Decisions on Life and Death Matter

November 18, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Whenever there is tragedy in any part of the world, it severely affects the victims and their families. The recent building collapse in Delhi, India claiming an estimated 64 lives is regrettable and usually the poorest among all succumb to the worst natural or human contributed disaster.

The incident like many others is the reason for nations to prioritize capital investment in urban development with subsidized housing for the low income families rather than cluster bombs and life destructive defense deals with tax payer funds expended in warfare.

Warfare conducted for reasons beyond national defense is not subject to checks and balances. The relentless wars are even lacking in the economic concern considering the billions of taxpayer dollars funding approved with the net result being the casualties accepted as the collateral damage.

Public knowledge in ongoing warfare is usually based on media and news organization edited reports.

It is also well known that ‘Truth’ is the first casualty in war. However, the facts surface through courageous sources – whether they are investigative journalists, victims’ family or the war veteran themselves.

A powerful testimony is presented by none other than the honorable Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Kevin Tillman – Also a brother and friend of yet another patriot and celebrated fallen Hero Pat Tillman.

Both Kevin and Pat Tillman had joined the U.S. Armed Forces in 2002 and served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Subsequent to Pat Tillman’s fatality in Afghanistan in 2004, Kevin Tillman is reported to have been discharged from the defense force in 2005.

The firsthand experience by the war veteran Kevin Tillman is a compelling and thought provoking narrative.

Courtesy: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/200601019_after_pats_birthday/ – Thank you.

Per request to share the content, the excerpt is provided below and please visit the URL for the full-length article – Highly recommended as “Must Read” data.

After Pat’s Birthday – Published By Kevin Tillman

“It is Pat’s birthday on November 6, and elections are the day after. It gets me thinking about a conversation I had with Pat before we joined the military.

He spoke about the risks with signing the papers. How once we committed, we were at the mercy of the American leadership and the American people. How we could be thrown in a direction not of our volition. How fighting as a soldier would leave us without a voice… until we got out.

Much has happened since we handed over our voice:”

Consequent to the war veteran Kevin Tillman’s disillusionment, perhaps there could be change of hearts and minds in the decision-making process on life and death matter.

The leadership executes power in the absence of strong democratic voice conspicuously inactive in the communication media with democracy becoming a formality than a reality.

Words cannot heal the wound but time and trust for a better tomorrow could make a difference.

I convey my sincere condolences to the victims’ families in the civilian and combat environment.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Humanitarian | Leave a Comment 

India-Pakistan Relations – Peace in the Indian Sub-Continent

November 8, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

In the last couple of days there have been many perspectives about India – predominantly expressing regrets, concerns and subliminal to scathing attacks for not embracing Gandhian principles in austerity and non-violence.

The specific reference was made against the rising Indian middle class and implied the Indian leaderships’ aspirations to be the leading economic and military power in the region.

The criticisms were largely directed at the hypothetical Indian Cold Talk and the alleged defense disposition presumably contributing to the nuclear neighbor Pakistan’s reluctance to withdraw troops from the Indian border for redeployment in the northwestern Pakistani territory to fight against the militancy.

Simultaneous statements supporting the critical assertions were issued by the U.S. military high command and the Pakistan-Afghanistan special envoy characterizing the non-existent Cold Talk as;

“A major threat undermining the US war in Afghanistan.”

These bizarre allegations deserve attention to dispel myths and widespread rumors intended to serve the divisive foreign policies facilitating the relentless war and arms race in the volatile region.

It is imperative to highlight the protocol ahead of the Presidential visit to India comprising two provocative US initiatives –

According to the reports:

Pakistani Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was summoned to Washington D.C. by the White House and offered a magnanimous $2 billion military aid on 10/30/10, a week before the international voyage and subsequently,

The Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, has been quoted as saying his defense posture is “India centric.”

Meanwhile, the US ambassador to India Timothy Roemer was delegated to push the American jet fighters and currently the proposal entails sensor-fused weapons or Cluster bombs and billions of dollars worth military hardware for potential use in the propaganda driven Pakistan-India confrontation.

Unequivocally, the United States recent decisions in the conventional and nuclear proliferation could be more devastating than India’s alleged militaristic ambition with the tremendous U.S. military pressure on India through the office of Presidency as the executive sales division to invest in defense weapons when the significant population in both democracies could benefit from investments in life sustenance than destruction deals.

Similarly, allowing the Retail giant Wal-Mart access to the Indian market is a political suicide given its deadly impact on small business economy. India’s vast majority survival is dependent upon entrepreneurship from street vendors to licensed small traders and family run business.

Wal-Mart arrival in India with its poor track record in the US employee’s exploitation and the Indian small businesses inevitable termination would lead to widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots ultimately backfiring against the incumbent Indian government.

With respect to India lacking in austerity – objectivity is a misnomer with the critics’ eagerness to appease the political establishment considering the domestic events such as the controversial US taxpayers funded unofficial London, Madrid trip…

Or

For that matter the three day Indian visit alone costing the US tax payers over $200 million a day.

As for India never inheriting Gandhian non-violence and evolving into an ambitious military power supposedly affecting the no-exit perpetual US war plan in Afghanistan and Pakistan;

How is it rational to offer Pakistan a $2 billion military aid rather than the desperately needed economic aid especially in the aftermath of the ravaging floods and the persistent drone attacks until now that has claimed thousands of innocent Pakistani lives under US operation?

Then on the other side, the Indian leadership arms twisted for defense contracts viz. the transportation items stripped of critical high end technology dumped on the Indian defense force draining the Indian capital reserves in billions of dollars that could otherwise be invested to save and protect millions of lives living in abject poverty.

The burden is now on the prodded Indian middle class to bear the life threatening defense and commercial ventures.

These symbolic detrimental actions by no measure conform to Gandhian or Dr. King doctrine.

Moving across to other International frontiers –

‘Obama Set to Offer Stricter Nuclear Deal to Iran’ is yet another seismic shift leaving the vulnerable Israel on the edge. Again this position by no means in adherence to Gandhi or Dr. King peace pledge alternatively the much touted nuclear disarmament during the political campaign.

The U.S. demand on India to appreciate Pakistan’s efforts on terrorism and declining to urge Pakistan to meet its end of the bargain in extraditing Mumbai terror masterminds,

Notwithstanding US default to handover the American terrorist David Headley represents the double standards that has long jeopardized US credibility in resolving international crisis.

Despite numerous terrorist activities against India originating from Pakistan, there were no military retaliation from the Indian side as falsely propagated in the so-called ‘Cold Talk’ unlike the Afghanistan war or the proxy war against Yemen in 2009 covertly conducted till date.

As stated earlier in the 10/21/10 article – India-U.S. Relationship and the Nuclear Deal published under International Politics on this website,

U.S. seeking business partnership with India is primarily focused on militarizing and nuclearizing the nation instead of reversing the trend to achieve the universal nuclear non-proliferation, the only pragmatic course to global peace and security.

In the same breath, accusing India as the growing military power in the region is political connivance misleading and instigating both India and Pakistan against one another in the same manner as Israel and Palestine are approached in the Middle East conflict.

Also explicitly denying India with the UN Security Council permanent membership is suggestive of political convenience and hypocrisy given the continuous MFN status renewal and ITO privileges to China that has been largely misused against none other than the United States.

India and the United States could forge better trade relations through civilian projects in other areas of economic benefit.

There are great opportunities in exchanging new wave technology, green sector orientation, and educational programs among many economic aspects.

It would contribute to the urgently required job growth in the U.S. with India benefiting from the advanced high end commercial agreements in non-defense aviation, heavy machinery and equipment to modernize the manufacturing sector.

Besides the multitude prospects in infrastructure improvement and construction are guaranteed to provide mutual gains.

The U.S. and India being the democratic societies could exemplify the common goal for peace and social-economic progress beginning with;

A commitment towards robust environmental policy,

Ratifying the CTBT, NPT and FMCT in concurrence with other nations,

Not barring the ICBL – the international campaign to ban land mines and,

Cultural exchange programs fostering respect and appreciation for one another.

India and Pakistan on their part could come together by setting the manifested mistrust and political differences aside to resume bilateral talks focused on strengthening economic ties through trade, transportation and most importantly signing a peace treaty involving the nuclear renunciation for a peaceful Indian sub-continent.

Both nations share rich cultural heritage and the people across the border belong to one family with adopted identities separated by external political interference.

Therefore it’s essential for the nuclear neighbors to set precedence in becoming non-nuclear and accept one another as allies not adversaries.

Pakistan and Afghanistan population have shed enough blood from the violence with no end in sight.

The vibrant middle class in Pakistan could shape the nation’s destiny by participating in political process and prioritizing nation building. The Pakistani citizens across the religious, social and economic spectrum possess the key to Pakistan’s bright future.

Pakistan and Afghanistan progress is stalled due to foreign occupation and political meddling by sources not particularly interested in the regional advancement.

Certain Pakistan military and intelligence personnel have been instrumental in derailing the democratically elected governments albeit on corruption scandals,

Nevertheless the political instability has exacerbated the fragile economic conditions with unemployed youth and under educated mass in the rural-urban areas becoming the likely recruits for terror networks attributed to the foreign Para-military troops’ infiltration and unmanned drones producing many civilian casualties.

Pakistan could end the unmitigated violence through co-operation with India and Afghanistan working in harmony instead of acrimony towards each other.

There is tremendous hope for optimistic tri-lateral relations between the three neighbors – Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

The people in all three nations look forward to unity and tranquility in the war and terror dominant South East and Central Asia.

People power is resilient and resourceful to overcome challenges confronting the nation.

Peace to the Indian sub-continent and the rest of the world.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | Leave a Comment 

New Global Era – Peace, Democracy, Social and Economic Progress

October 10, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The overwhelming majority having experienced a catastrophic twentieth century with death, destruction, genocide and carnage while the powerful minority reaping all the benefits,

There was tremendous hope for a better world at the dawn of the new millennium.

The general expectation was a paradigm shift in the political systems paving way for economic and social progress.

Among the six billion population – the industrialized nation like the United States has around 45 million children living in hunger and poverty. It is disproportionately higher at the global level.

Despite the staggeringly lower literacy rate in the developing nations,

The children are not attending school and gaining knowledge by exploring the wonders of science and technology, learning music and arts and importantly playing sports, essentially living a normal life.

Instead, they are either exploited in the sweat shops or trained to use firearms for recruitment in civil wars and by terror networks.

The prolific arms race by the powerful nations have facilitated the African civil wars, Latin American coups, political unrest in Central Asia, widespread terrorism in Pakistan and Somalia, Sudan and Yemen secession movement…

Corporations’ heavy influence in conjunction with the military aid and foreign intelligence contributing to political upheavals in Latin America, Middle East, Africa and lately Afghanistan are well known.

As stated earlier, the status quo is attributed to politics.

Whether it is Africa, Latin America, Middle East, or Central Asia and Pakistan in the Indian sub-continent – the political oppression and turmoil from continuous warfare are predominantly responsible for the lack of development leading to public frustration.

In contemporary politics, election is viewed as a formality due to external infiltration from corporations, religious groups and powerful organizations not excluding the judiciary viz. the U.S. elections in 2000.

Alternatively, when a particular individual of a political party is in power for several decades and succeeded by the progeny as seen in some parts of the world, it is a dynasty not democracy.

Any opposition in such elections is showmanship for the domestic and international audience.

The heinous crimes under these political representations ranging from massive corruption to political assassinations are masqueraded through false propaganda in their state owned media and entertainment outlets.

Usually, the political set up thrives on cronyism and fake euphoria in the successful mass deception.

The dissenters are portrayed in bad light as villains and their image distorted for egotistical and economic gains defining hypocrisy at a new level.

In the same context, there are those who rise to stardom by remaining oblivious to the ventures financed by undesirable elements known to have ruined many lives even before it had a chance, yet these entities have maintained cordial relation with their investors for individual motives.

Today, they are on the podium casting stones at the humanitarians utterly dedicated to speaking the truth and shed light on the ill choices being made so that the world could be a better place for all and not just the privileged ones.

The irony being, these individuals believe they hold the right to attack others which is subdued as a remark and the victims’ response to their narcissism mischaracterized befitting the self-persona.

Therefore the ideal place for them to begin is the self and,

Often soul searching would help them clear misconceptions about those striving hard for greater good and perhaps invoke genuine compassion within.

It’s worth remembering that mutual respect and understanding fortifies human character.

Since the New World Order is vigorously promoted by the members i.e. the prominent world leaders and affiliates,

It’s imperative to review the secret society role beginning with the former President Ronald Reagan’s administration to date.

Moreover, it’s necessary to highlight the former President Ronald Reagan and the successors’ extensive involvement until now in strengthening the secret society concept increasingly becoming more secretive.

History is testimony to the political events all over the world – Panama, Chile, Nicaragua, Argentina Columbia, El Salvador, Costa Rica…and recently (2009) Honduras in Latin America – the military coups are guaranteed to prevail against the republic protest and sacrifice.

Caribbean nations like Cuba, Haiti and West Indies population are struggling from severe economic conditions due to a variety of detrimental factors like economic sanctions, political interference and abandonment by the powerful nations.

Middle East – Iran, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and now Iraq to list a few in the region subjected to theocracy, monarchy or puppet governments… anything but democracy.

Israel the only democratic nation is also tied to a coalition backed by religious orthodox faction forging the controversial Jewish settlements and derailing the peace process.

Elsewhere, Afghanistan and Pakistan pose different challenges.

The Afghanistan political government is ceremoniously appointed by the elite society members against the population will.

Whereas in Pakistan, it is déjà vu with history repeating itself from time and time again.

The former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto exiled on embezzlement charges by the military General Pervez Musharraf, launched a political return from her exiled home – Dubai, UAE at the powerful society members’ behest.

Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was subsequently assassinated during the political campaign in December 2007 extenuating the political circumstances in Pakistan.

Now the deposed military leader and ex-President General Pervez Musharraf echoed similar sentiments from his current exiled home – the democratic United Kingdom.

The delineation in the two former heads of state renewed political ambitions being,

If the deceased Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in her political will bequeathed the position to her surviving heir, a minor at that time – accordingly the post is safeguarded by the political descendant’s guardian and parent – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari,

The army General Pervez Musharraf on his part threatened the present Gilani administration with a possible military coup in an internationally televised press conference again not from an Afghanistan cave but U.K. capital, London.

General Pervez Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup d’état and ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008 with high turnover of Prime Ministers, five at less intervals serving his administration.

The former President faced impeachment proceedings for iron-fist rule by disregarding the constitution in the Supreme Court Justice firing and other national issues, especially the indefinite postponement of the general election.

Another distinctive record in the General’s resumé is the armed Kargil conflict that brought Pakistan and India on the brink of nuclear confrontation.

General Pervez Musharraf reportedly claimed that the United States pressure on the ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999 led to the nuclear crisis. There were immense casualties on both sides.

The question arising from the global events overview is;

What did the New World Order powerful entities do to change or improve the political and economic plight across the globe during their term as the free world leaders?

Most decisions thus far has exacerbated the suffering and driven the twenty first century to heightened global security threats stemming from sheer violation of human rights, deteriorating economic standards and,

Social regression with rampant racial and gender discrimination, assault against gay community indicative of the relative cultural decline,

Last but not the least,

The worst scenario reverting to the medieval era with capital punishment consisting executions, stoning to death, live burials, public flogging…

All practiced in a business as usual manner.

Meanwhile, the people in the industrialized and newly developed nations are forced to deal with financial and economic crisis generated by excess greed, gross mismanagement and misplaced priorities centralized on warfare to dominate the world.

Besides, wars create a subliminal obedience from the people and their representatives towards the authorities imposing restrictions on dissidence when expressing legitimate concerns against the misguided purpose.

The routine resonance from the political sphere through communication media demanding complicity in all matter pertaining to humanity regardless, as a mark of respect to wartime President is not democratic in any standpoint considering,

War in the absence of definitive mission has become the preferred means to exercise power.

Peace prospects are ignored specifically –

In September 2010, the North Korean government explicit request through the former President Jimmy Carter for peace talks with the United States that included among pertinent issues the willful nuclear disarmament has been discarded without any due course of action.

Reference article “Special Acknowledgment – President Jimmy Carter North Korea visit,” published 09/20/2010 under International Politics category on this website.

The global reality in the political, economic, social and environmental realm confirms the superficial gains not realized by the average citizen thereby widening the gap between the haves and have-nots that is unfortunately overlooked to a large extent.

Any international summits like COP 15 – Copenhagen Climate Conference 2009, U.N. Disarmament Treaty September 24, 2010 – the quintessential targets to sustain life on planet are led to a failure in spite of the serious ramifications.

Likewise, the G-20 forum attracts worldwide dissent because,

First, they are exclusive and not inclusive in representation.

Next, the initiatives are not comprehensive and adopted measures seemingly favor the sectors responsible for the economic peril fomenting public anger and disappointment.

The military agenda and economic interests are protected conforming to the society’s framework.

Otherwise, the Afghan and Iraq war would have been long over with a viable political solution in both territories.

Upon observation the political quagmire in Afghanistan is replicated in Iraq with the approval of the undemocratic and unpopular governments – i.e. President Hamid Karzai and Prime Minister Nouri-Al-Maliki respectively.

Unwillingness in pursuing North Korea peace offer is intriguing; the inaction clarifies the peculiar aspect to the nuclear disarmament pledge.

From the economic stance, the incumbent administration had a Democrat majority in the House and the Senate until January 2010.

The health care reform could have been meaningful with a universal health care – Single Payer System.

That option was completely rejected even though the significant population as health care and insurance industry victims pleaded for Single Payer System.

As it turns out per the latest reports –

“About one million workers lose out on better coverage promised by health reform next year.

McDonald, Jack in the Box and other companies won a one year exemption from a new rule requiring them to raise the maximum amount of coverage they offer employees.

The Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Jessica Santillo said companies would again be able to apply for waivers next year.”

The companies have vowed to utilize the HHS generosity and “plan to seek additional waiver each year until 2014” – by when the mandatory law becomes effective.

Finance Reform Bill – there was a clear choice between the Democrat vote by Senator Russ Feingold requesting a robust reform to prevent the repeat errors and on the extreme the Republican Senator Scott Brown bargained for Wall Street and the Democrat administration accepts the latter with a huge concession even though the $19 billion could have been used for either addressing the drastic spending cuts or the rising national debt.

On the environmental front, the Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana is reported to have threatened to block the administration’s judicial appointees if the moratorium on offshore drilling is not lifted by the energy industry deadline.

One would think that these legislators can differentiate between right and wrong.

Furthermore they would remember the BP oil spills and the devastating impact on the environment and the economy.

But obviously their political career takes precedence over the present and future life on the planet.

With respect to political appointments, the current administration is more than adequately served by the secret society members denying opportunities to the mainstream talent.

Extending over to the international arena, the European Council President is a Bilderberg nominee.

If the New World Order is a world controlled by the elite group with the concentrated power that determines the existence or non-existence of life on the planet by holding secret meetings and defying logic,reasoning, democratic values as well as basic principles,

It is regrettable for it bears semblance to the pre-world war II characteristics deserving global condemnation and an end to the unethical decadent policies generating almost a Great Depression, relentless warfare, political and social unrest.

Notwithstanding a grave danger to the planet.

Habitat belongs to all and humanity thrives in the unanimous commitment to save and preserve life.

Peace and harmony is the best strategy to achieve the humanitarian goal benefiting all as opposed to a selective few in the society.

None have a permanent life contract on earth. Both ordinary and the extraordinary have to leave without exception.

We brought nothing into this world. Hence take nothing back. Whatever acquired in this lifetime is a gift to be shared and not hoarded.

Freedom is the basic human right. All are born to be free and that is the natural law espoused in the – New Global Era.

Peace on Earth and Save the Planet.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | Leave a Comment 

War and Geo-Political Status 21st Century – The Ultimate Resolution

October 8, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

In the twenty first century, the war is interestingly waged in Islamic nations around the world.

Beginning with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Palestinian Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem, Yemen, Chechnya, Somalia and Sudan with skirmishes in Central Asia as seen in the recent Kyrgyzstan with Uzbek Muslims largely massacred in ethnic violence –

Terrorism and insurgencies are the by-product of relentless warfare and foreign policies fostering political instability in turn exacerbating economic and social development.

The trend is prevalent to date.

Afghanistan – The former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney started the war in 2001 declaring the terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden will be captured “dead or alive.”

Even the message resonated in the 2008 Presidential campaign with Senator John McCain as the Republican Presidential candidate pledging –

“I will follow Osama Bin Laden to the gates of hell.”

The Democratic Presidential candidate, the then Senator Barack Obama essentially repeated his predecessor’s rhetoric –

“Bush had earlier vowed to catch bin Laden “Dead or Alive,” and … “My preference obviously would be to capture or kill him. …”

We are in 2010 and the war is a decade old with tremendous loss of lives on all sides.

U.S and allies economy drained with the superfluous troops and financial investment, the troops’ low morale after continuous deployment and the public war fatigue at its peak,

Afghanistan today is still in the medieval age under the U.S. and NATO appointed Karzai administration that has been unanimously criticized for massive corruption and lack of direction in governance.

Meanwhile, Taliban leaders in Afghanistan are reportedly held hostage by the Pakistani military and ISI prohibiting them from initiating negotiations with the Afghan government to demonstrate Pakistani officials’ clout in the crisis.

Superseding these issues is the Al-Qaeda ring leader; Osama Bin Laden neither captured alive nor pronounced dead, a convenient situation to prolong the unsustainable war strategy.

If Osama Bin Laden is alive as it is claimed by the authorities, it raises the following questions:

Given the formidable U.S. and NATO forces in operation and the significant troops involvement since the war began in 2001, the severely incapacitated Osama Bin Laden remains at large according to the political and military high command.

Further, the White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel prior to his departure last week is quoted to have questioned the administration on this issue with a statement in sheer amazement.

“We are spending about $50 billion on intelligence and we still don’t know where Osama Bin Laden is?”

Despite CIA overt operation through para-military in Pakistan and the Pakistani intelligence provided with U.S. intelligence assistance, the mastermind Osama Bin Laden cannot be found in the all too familiar territories Afghanistan where the U.S. trained the Mujahedeen, prominently Osama Bin Laden who later created the terror network ‘Al-Qaeda,’ is;

Remarkably similar to the Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq that could never be found because it did not exist.

Any re-creation or resurrection accentuates the flaws due to the unauthentic replay leading to the fact that the scenario is ‘weapons of mass deception’ in the public eye.

Besides the former President George W. Bush family’s close ties with Osama Bin Laden’s immediate family is common knowledge and such relation enabled the Bin Laden family departure from the United States when all flights were grounded soon after 9/11.

Another compelling factor being Osama Bin Laden was not apprehended in Tora Bora even though the armed personnel requested for the former President George W. Bush, the Supreme Commander- in- Chief’s order for action.

These events were legitimized by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the terror experts, the media reports and cited by Senator John McCain during his Presidential bid.

The strange predicament being Osama Bin Laden is wanted “dead or alive,” and when there were opportunities to capture the terror leader, the executive order was not delivered to the armed forces to attain the goal.

Terror warnings are being issued claiming that Osama Bin Laden is preparing to wreak havoc in Europe like he did in Mumbai that took place on November 26, 2008, even though this particular terror activity was directly linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and acknowledged by the assassin;

“Ajmal Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, disclosed that the attackers were members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan-based militant organization. He said the attackers came from Pakistan, and their controllers were in Pakistan.”

Osama Bin Laden is continually used in the possible terror attacks and claimed as the primary target in the war on terror with no news regarding his whereabouts and sources except during the terror alerts surfacing upon Osama Bin Laden reference by the peace activists.

It’s crucial to resolve this issue once and for all considering the brave young men and women in uniform are deployed to supposedly eliminate Al-Qaeda and find Osama Bin Laden in the mission that began in 2001.

Many service men and women are serving for nearly a decade with some redeployed after having been in Iraq for four to five years. Most of these courageous frontline soldiers sacrificed in the on-going war are in the age group between 19 – 21 years old and have barely experienced life.

If a 29 year old private sergeant is killed in action after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan for twelve straight years and survived by his young pregnant spouse and a toddler and the war agenda is still a mystery then it becomes necessary to find out,

What exactly are we doing in these battle grounds?

As per the latest CIA report, along the Pakistan-Afghan border – Waziristan, there are fewer than one hundred Al-Qaeda members and negligible Taliban forces compared to U.S representation around 120,000 troops with NATO alliance.

Regardless the world’s most powerful by far the sophisticated U.S. and NATO contingency with all the imaginable resources at their disposal are experiencing difficulty over nine years in seizing the fractional terror members with inferior ammunition is astonishing for it defies logic.

Therefore, if the military commanders in the best interest of the troops, the nation and the international community could unequivocally clarify on the precise mission in Afghanistan and particularly, present the facts on Osama Bin Laden it would be enormously helpful in the decisions related to ongoing wars and defense spending during legislation and election.

Above all, the Afghan population deserves the truth for they are severely dispensed with their family generations wiped out in the ceaseless conflict.

If the Al-Qaeda leader is alive, it shouldn’t be harder to locate with the intelligence dragnet across the globe perhaps within twenty four to forty eight hours and brought to justice.

Alternatively, it would be honorable to declassify the classified public information and submit the verifiable facts on the Al-Qaeda leaders’ death.

As for all issues concerning the military operation, the President of the United States being the Supreme Commander-in-Chief bears complete responsibility.

The defense and the national security team are accountable to the President – responsible for the troop level authorization, withdrawal timeline and final approval on war strategies.

In the Afghan war, the information on the ultimate authority in the decision-making process is not clear.

While it is being maintained that there is disconnect and discord between the military and the civilian exchange on operational matter and that the President is not briefed on vital military positions such as the actual troop numbers by the top security adviser and military command,

It is suggested that any dissatisfaction in the Afghan war status quo should be attributed to the military command and not the civilian authority, the President of the United States who is also incidentally, the Commander-in-Chief.

This is contradictory to the latest occurrence that involved the military’s top ranking official
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, removed by the President of the United States for ‘off-the’ record comment about the administration,revealing the authority in control.

Now in the expansive military role especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan taking horrendous toll on human lives and economic costs, the ambiguity in management as to,

“Who is calling the shots,” is rather disturbing and,

Require clarification to the armed forces and their families including the taxpayers footing the expense for the extravagant and uncertain adventure.

In that context, the exclusive secret meetings held for the selective members belonging to nexus organization apparently to discuss global economic health and the general humanitarian issues with the press and public debarred from participation is unsettling based on the discussions being related to the world population and not any private individual matter.

In fact, the nature of such gathering by the privileged members – selective heads of the state, corporate leaders and military command, a majority representing democratic societies alienating the voice of democracy – the communication media and the public is undemocratic not to mention the forum failing to meet transparency and accountability.

These meetings where the Presidential candidates as the future leader of the ‘free world’ prior to being approved by the electorate are summoned inconspicuously defying the press and denying access to the democratic process in itself is a serious credibility factor and beckons legitimate reasons on the definitive purpose.

It’s imperative to highlight the security measures taken during these sessions reflecting the twentieth century pre-world war II characteristics in the twenty first century causing frustration among the members in the society from various discipline gravely concerned about the abnormal clandestine consortium.

The public opinion upon revelation on the political, economic, corporate media and military institutional assembly behind closed doors to map out global direction is;

If it is conducted to benefit humanity then it is commendable and praiseworthy.

But then, why not hold them in public view and elaborate on the objectives to the republics’ complete satisfaction eliminating any doubts on the validity of the futuristic aspirations.

In conclusion, the fulcrum power has two immediate priorities to stabilize the deteriorating global environment predominantly due to incessant warfare and undemocratic principles adopted in the universal policies targeting humanity.

Disclosure on Osama Bin Laden and dismantling secret organizations – the deafening silence thus far proved detrimental to human progress in every frontier.

Any reluctance to conform or evasion through false propaganda and negative attacks would categorically confirm the “Who is Who” and the intrinsic aspects of –

‘The New World Order’ inevitably setting itself for a disastrous end.

Humanity thrives with consolidated contributions benefiting all and not a ‘specific society’ in the globalization concept.

Peace and perseverance to make this world a better place for all inhabitants is the natural path to prosperity.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under National and Global Security | Leave a Comment 

The Mystery behind Osama Bin Laden and MIC (Military Industrial Complex) Mission

September 11, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Today the nation and the world remembers the victims of the earth shattering attack on American soil nine years ago.

September 11 created fears, mistrust and global anxiety followed by terrorism in other parts of the world.

Besides death and destruction in the United States and worldwide, it also became the premise to launch an illegal invasion in Iraq, prolong the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan with expansion in other Islamic countries like Yemen, Sudan and Somalia.

The persisting warfare in Islamic nations foment fundamentalism enabling recruits for the
terror networks. It’s a vicious cycle with no end in sight.

Further it deprives the impoverished population from the economic and social development due to corrupt inefficient governments placed by the powerful democracies such as the United States as seen in Afghanistan and now pursued in Iraq through ill recommendations made against the democratic will.

Where the political solutions are achievable, procrastination and undemocratic choices are
preferred leading to chaos and perpetual political turmoil facilitating smooth operation for Al-Qaeda and splinter terror networks thereby promoting continuous warfare.

As a result, the warring factions are forced to commit to enormous defense expenditure that is currently advocated by the high profile cabinet appointees in the U.S. State and Defense departments.

There are lot of questions that are being asked by the mainstream public and media only to be ignored or misled on various issues.

Where is Osama Bin Laden?

Will the U.S. and NATO ever find the terror mastermind having been groomed as a Mujahideen by the CIA against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan ?

Why did the then Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld along with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney make an unconscionable decision against capturing Osama Bin Laden in Tora Bora on December 14, 2001 upon the U.S. armed personnel order request?

The details confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations committee in 2009 through the media without any appetite for investigation.

While the spiritual leaders of different religions are placed in spotlight with visuals from 2001 replayed to refresh the audience memory stirring anti-racial and religious sentiments, the architects behind the massive relentless warfare claiming millions of civilian lives and thousands of young men and women in uniform until now – are granted permanent immunity with no accountability or transparency in the decade old military operation.

The increasing public interest arising from war fatigue and economic downturn deserves truthful response on the continuation of Bush-Cheney administration policy in the Afghan war,

Iraq political choice resembling Afghanistan in 2009 i.e. allowing the unpopular polarizing incumbent Prime Minister Nouri-Al-Maliki to remain in power despite existing insurgency on the ground leaning towards sectarian violence and most disturbingly the leader’s strong ties with Iran – a position that is detrimental to U.S. strong ally Israel and the economic partner Saudi Arabia.

Notwithstanding the strategic threats in the Middle East region from such proposals.

Similarly, in matter related to torture, renditions, Guantanamo Bay prisoners – the highly criticized Bush doctrine is yet to be phased out. It was reflected in the Justice department reluctance to probe the Bush-Cheney legal counsel on torture techniques or the federal prosecutors firing implicating the former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Reverting to Afghanistan war, according to the latest CIA report there are meager 100 Al-Qaeda members left in the Pakistan territory. The Afghan war was initially presented as retaliation to September 11 attacks in addition to involving Osama Bin Laden, Al-Zawahiri and the Taliban leader Mullah Omar apprehension.

It is past nine years for the Afghan war with several thousand U.S. and NATO casualties at a staggering economic cost and yet the reasons for the ongoing conflict has not changed.

Even now the hunt for Osama Bin Laden is claimed to be in progress.

In fact, Osama Bin Laden will never be found because the terror mastermind has been long dead as per the statement from the Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during her exclusive interview with the renowned and reputable British Television Host Sir David Frost.

Pictures are worth a thousand words. The interview is presented below in the website’s featured video.

The controversy surrounding the Lower Manhattan Interfaith center demanding the funding source for the construction is contentious.

Perhaps, those individuals seeking funding details from Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf who has volunteered to share the entire information with the American public, could shed light on the visual content included in the featured video about the ex-President George W. Bush family ties with Osama Bin Laden family and the administration handing over the oval office to the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar.

All of which leads to the missed opportunity and conscientious negligence on 9/11 attack warnings.

Poignantly raising the questions about 9/11.

Business is conducted as usual. Life goes on with death toll rising in the killing fields as warfare is declared no longer a public affair.

Power is powerless when the defenseless are left to fend for themselves with truth becoming inconvenient in contemporary politics.

Democracy is meaningful when the government of the people is run by the people and for the people.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under United States | Leave a Comment 

Economy, Jobs and Housing Market Assessment

August 30, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The economy, job and housing market are the most important issues for the American electorate.

An overwhelming population is experiencing tough economic situations one way or another and there is legitimate concern over the rising deficit as well.

President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats achievements, work-in-progress including the remedial measures are elaborated for better understanding and fair assessment.

Upon assuming office President Barack Obama and the Congressional Democrats passed the economic stimulus bill worth $787 billion to salvage the economy from ‘Great Depression,’ at that time.

This step was vital for the U.S. and the global economy on the precipitous decline following,

The previous administration’s deficit spending on two simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,

Facilitating financial market recklessness,

Free market deregulations in finance, health and energy industries,

Widening deficits through financial and auto industry bailouts with no accountability

Allowing Corporations to evade taxes on domestic and overseas earnings with adverse effects on national revenue.

Extending tax cuts for the wealthy – are the few recipes that triggered the economic disaster.

The policies were implemented at U.S. taxpayers and the average Americans colossal expense.

By neglecting the national requirements – prominently the job and housing market deceleration, the infrastructure repair and restoration, education, health, social security, veterans’ health care, small businesses and the American families in general.

President Barack Obama then introduced “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” for $787 billion in February 2009.

It comprised –
• $288 billion in tax cuts.
• $224 billion in extended unemployment benefits, education and health care.
• $275 billion for job creation using federal contracts, grants and loans.

The main objective was to invigorate economic and job growth at an estimated 900,000 – 2.3 million jobs.

Further, the stimulus fund was spread over ten years with the first three fiscal years receiving the major allocation.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected the stimulus funds would boost GDP growth by 1.4% – 3.8% at the end of 2009.

GDP growth for Q4, 2009 – 5.6% when including the businesses low inventory replenishment.

Otherwise the growth reported to be 1.8%.

According to (BEA) Bureau of Economic Analysis, Trading economics – Bloomberg – Thank you.

“The current GDP growth is 2.40%, with Growth rate – 1.60%, Inflation rate – 1.20%, Jobless rate – 9.50%, Interest rate – 0.25%.”

A significant increase when compared with the negative GDP growth -6.80% in December 2008.

The economy has moved from the negative to a positive trend with a present annual growth rate at 1.60%.

Beginning 2010, the economic figures in the first and second quarters are very encouraging and attention worthy.

GDP before adjusting for inflation in Q1 (Jan – Mar) 2010 rose to 4.8% and Q2 (Apr – Jun) 2010 – 3.6%.

GDI – Gross domestic income – the individuals, private and public sector combined income reportedly increased by 2.3% annual rate for Q2, 2010 after gaining 4.1% in the first quarter – Q1, 2010.

Corporate profits after an impressive 10.5%increase in Q1, 2010, rose by 4.6% for Q2, 2010 – still maintaining the gain from Q2, 2009.

Similarly the higher earnings by 39 percent in Q2, 2010 is relatively progressive than the 2009 second quarter.

Consumer spending for Q1, 2010 – 1.9% and Q2, 2010 – 2% exceeding the previously expected 1.6% pace for the second quarter.

Wages and salaries for Q1, 2010 increased by $6.5billion from the fourth quarter i.e. Q4, 2009.

Company inventory in Q2, 2010 was 0.65% against 2.64% for Q1, 2010. However, the business capital expenditure on structures, equipment had surpassed the prior projection of 22 percent to 24.9 percent.

Trade gap seemingly grew to $445 billion for Q2, 2010 in excess of the previous estimate at $425.9 billion confirming the import level at 32.4%.

It’s clear from the data that the economy in 2010 is comparatively a vast improvement to 2008.

The modest annual rate 1.60% is attributed to numerous factors:

Despite 39 percent increase in 2010 second quarter corporate earnings, the companies have contracted inventory spending, payrolls and lowered employee wages contributing to sluggish job growth and household income reduction eventually having an impact on the economic stimuli – the consumer spending.

Consumer spending also affected by the lack luster housing and stock market performance with majority households dependent on investment income.

Notwithstanding the ripple effect on the small businesses relying on retail purchases.

In addition the rising imports at 32.4 % suggest the lagging manufacturing industry require substantial private investments to provide the anticipated jobs.

Perhaps, capital gains tax relief might incentivize corporations to promote jobs in the manufacturing and service sector. The consideration could ease the burden on Congress in extending unemployment benefits to the jobless.

Per Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board that oversees spending under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 available at:

http://www.recovery.gov/Pages/home.aspx – Thank you.

Recovery funded jobs reported by recipients – 749,597 as of June 30, 2010.

“Job calculations are based on the number of hours worked in a quarter and funded under the Recovery Act.”

Evidently, the $787 billion has not been entirely invested in the economy to realize the immediate goals – jobs, housing and stock market appreciation to generate consumer spending and ultimately the desirable GDP growth.

Stimulus fund investment verification:

Tax Benefits:
Allocation – $288 billion
Investment – $223B /77%
Remaining Fund – $ 65B / 23%

Education, Jobless Benefits etc.:
Allocation – $224 billion
Investment – $143B / 64%
Remaining Fund – $ 81B / 36%

Contracts, Grants & Loans:
Allocation – $275 billion
Investment – $139B /51%
Remaining Fund – $136B /51%

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the Congressional Democrats have passed the crucial legislations to stimulate the different economic sectors.

Housing Market – Foreclosure moratorium to contain the bleeding and refinancing at affordable payments has saved homeowners from losing their homes. The documentation and eligibility cited as the reasons for the programs’ average success.

Addressing these issues would enormously benefit many homeowners and revive the housing market.

Also, the $8,000 credit to first home buyers enabled the market to rein in on falling home prices nationwide.

Therefore based on the results, extending the moratorium and first homebuyer credits, refinancing options by reviewing the eligibility criteria to include more struggling homeowners could be helpful to the housing sector.

Tax benefits: President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats have been extremely diligent in this respect.

Tax breaks to 99% represented by average Americans, small businesses, corporations creating or saving employment, payroll taxes, tax exemption to seniors with moderate income $50,000 or less, consumer rebates and credits on home and automobile transactions – proof is in the data for 77% of the allocated stimulus fund has been invested.

The recent $26 billion bill for unemployment benefits extension and the federal aid to cash-strapped states to prevent job losses as well as essential programs termination directly influence consumer spending.

Investments in infrastructure projects such as highways and roads, the electric power grid, dams, bridges, levees, water mains and sewer systems, airport, public transportation system expansion by building new high-speed passenger rail systems were in the job creation proposal.

Although, the target is – 900,000 – 2.3 million jobs, it’s distributed across the economic spectrum ranging from green jobs, infrastructure, manufacturing and service sector to small businesses.

A bulk of it to be absorbed by the private sector contrary to the false propaganda on the alleged government take-over of the free market.

President Barack Obama’s timely intervention in the auto industry attracted criticism from the opposition.

Nonetheless, today the state of Michigan that was worst hit in the economic recession is experiencing job growth in the auto industry due to the Obama administration rescue plan.

Stimulus package has been directed towards saving multitude jobs for the beleaguered local school districts that threatened teachers’ salaries with layoffs and cutbacks,

Federal grants to make education affordable for students – Pell Grants for college education and ‘race to the top’ federal funds for schools across the nation.

Adequate medical coverage for military members and their families and $1 billion for the Veteran’s Administration – which suffered severe cutbacks under President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney that led to the Walter Reed Army Hospital closure at the peak of Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

In an effort to care for the children and seniors – Food programs for low-income Americans, including $150 million to help refill food banks, $100 million in meals programs for seniors, and $100 million for free school lunch programs – all ignored by the former administration.

Deficit management is possible with the troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan, constrain defense expenditure, health care costs savings and economic surge producing revenues, besides optimizing GDP growth through exports.

Above all, President Barack Obama and the Democrats legislative successes are phenomenal.

Historic reforms in finance and health care in tandem with bipartisan committee on deficit control deserve recognition.

The economy, jobs and the housing market are the President and the Congressional Democrats’ priority and they continue to explore all options in expediting the economic recovery.

If not for their hard work and determination to improve American lives, the pessimistic view on the economy would have prevailed.

Congratulations! To President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, the Congressional Democrats and the selective Republican members for the milestones reached thus far and the impending legislations to move our great nation forward.

All the more reason to elect the Democrats for a super majority in the House and the Senate, so that President Barack Obama can complete the tasks in every respect, particularly accelerating the job growth, stabilizing the economy and energizing the housing market.

A great future is certain with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the Democrats majority in Congress.

Please visit the DNC, DSCC, DCCC and DGA websites for your generous contributions to elect the new and incumbent democrats in November 2010.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Economy | Leave a Comment 

International Events – Pakistan Independence Day

August 15, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Happy Independence Day on August 14, 2010 to Pakistan!

Pakistan celebrated its 63rd anniversary since partition from India and the nation has been confronted with humongous challenges until now.

The recent flooding has taken a toll on the population and the victims’ frustration is directed at the authorities engaged in rescue operation.

The United States assistance and the generous contributions from people around the world are significant in saving lives.

Pakistan is also politically and economically undermined by the various terror networks wreaking havoc within and outside the country.

More than six decades into independence and Pakistan is deprived of a vibrant democracy predominantly due to the liaison maintained by the key officials in the Pakistan military along with ISI, the intelligence agency with the militants and radical groups like Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani networks, the underworld don viz. Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and the likes.

Why is Pakistan so tolerant and providing refuge to these criminal elements despite their notoriety are the legitimate concerns in the international community?

One would presume that the substantial U.S. military and financial aid to Pakistan to clamp down on terrorism should have eliminated terror from the nuclear nation.

Instead, the terror organizations prominently the Al-Qaida, Taliban, the Haqqani and Lashkar-e-Taiba have transformed Pakistan into a terror haven killing more Pakistanis, their fellow Muslims in the endless explosions across the country.

Besides, them instigating violence in neighboring Kashmir and consistently plotting against the United States as well as other democracies around the world.

How can they possibly justify these actions in the name of Almighty God, the Allah and the Holy Quran that forbids any harm to the living in any shape or form?

Can these individuals be regarded Muslims considering their indiscriminate violence towards fellow human beings particularly their own Muslim brothers and sisters, whether in the United States, India, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, or for that matter the incessant bombings that are occurring in Pakistan?

It’s no secret that the certain Pakistani military and ISI members ‘aiding and abetting has emboldened the terror networks and enabled them to freely operate in the nuclear armed nation.

What is the solution to this radicalization and how can it be addressed effectively?

Arms embargo in addition to freezing bank accounts facilitating terror activities within Pakistan is paramount in ensuring global security.

The Pakistani educated youth and the middle class have a responsibility to take control of their nation.

For, it’s their future that is being squandered by the unscrupulous sources in the national defense and intelligence agency.

Pakistan has enough military power to have contained if not eradicated terror, considering the successful military coups against democratic governments since its birth.

Then, why the combined forces of Pakistan and U.S. military are having difficulty demolishing the medieval terror infrastructure in the twenty first century is mind boggling.

As a result, the Pakistani citizens and the U.S. taxpayers are forced to bear the brunt in human casualties and the economic aspect.

How long should these war games continue and at what cost?

These are the questions to be raised by the people of Pakistan and the United States.

Human lives are expended on both sides with no end in sight to the war on terror.

Throughout history, the people have demonstrated the will and courage to stand up to the forces stalling human progress.

Evidently, they have triumphed from time and time again.

Therefore, Pakistan’s public complacency to the decadent status quo from the myriad sources dominance is the problem and could be easily resolved through solidarity by identifying the ‘bad apples,’ and replacing them with those dedicated in renewing Pakistan’s image as a friendly neighbor, viable economic partner and a true ally in the global war on terror.

There is an opportunity for a new chapter in the twenty first century provided the people initiate the peaceful beginning.

‘Change,’ cannot be brought upon by mere hope, it has to be delivered through action.

Best Wishes to the people of Pakistan in achieving peace, progress and prosperity.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Human Tragedy

July 19, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Condolences to the families mourning the loss of life from different tragic events.

The recent train crash in West Bengal, India with reportedly 61 people dead in the accident is regrettable.

In other incidents, terrorism taking toll on human life is the norm in certain parts of the world.

The bomb blasts in July 2010 alone has claimed many innocent lives –

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran…in July 2010 is worthy of condemnation as often the civilians are the victims in the terror related violence.

Freedom along with social and economic opportunities would substantially deter the terror recruitment among the desolate youth population hired for committing horrendous crime against their fellow humans.

Evidently, the citizens in these regions unanimously favor the divestments from prolonged wars towards social and economic development.

Peaceful resolutions focused on economic progress would enormously benefit everyone involved in the global terrorism era.

Terror networks successfully engage the impoverished segment of the population under the pretext of improving their life and the lack of education among the terror recruits is a huge advantage to them.

Accordingly, the militants and the terror organizations regularly attack schools and the educational institutions to deprive the youth from proper education.

Investments in drones, bombs and sophisticated artillery thus far might have eliminated the crucial targets. However, terrorism never dissipates despite the relentless military intervention due to the underlying hindrances in human existence.

Besides participation in the governance through democratic process, the overwhelming majority in these nations seek basic requirements such as clean drinking water, healthy environment to live in modest conditions enabled by agriculture and industrial growth .

Unless these issues are addressed effectively which is not possible by a dysfunctional government, the terror networks will continue to exist as a parallel governing authority holding the people hostage to their violent agenda.

Empowering people with necessary economic and human rights is the best alternative to the military options that are increasingly alienating the local population from the Western interests.

Perhaps, the nations combating terrorism could consolidate their resources and aim to alleviate the suffering through peaceful means.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Humanitarian | Leave a Comment 

Secret War Ramifications – U.S. Military Espionage and Directive for Global Operation

May 30, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

With reference to the preceding article May 30, 2010 titled U.S. Military Espionage – Directive for Global Operation:

It’s clear from the reports that the signed directive promoting espionage through troops deployment around the world would be an invasion of sovereign nations apart from undermining the intelligence agencies in the U.S. and the rest of the world.

The U.S. is officially engaged in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen that has claimed millions of lives with the Afghan war surpassing Iraq in the U.S. troop casualty reaching 1000 mark.

Notwithstanding death toll of service members reportedly as part of “Operation Enduring Freedom,” in the Philippines, the Horn of Africa and the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
————————————————————————————————–

Per AP report on May 29, 2010, titled U.S. records 1000th death in Afghan war by Robert H. Reid

“More have died in past 10 months than in first 5 years, the death toll for this month alone being 32 in 29 days with more expected in the aggressive campaign this summer.

In the past 10 months, at least 313 U.S. service members have been killed in the war – more than the 295 who died in the first five years of the conflict.

More than 430 of the U.S. dead were killed since January 2009.

The number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan has now surpassed the total in Iraq – roughly, 94,000 in Afghanistan compared with 92,000 in Iraq.

In 2008, the U.S. force in Afghanistan numbered about 30,000.”
————————————————————————————————–

Secret War Ramifications Continued – By Padmini Arhant

That being the grim reality, the elaborate scheme to accentuate the military role throughout the world in the mission against “war on terror,”

Despite the ongoing conflict spanning nine years in Afghanistan and eight years in Iraq including the escalation in Pakistan via drone attacks, missile strikes from Navy ships in Yemen producing immense loss of lives and economic liability is tragic if not outrageously ambitious.

Sadly, the universal dissent for the invasion and occupation in Iraq and the prolonged war in Afghanistan is ignored with a false presumption of winning the wars that has contributed to political instability, scores of deaths, alarming national deficits and anti-Americanism.

Now with a new strategy involving troops regardless of size on clandestine military activity would be provocative creating opportunities for militancy to continue their resistance by plotting against innocent civilians in the United States and their domicile.

Such offensive plan with utter disregard for the individual national security measures maintained and coordinated by the majority in global terrorism is likely to generate more adversaries than allies.

Again, the recent terror plots have been thwarted by the courageous unarmed civilians on flights and ground level as witnessed in the Christmas bomber or The Times Square conspiracy.

The terror suspects and offenders invariably use the invasion and occupation as the reason for their participation in the violent attacks when they try to win the local population support.

Peace and diplomacy to resolve disputes is no longer an option in the aggressive military action setting the world stage for a dangerous outcome in the nuclear era.

Unfortunately, the military command’s secret war across the globe appear to have little or no concern for the troops’ safety as shared by the military officials revealing the truth about the risks upon the brave service men and women being captured as spies and denied Geneva Convention protection,

Thus, allowing the rivals to justify their treatment of the captives similar to the detainees’ experience in Bagram Air base and the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In addition, the crisis is worsened by the private contractors’ apparent sportive shooting incidents of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan fomenting deep resentment against the hiring authorities for their failure to investigate these crimes.

Continuation of torture, prisoner abuse, denial of Habeas Corpus and federal trials as opposed to military tribunals are few of the many human rights violation attributed to the citizens’ protest in the nearly decade old battles.

The cyclical violence through suicide bombings and explosives used by the militants is counteracted with drones and improvised explosive devices by the military in the perpetual warfare, leaving the victims – the civilians, the troops and their families endure the indefinite combative environment.

Terrorism is being redefined by the frustrated population of the war zones and the potential targets as the one involving the insurgents and the other ‘state sponsored,’ displaying the sophisticated artillery in their possession, with neither willing to ceasefire.

Understanding the population plight due to the lack of freedom, political stability, economic prospects and social justice is not a priority for the warring factions.

If it were to be the case, the leadership in Afghanistan, Honduras, Haiti…would represent the electorates’ choice and not be the external political power nominees.

Usually, the U.S. legislative process is gruelling on pertinent issues viz. the economy, health care, energy and environment with the exception of overwhelming bipartisan support for war funding.

Poignantly, per the current report – the Senate passed the $58.8 billion war funding 67 – 28, a dozen Republicans, including GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky voted for the 30,000 troop increase in Afghanistan against the jobless benefits before Memorial Day, suggesting that the Senate will not hold any more votes until senators return from their holiday break June 7.

The legislators in favor of deficit reduction have approved the Afghanistan troop surge funding while declining their votes for the average Americans’ interest forcing the House Democratic leaders to drop the following provisions in response to the deficit concerns:

$24 billion for states to help cover Medicaid costs.

$6.8 billion to provide health insurance subsidies to the jobless under the COBRA program.

$22 billion to provide a 19 month reprieve from a scheduled 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors.

Further it’s reported that “Spending cuts demanded by Democratic moderates unhappy about voting to increase the deficit will mean layoffs next year by state governments and no health insurance subsidies for people laid off after Memorial Day.”

Evidently, the spending cuts required for deficit contraction is directed at the population’s nerve center – jobs and health care over the insatiable appetite for redundant warfare resulting in the loss of precious lives sacrificed by the valiant troops and the vulnerable civilians.

The misplaced priority in the two conflicting options – lifesaver and fatalities is attention worthy.

Contemporary policy embracing war and aggression on all sides defies the conventional wisdom that violence begets violence leading the world to go blind in the revengeful act.

Non-violence means empowered with empathy for one another is far more powerful in attaining global peace and harmony.

On the Memorial Day weekend, our nation salutes the fallen heroes for their patriotism and commemorates those serving at present as well as the members in the past.

Fresh beginning awaits humanity celebrating life through peace.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under National and Global Security | Leave a Comment 

U.S. Military Espionage – Directive for Global Operation

May 30, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

According to the latest news reports obtained from the defense officials and military documents, an extensive clandestine military operation is ordered by the Middle East top U.S. commander to intercept militant groups or threats in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and other African countries.

Courtesy – The New York Times report, May 25, 2010 – By Mark Mazzetti titled:

“U.S. Oks secret war on terror by military – Iran among likely targets of special operations order”

Washington -“The secret directive, signed in September by Gen.David Petraeus authorizes the sending of U.S. special operations troops to both friendly and hostile nations in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa to gather intelligence and build ties with local forces.

Officials said the order also permits reconnaissance that could pave the way for possible military strikes in Iran if tensions over its nuclear ambitions escalate.

While the Bush administration had approved some clandestine military activities far from designated war zones, the new order is intended to make such efforts more systematic and long term, officials said.

Its goals are to build networks that could “penetrate, disrupt, defeat or destroy” al-Qaida and other militant groups, as well as to “prepare the environment” for future attacks by U.S. or local military forces, the document said. The order, however, does not appear to authorize offensive strikes in any specific countries..

In broadening its secret activities, the U.S. military also has sought in recent years to break its dependence on the CIA and other spy agencies for information in countries without a significant U.S. troop presence.

Petraeus’ order is meant for use of small teams of U.S. troops to fill intelligence gaps about terror organizations and other threats in the Middle East and beyond, especially emerging groups plotting attacks against the United States.

But some Pentagon officials worry that the expanded role carries risks.

The authorized activities could strain relationships with friendly governments like Saudi Arabia or Yemen, or incite the anger of hostile countries like Iran and Syria.

Many in the military also are concerned that as U.S. troops assume roles far from traditional combat, they would be at risk of being treated as spies if captured and denied the Geneva Convention protections afforded military detainees.

The precise operations that the directive authorizes are unclear, and what the military has done to follow through on the order is uncertain.

The document, a copy of which was viewed by The New York Times, provides few details about continuing missions or intelligence-gathering operations.

Several government officials who described the impetus for the order would speak only on condition of anonymity because the document is classified.

Spokesmen for the White House and Pentagon declined to comment.

The Times, responding to concerns about troop safety raised by an official at U.S. Central Command, the military headquarters run by Petraeus, withheld some details about how troops could be deployed in certain countries.

The seven-page directive appears to authorize specific operations in Iran, most likely to gather intelligence about the country’s nuclear program or identify dissident groups that might be useful for a future military offensive.

The Obama administration insists that, for the moment, it is committed to penalizing Iran for its nuclear activities only with diplomatic and economic sanctions.

Nevertheless, the Pentagon has to draw up detailed war plans to be prepared in advance, in the event that, Obama authorized a strike.

“The Defense Department can’t be caught flat-footed,” said one Pentagon official with knowledge of Petraeus’ order.

The directive, the Joint Unconventional Warfare Task Force Execute Order, signed Sept. 30, also may have helped lay a foundation for the surge of U.S. military activity in Yemen that began three months later.

Special operations troops began working with Yemen’s military to try to dismantle al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, an affiliate of Osama bin Laden’s terror network based in Yemen.

The Pentagon has carried out missile strikes from Navy ships into suspected militant hideouts and plans to spend more than $155 million equipping Yemeni troops with armored vehicles, helicopters and small arms.

Officials said that many top commanders, Petraeus among them, have advocated an expansive interpretation of the military’s role around the world, arguing that troops need to operate beyond Iraq and Afghanistan to better fight militant groups.”

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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