah before his home town fans.  However, a number of season ticket holders were quick to scalp their seats and head south once the match was announced.  As latecomers to the event arrived, the crowd became more hostile to “Star of David” causing him to appear dazed and confused at times.  As Screamin’ Eagle crossed the ring to protest Nasrallah’s fouls to Annan, ringside seats were being filled by the likes of Vladimir “Still KGB” Putin and Jacques “Waterloo” Chirac.  Further back in the crowd, seated together were “Condi” and John “Lightning” Bolton. 

While Jihadi continued his illegal assaults on our champion, the crowd’s attention remained distracted by the sideshow going on in Jihadi’s corner.  As Screamin Eagle engaged in the customary hair pulling and nose yanking tactics with President Too and Big Blast, the Star in frustration lobbed a couple of folding chairs toward his opponent’s corner that landed in a crowd of innocent spectators.  In a sudden development of spine that defied all evolutionary theory, Kofi the Corrupt, immediately stopped all action in the ring to issue a stern warning to Olmert.  KGB and Waterloo immediately leapt to their feet to lead the cheering crowd as President Too and Big Blast advanced menacingly towards Screamin’ Eagle.  As action resumed, Eagle returned to Star’s corner signaling Condi and Lightning to begin mingling with the crowd.  The death match continued, with the referee calling all observable fouls on Olmert while looking toward President Too and Big Blast for instructions. Jihadi continued his assaults unabated.  In the mean time, Condi, Lightning, KGB and Waterloo made their way to the beer concession for a nacho and brew. 

At the final rest period before the final round, Star’s corner was visited by Bebe “The Opposer”  Netanyahu, who clearly was delivering an inspirational pep talk to our beleaguered hero.  President Too and  Blast were frantically fanning Jihadi with a “Gold and Green” flag urgently beckoning the warrior to hold on, with assurances that help was on the way.  Olmert searched the crowd for Eagle, who had retired to the back of the arena. There he was, enjoying a non-alcoholic brew and conspiring with KGB and Waterloo to put in the fix for this match.

As the final bell rang, the Star bolted from his corner with lightning speed and precision moves.  Jihadi, was stunned as Olmert leap-frogged over him, leaving him to wonder if there was anywhere to run.  President Too and Big Blast stood idle, unsure of their next move.  A few muffled cheers emerged from the crowd, “Ol - mert, Ol – mert, Ol – mert”.  Finally, this was what the crowd had come to witness. 

Jihadi knew he had been weakened and overpowered. In this moment of weakness, Allah smiled.  A barrage of white towels poured down from the arena.  President Too and Big Blast ran into the ring and hefted Jihadi onto their shoulders screaming “Allah Ak-bar, we are victorious.”  Star returned to his corner, humiliated by the crowd’s booing.  Eagle, Condi, Lightning, KGB and Waterloo slinked quietly to their waiting limousines, while Kofi the Corrupt wrapped several of the white towels around his head and ducked out though a side entrance.

The governing council of the WWF failed to announce a winner, giving way to speculation that a rematch is soon in the offing.  While agents work fervently to iron out details, a pay-per-view event has been tentatively scheduled for September 11, 2006  on Al-Jazeera.  CBS has announced they will be awarded broadcast rights within the U.S.

Contributed by The Gray Dog on August 17, 2006 at 12:01 PM in Best of Old War Dogs, Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, G W Bush, Hezbollah, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Politics, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 15 August 2006
 

Israeli F-15s downed over Lebanon
Contributed by Bill Faith

Paris 14-09-2006.  Tragedy was narrowly averted hours ago when French Peacekeepers, operating in accordance with the provisions of U N Resolution 1799, which replaced Resolution 1701 after further discussions with Iran and Syria, put a quick end to renewed Israeli aggression.

The incident reportedly began when two civilian Lebanese youths inadvertently launched a homemade rocket that killed 23 Tel Aviv dwellers and injured a few dozen more. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, hot headed as ever, immediately ordered punitive airstrikes against the Lebanese populace. Disaster was averted when French Peacekeepers manning a freshly activated Iranian SAM site destroyed two Zionist aircraft enroute to carry out their grisly mission.

The fate of the Israeli pilots is currently unknown. Discussions of a prisoner swap are rumored.

Developing ...

***

LInking to the latest Beltway Traffic Jam

***

Of course, since Hezbollah's going to be disarmed, it can only happen if it's an accident by civilian youths, right?

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 15, 2006 at 10:13 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Islamism Delenda Est, Israel, Lebanon, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

U.N. Mulls Cease Fire in War on Terror Too
Contributed by Bill Faith

(2006-08-15) -- Now that President George Bush has declared Hezbollah defeated by its acceptance of the terms of a U.N. cease fire in Lebanon, the United States today will press the Security Council to grant it a similar 'victory' over al Qaeda.

[Read on.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 15, 2006 at 09:45 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Islamism Delenda Est, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Sunday, 13 August 2006
 

Remember, We Won The War
Contributed by Bill Faith

From the always excellent All Things Beautiful:

Eventually....

It just took us a lot longer and left millions more dead.

It started the Cold War, which, some 40 years later, we won too.

It paved the way for the Marshall Plan, which critically led to the transformation of an entirely new Europe in the form of the European Union (EU), made up of currently 25 independent states based on the European Economic Communities (EEC), practically without borders, complete with common currency, Central Bank and an European Parliament, which supervises the European Commission (EC). Simply unimaginable at the end of WWII.

It caused the Japanese to realize that US-pioneered capitalism was the way to go following Hiroshima and Nagasaki, giving us today the second largest, entirely peace-loving and democratic economy after our own.

Fast forward....

Only by looking at the bigger picture in this wider historical context am I able to fight the heavy heart with which I must accept that the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 has handed Hezbollah and its state sponsor Iran and Syria a "near-total victory". [you must read the entire piece by Caroline Glick, it's brilliant]

[...]

Only by contemplating our eventual resilience against state-sponsored evil, be it Communism or Islamofascism, am I able to maintain my sense of optimism and faith. ...

[Read on.]

Hat tip: Our very own John Werntz, who left this comment on Alexandra's post and copied it to the comments on our latest "Bark Back At Us":

"Sigh..." Me too. What else is there?  Even at the height of the Cold War, I never experienced the oppressive forebodence that grips me now.  To recall something akin, I have to go back to when I was a sprout in the late 30s.  In those days the League of Nations was merely futile.  Kofi Annan's UN is virulently toxic, an active force for evil.  Why don't we bring it down?  Some budget cuts, the issuance of a few thousand Persona Non Grata orders, and a judicious exercise of eminent domain would do the trick.  Pipe dream.

It appears I need to have a talk with John about hiding perfectly good blog posts away in the comments. I'm sure it's just a case of not realizing how good they are.

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 13, 2006 at 03:39 PM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Iran, Islamism Delenda Est, Israel, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Saturday, 12 August 2006
 

Re: Peace in Our Time.
Contributed by The Gray Dog

Don’t be too quick to judge the Olmert government if it should accept the UN bartered ceasefire. Israel has been stuck in the rut of southern Lebanon before with their troops, tanks and armored vehicles getting picked off like fish in a barrel. Now six years later with a stronger, better armed and more entrenched enemy, it may be a reality that the vaunted IDF just isn’t capable of taking on this task by itself. America kept them on leash for six decades and acts surprised that they aren’t ready to run now that they are no longer tethered. I would ask, “Where are Israel’s allies?” Oh, I forget they only have one. The best that Israel's staunchest ally has to offer is tepid back channel support, while pushing to take the lead in brokering a deal. It seems Bush is more concerned with making a good appearance at the UN instead of providing real support to an ally in need.

Before 9/11, Hezbollah was responsible for more American deaths than any other terrorist group.  As another dog, ‘Zero Ponsdorf' posted, “the saying ‘next year in Israel’ will turn into ‘next year, next door’.”  I totally agree with that sentiment, but stop short of blaming Olmert and the Israelis.  Bush’s apparent unwillingness to assist Israel in keeping the heat on Hezbollah now, flies in the face of his statements that it is “better to fight terrorist ‘over there’ than at home.”  Unfortunately for Olmert and the Israelis, “over there” is home.  Bush’s platitudes of how we “stand behind Israel” can be taken quite literally.  It is Israeli cities that are being assaulted by incoming missiles, while America stands a good distance behind.

I have heard too many Democrats opine that the U.S. must remain neutral in this conflict so that we can be an honest broker for peace.  Who in their right mind believes that anything resembling peace can occur if we leave these fanged devils to regroup, rearm and retrench again and again? How and why should we remain neutral? Hezbollah is our enemy too.

I fear that this diatribe may start to sound like the opposition’s “blame America first” mantra, but it was George W. Bush who called for a Global War on Terror.  It took a lot of arm twisting, coercion and outright bribes to assemble our small “coalition of the willing”. He, more than anyone, should understand the difficulty of going it alone. Now that we have a willing participant engaged with a common enemy, it seems that the best aid we have to offer is just more “Shock and Shucks.” 

There may be more going on behind the scenes than most of us are aware.  But I for one am not ready to criticize the Olmert government. Yet!

Contributed by The Gray Dog on August 12, 2006 at 10:28 AM in Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, G W Bush, Hezbollah, Israel, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 08 August 2006
 

When Will We Act?
Contributed by The Gray Dog

A "Best of Old War Dogs" featured post. The webmaster is backdating this post to keep it near the top of the blog for a while. Please scroll down for newer posts.

This item was originally posted 2006.08.06.21:09.

Dateline, Somewhere in Wisconsin - August 6, 2006, 12:30 CST

I’m snarling as I sit watching the made-for-TV war.  Hezbollah just refuses to follow the script which called for it to be easily vanquished by the IDF in short order.  Bush, Rice and Bolton continue to look foolish as they recite lines from the original script.  I guess no one has told them that this current crisis has become a night at the “Improv.”  Intermediate range missiles are now again reigning down on Haifa with no purpose other than to strike a terrified civilian population.  Where’s the outrage?

As America once again succumbs to world opinion by endorsing a toothless resolution for a cease fire, Hezbollah (sic Iran and Syria) steps up the heat with the intentional slaughter of civilians with impunity. Surely under such circumstances even Bill Clinton could have found a poll or two to justify carpet bombing the southern third of Lebanon by now and looked like a hero in the process by making it appear to be for humanitarian reasons.

Some might argue that Bush is just playin’ possum, going along with France and the UN, all the while knowing that no cease fire will occur, and giving Israel more time to polish off these bit players that don’t know they were supposed to submit by now.  I don’t buy it!

Bush seems tired and beat up after five years as a war time president.  His bravado and Texas straight talk has taken a back seat to feeble attempts to make nice with the UN. This acorn’s presidency is beginning to peter out in a similar fashion to Bush 41, with over two years to go. 

This dog has stood firm with the president for years in support of the War on Terror.  In hindsight it has sadly been a war of half measures.  In an attempt to avoid the appearance of establishing a puppet government in Iraq, we have instead abetted the creation of a new state that openly applauds Hezbollah.  Is this a result of not sufficiently crushing the Iraqi forces in 2003?  Were we too concerned with limiting civilian loss?  Is that why US military forces are now providing security for Iraqi civilians who have taken to the streets to protest Israel?

To twist a phrase from the sixties, “Suppose they gave a war and everyone came?”  Iran and Syria continue to pull Hezbollah’s strings.  The Saudis continue economic pressure by controlling the production levels and price of crude oil.  India and Pakistan are getting closer to unleashing nuclear hell on each other and North Korea seems to have been forgotten in the land of twenty-four hour news cycles.  China continues to steal our copyrights and patents and maintain an outlandish advantage in our imbalance of trade while we reward them with a flood of new American owned manufacturing facilities.  Where did the urgency of controlling our borders and protecting our culture, language and economy from the invasion of illegal aliens disappear to?  Our borders remain porous while our congress is AWOL for the rest of the summer.  While the Republicans are doing damn little to deal with these issues, a shift in favor of the Democrats in congress or the presidency will only serve to hasten our demise. 

America cannot solve all of the world ills.  It is easy to understand how anyone, any government or any president might become overwhelmed in the jumble of so many critical issues.  The solution is in not attempting to solve all of the worlds ills overnight or by ourselves.  Instead we should approach all of these issues in a fashion similar to a battlefield medical triage unit.  This implies that the most critical patients or issues may not be the first to receive attention or aid.  Instead we first tend to those patients or issues that we have the undoubted ability to save.  So how does this apply to the current challenges that face America?

1. Secure our borders!  This is a step that we have the full capability and resources to accomplish.  We can take the time later to resolve how we will treat the almost twenty million illegals currently in this country.

2. Force China to smack down North Korea.  The way to do this is to cut the flow of American businesses setting up shop with cheap slave labor.  Americans may want the cheap products they export, but they don’t need them.  China wants to break out economically from its third world status and will suffer far more from this approach than Americans.

3. Withdraw America from all nuclear test ban treaties.  After a couple of sizable tests in the Pacific, put SAC on twenty-four hour alert.  Only after that should we approach Iran and North Korea for direct ultimatums talks.  Hopefully India and Pakistan will be watching by this time as well.

4. This would also be a good time to beseech Iran and Syria to stand Hezbollah down and to evacuate them from Lebanon.  This might also be a good time for the Saudis to rethink their manipulation of the world's oil supply.

5. While we’re taking these blasts out for a test drive, I predict the Iraqi’s may wish to rethink which side of the great divide they wish to settle on as well.

I know there are those that will shudder at such outlandish discussion.  What will the Russians and Chinese do? My bet is nothing.  What will the world opinion of America be?  I say who cares! 
After the hand wringing liberals accuse the president of impeachable offenses and the UN declares the U.S. a terrorist nation, the American people will cheer the results and take pride in an effective government.

America held the big club at the end of WWII and did not use it effectively in the early post war years.  We first allowed the Soviets to catch up, and then idly watched as more nations joined the nuclear club.  Now we are as close to our post WWII strategic edge as we have ever been in sixty years.  Will we become wise and use that power effectively, or will we allow the despotic regimes of the world to continue to gather steam as we rapidly implode due to our own inaction?

Contributed by The Gray Dog on August 8, 2006 at 01:30 PM in Current Affairs, Dem Dumbness, DisUnited Nations, Iran, Iraq, Islamism Delenda Est, Israel, Lebanon, Mad Jack Murtha, The Gray Dog | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack

Monday, 07 August 2006
 

MM: "Hizballah hits U.N.: Where's the outrage?"
Contributed by Bill Faith

Geoffrey at Beyond Wallacia points out that a Hizballah rocket attack wounded three United Nations peacekeepers at the UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon yesterday:

[...]

[Read on.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 7, 2006 at 05:12 PM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Hezbollah, Islamism Delenda Est, Lebanon | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Wednesday, 02 August 2006
 

Washington Times: "A 'stabilization force'?"
Contributed by Bill Faith

As Israel steps up its campaign to cripple Hezbollah, it finds itself facing two major threats: the terrorist organization and its state sponsors in Tehran and Damascus, which are feverishly working to resupply it with weapons, and the danger that the United Nations will try to impose an immediate cease-fire that would preserve Hezbollah, which is capable of attacking Israel from Lebanon. Current negotiations at the United Nations and elsewhere are deliberating over the composition of an international "stabilization force" that would maintain security in southern Lebanon and train a Lebanese army capable of policing the southern part of the country.

In these negotiations, the United States right now is the major obstacle in the way of efforts led by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, together with France and Russia, to push through the Security Council a resolution calling for a cease-fire that would do nothing to deal with the root cause of the current violence: Hezbollah's use of Lebanese territory to attack Israel. Mr. Annan, the Russians and the French want an immediate cease-fire -- even if it enables Hezbollah to survive and re-emerge as a more dangerous threat.

[Read on.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 2, 2006 at 07:43 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Islamism Delenda Est | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Monday, 31 July 2006
 

CQ: "No Bolton Filibuster: Schumer"
Contributed by Bill Faith

Chuck Schumer confirmed that he may change his position on the confirmation of John Bolton and now considers a filibuter "unlikely", removing one of the key struts to Harry Reid's obstructionism during Bolton's last confirmation attempt. Bolton's defense of Israel appears to have changed his mind:

A Democratic filibuster of John Bolton's nomination as United Nations ambassador is "unlikely," Senator Schumer said yesterday.

Mr. Schumer supported an effort last year to block Mr. Bolton's nomination from gaining a full Senate vote, but he confirmed that he is considering changing his position. ...

[...]

[Read on here.]

Good news for the home team. John Bolton is the right man in the right place at the right time and we need to keep him right where he is.

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 31, 2006 at 07:48 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Saturday, 29 July 2006
 

Alan Dershowitz: "A public advocate for the United States"
Contributed by Bill Faith

As a liberal Democrat, I listened carefully to the opposition voiced by many Democratic senators to the nomination of John Bolton as our chief representative to the United Nations. Mr. Bolton has been representing us at the United Nations since August. During the current Middle East crisis, I have been able to listen for myself to what Mr. Bolton has been saying at the United Nations.

On the basis of his performance, I have become a Bolton supporter. He speaks with moral clarity. He is extremely well prepared. He is extraordinarily articulate. He places the best face on American policy, particularly in the Middle East during this crucial time.

[...]

Now, there's John Bolton, who follows in that tradition with distinction. Were he not to be confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations at this crucial juncture it would send a powerful message to the international community that Senate Democrats do not stand behind our policy in the Middle East. It would be seen as undercutting American policy toward Israel. Even if that were a misunderstanding, it would have a devastating impact on the world's perception of America's solidarity with Israel.

[Read the whole thing here.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 29, 2006 at 03:20 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Thursday, 27 July 2006
 

A Jolt Of My Favorite UN Ambassador
Contributed by Bill Faith

Don't miss today's Vent. It's worth it just to watch John Bolton put an uppity congresscritter in his place.

Michelle is covering the committee hearings here.

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 27, 2006 at 12:00 PM in Bill Faith, Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations, Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

MM: Contradicting Kofi
Contributed by Bill Faith

The NY Sun reports this morning that Kofi Annan's smear against Israel is threatening to "unravel:"

An apparent discrepancy in the portrayal of events surrounding the deaths of four unarmed U.N. observers in Lebanon threatens to unravel Secretary-General Annan's initial accusation that Israel "deliberately" targeted the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon.

[...]

LGF posts a CBC radio interview with retired Canadian Major General Lewis Mackenzie discussing the emails. He noted:

"What he was telling us was Hezbollah soldiers were all over his position and the IDF were targeting them. And that’s a favorite trick by people who don’t have representation in the UN. They use the UN as shields knowing that they can’t be punished for it."

The full email from the deceased Canadian is at the CTV site.

Canadian PM Stephen Harper is not buying Kofi's krapola. Andrew Bolt at The Herald Sun takes a closer look at UNIFIL press releases to explain why the UN post was bombed. More journalists in the MSM should follow suit.

Gene at Harry's Place links to this story, which features the photo of the side-by-side U.N. and Hezbollah flags at the UNIFIL outpost that you won't see printed on the front page of the NYtimes. Let's see it again:

[image]

The story reports:

[...]

Indeed.

[Read the whole thing.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 27, 2006 at 06:04 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Islamism Delenda Est, UNuseful | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Wednesday, 26 July 2006
 

New York Senators Backing Away From Bolton Filibuster
Contributed by Bill Faith

New York Senators Backing Away From Bolton Filibuster
Ed Morrissey

Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton both joined a filibuster against the confirmation of John Bolton as ambassador to the UN last year, having received some additional political cover by George Voinovich's tearful opposition. Now that the White House has resubmitted Bolton for confirmation after Voinovich's reversal, one might expect them to follow Joe Biden into a repeat of a Democratic filibuster. However, the New York Sun reports that both have come under pressure from constituents to support Bolton, enough so that they have refused to openly give their positions on his confirmation:

As the Senate prepares to consider anew the nomination of John Bolton as United Nations ambassador, Senators Schumer and Clinton are facing increasing pressure from pro-Israel groups to renounce another Democratic filibuster in light of the escalating war in the Middle East.

The Foreign Relations Committee is set to hold a hearing on the nomination tomorrow, and several Democrats on the panel have voiced their unswerving opposition to Mr. Bolton's nomination.

From New York's senators, however, there has been nothing but silence. Mr. Schumer and Mrs. Clinton voted to block Mr. Bolton's confirmation a year ago, but they have not declared their positions this time around.

[...]

[Read on.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 26, 2006 at 09:29 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

AP: Rice Resists Immediate Mideast Cease-Fire
Contributed by Bill Faith

Talks involving Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and counterparts from other countries bogged down Wednesday in apparent disagreement over what kind of cease-fire would be urged to end the Israeli- Hezbollah fighting.

A diplomat involved with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity about the ongoing negotiations, said international leaders were struggling to reach agreement on a statement about the violence between Israel and the Hezbollah militia. A news conference with Rice, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and European leaders is underway.

[...]

Almost every nation attending the conference in Rome has pressed Rice to call for an immediate end to the fighting on the Israeli-Lebanese border.

But Rice stood her ground in two days of diplomacy in Lebanon and Israel and the West Bank. Rather than a quick fix, she has repeatedly said the region needs enduring solutions, and other U.S. officials have raised doubts about an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah fighters in the south of Lebanon.

[Read the whole thing here.]

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 26, 2006 at 07:58 AM in Bill Faith, DisUnited Nations, Islamism Delenda Est | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Tuesday, 25 July 2006
 

And ... and ... In 5th grade he yelled at me!
Contributed by Bill Faith

Hoge heaven
Scott Johnson

Like the powers-that-be in the CIA and the Democratic Party, their arm at the New York Times believes above all else in the war on the Bush administration . One front of that war is the war on John Bolton, to which the Times contributed Sunday with Warren Hoge's page-one article: "Praise at home for envoy, but scorn at UN." The story is a model of the journalism in service of an agenda that has thoroughly discredited the Times

Seeing John Bolton make the rounds of the weekly gabfests on Sunday, I thought that he has become the best spokesman of the Bush administration on foreign policy, period. When Senator Voinovich announced this past Thursday that he would support Ambassador Bolton's confirmation as United States Ambassador to the United Nations, the New York Times might have been expected to contribute its accustomed hit in the form of a purported news story, full of anonymous sources and negative quotes. The Times is as reliable as Swiss clockwork, and Hoge's story does not disappoint.

[Read on.]

I decided nearly 50 years ago that I'd rather be respected than liked. It didn't take too long after that to realize that once word gets out you aren't  afraid of a fight you don't get involved in many. Sounds to me like John Bolton learned some of the same lessons I did growing up.

Contributed by Bill Faith on July 25, 2006 at 08:36 AM in Bill Faith, Current Affairs, DisUnited Nations | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack