United States – Frankly Speaking on President Donald J. Trump Administration

January 14, 2018

United States – Frankly Speaking on President Donald

J.Trump Administration

Padmini Arhant

Frankly Speaking, the current administration headed by President Donald J. Trump has enormous potential to achieve goals in national and international interest provided the President’s public statements and views are strictly confined to issues and matter relevant to the subject refraining from unnecessary comments that immediately attracts media and world attention.

The achievements in the first year such as tax laws though favoring the wealthy and corporations continued from previous administration extending Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest hopefully have corporations invest the tax incentives in the economy for job creation and sustenance as expected in this bill. Again, any default or failure on the corporations not sharing the public dollars in enhancing job growth and American economy would impact American business and long-term prospects. Accordingly, the companies as beneficiaries of tax breaks distributing the tax dollars among members of work force all the way to the bottom unlike the trend to benefit top 1% would be wise and pervasively productive.

President Trump’s proposal on health care requiring able bodies to earn health insurance coverage with more than 10 or 12 states having come forward to enact this rule is prudent. The recommendation exempting elderly, disabled, pregnant women and children while having healthy members to earn the health plan coverage not only encourage young and not so old participants to avoid being branded as social welfare recipient which would be the case in this instance but also allow them to contribute to community service and the system.

Those who oppose the suggestion claiming that this would prevent these groups from active job search and the other scenario being there are individuals already working in other fields and therefore would not be possible for them to comply with this requirement.  With the former, the job seekers without insurance qualifying under this program could always fulfill the community or service obligation and organize for job interviews on mutual arrangement between them and wherever they are working that should accommodate requests within reasonable timeframe. In doing so, they might be able to assist the job seekers on community and other social service to move into full time employee status in the work force saving the health insurance coverage for others in worse situations. As for the latter, the employers should be incentivized with necessary tax deductions and use them towards insurance plan for the employed members without insurance coverage. Though this is a standard practice with most companies offering minimum health plan for their workers and staff, the ones yet to assimilate in this category should be advised to do so with tax benefit.

The objection raised in expecting healthy citizens to work for insurance plan is partisan politics. There has been similar proposition in place under earlier administrations like the former democratic President Bill Clinton justifying such requirement on college students qualifying for lower interest rates on student loans to return the favor in mandatory community service.

President Donald Trump waiver on Iran sanctions admittedly done with reluctance is a positive step for that is necessary in honoring United States commitment to ease tensions in the Middle East and discourage any nuclear ambitions from Iran agreed to in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015.

President Donald Trump administration on immigration policy in not ending H-1B visas for professionals awaiting permanent status is practical otherwise the measure would have triggered exodus leaving high tech industry and other sectors dependent on highly skilled work force in disarray.

As for the immigrants certified as undocumented and without legal status residing in the United States having arrived at a young age, The Differed Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that was introduced through executive order by the predecessor President Barack Obama granting temporary work permits due to expire in March this year having been an incomplete process in nature appears to be contentious at this point in time.

President Donald Trump’s willingness to derive permanent solution to this issue granting legal status with path to citizenship and the Democrats agreement in this respect along with consensus on border security gaining bipartisan support is a good opportunity to move forward leaving behind the political gaffe and denials as well as misinterpretations of conversations proved nothing more than distractions serving none in politics.

The combined efforts from all members of Congress in the House and the Senate on all issues and averting government shut down with the approval of funding bill incorporating essential needs and addressing DACA together with formalizing the DREAM Act would confirm government seriousness in serving American electorate to the best of ability and reliability.

Finally, President Donald Trump and administration focus on getting things done as witnessed in the first year transcending impulsive reactions and response only providing fodder to factions eager to debate and exacerbate problems would be in the best interest of American public and international affairs deserving attention and meaningful resolutions.

I convey my best wishes in reaching amicable solutions to issues confronting the United States and global citizenry.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iran Nuclear Deal

October 17, 2017

Iran Nuclear Deal

Padmini Arhant

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran, P5+1 and EU is regarded firm agreement in the backdrop of Iran declared a nation having never attacked any other country in the world.

Iran’s history extends into Central Asia and Indian subcontinent. Nader Shah from Persia invasion of Delhi, India in 1739 and jewels from the famous peacock throne along with massive treasure plundered at that time is documented episode.

Persia now known as Iran subject to imperialist backed monarchy headed by Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi later overthrown in Iranian revolution in 1979 preceded by Britain, U.S. and oligarchy coup against democratically elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953.

Iran also faced imperialism imposed regional conflict lasting eight years from 1980 until 1988 in the protracted war with Iraq during then President Saddam Hussein.

Iran under theocratic order as the Islamic Republic post 1979 revolution has been challenged with sanctions to conform to western policy. The economic sanctions were tightened in the past decade denying medicines and essentials to citizens of the country. The sanctions related fatalities among children in 2011 and 2012 were constant without any respite.

There were no justifications on economic embargo against Iran and similarly the nations targeted by UNSC arbitrary decision while ignoring the states deserving sanctions for human rights violations and sponsoring terrorism.

The Shiite Iran’s regional competitors Wahhabi Saudi Dynasty and Judeo Israel in an effort to contain the rise of Iranian influence insist on intensifying trade restrictions through key allies Britain and United States in particular.

Iran has maintained that any nuclear programs would be for deterrence not in defiance of non-proliferation to which Iran is a signatory long before JCPOA despite being a non-nuclear state in contrast to regional nuclear state Israel opting out of non-proliferation treaty.

Nonetheless, the western demand on Iran at middle eastern allies Israel and Saudi Arabia’s behest to make Iran’s nuclear facility available for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection continued with UN monitoring and updates confirming Iran’s stagnant nuclear plan.

Unlike Israel, an established nuclear state yet to be confirmed and acknowledged as such in international domain in addition to uninhibited use of nuclear components in air strikes against civilian population in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, Iran’s stranded nuclear capability was used as false pretext for western sanctions to strangle the oil rich Iran’s economy.

Iran’s persistence in the removal of illegal sanctions alongside repeat UN verifications of Iran’s nuclear site led to JCPOA.

The media implying pride playing a role in accepting or rejecting JCPOA is in fact applicable to those involved and especially United States unwillingness to lift inappropriate sanctions against Iran in the process resulting in JCPOA. Since the argument lost cause in the unsubstantiated Iran’s nuclear ambitions, JCPOA invented reason with conditional easing of sanctions against Iran.

The assurance that JCPOA has halted Iran’s nuclear motion is a political statement given the Islamic state commitment to non-nuclear activity evident in IAEA and UN reports.

Any accord would have statutory limits validating the treaty.

In the nuclear conversation, the nuclear disarmament across the spectrum regardless of stockpiles and capability beginning with United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Israel leading the trend for other nuclear states India, Pakistan and the rest is a necessity to quell nuclear options frivolously used in the threat against anyone deemed an adversary.

The prolific nuclear arms race and testing among nuclear powers with the recent public pledge from the White House to allocate more funds in modernizing nuclear status is impetus to those perceived vulnerable in the wars for profitability.

United States self-contradictory position pose a credibility factor when sharing concerns over Iran or North Korea’s nuclear affairs. The former legacy in using nuclear arsenal on civilians and thereafter deploying nuclear material in warfare against Vietnam, Iraq, Syria and Yemen until now create the requirement to abolish nuclear weapons in possession of all.

The safeguarding of nuclear site and inventory is a high risk task relying on precision, competence and trustworthiness besides eroding nuclear powers national budget depriving urgent needs such as health care, infrastructure and steady job growth.

Likewise, India and Pakistan’s budget allocation to nuclear maintenance leaves overwhelming population in despair due to lack of basic facilities and many struggling to survive amid poverty and disease.

The irony is nuclear weapons are regarded potent for national security. Meanwhile civilians amongst poor and underprivileged backgrounds are dying from premature deaths in the absence of minimum standards and opportunity. The nuclear states misplaced priorities contributing to preventable mortality compared to the odds of nuclear attack and casualties arising from the event is hardly rational.

Obviously, the unnecessary and unwanted skirmishes from territorial disputes, regional and global dominance quest are driving forces behind nuclear armament.

The hype on Iran’s nuclear deal transferred to nuclear powers viz. United States and all nuclear and non-nuclear nations abandoning nuclear proliferation and aspirations is critical responsibility for the world.

The global consensus and preparation for safe disposal of nuclear ammunitions is no longer a choice but a mandatory requirement to guarantee humanity peaceful existence.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iran – JCPOA Pros and Cons

August 3, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action reached between P5+1 and the Islamic State of Iran is promoted with vigor alongside conflicting statements from both sides about the agreement.

Iran is claiming to have achieved key objectives:

  1. All sanctions imposed on Iran thus far would be lifted upon respective legislative branches approval of JCPOA releasing the nation from economic embargo.
  1. Iran retains nuclear rights intended for nuclear energy programs with no intention towards nuclear weapons status.

United States adopting Russia drafted JCPOA plan confirmed by U.S. President Barack Obama contradict Iran’s position with clauses in JCPOA passed by UNSC resolution.

       Iran’s sanctions will technically remain with snap back alternative in place upon Iran’s default on nuclear enhancement.

P5+1 has offered to lift sanctions while leaving reversal option intact in the deal with UNSC singular veto creating mistrust against Iran instead of unconditional and irreversible action on embargo removal.

       Additionally, P5+1 has implicitly declared Iran a nuclear state in recognition of Iran’s nuclear rights for civilian purpose and used the platform to justify lingering sanctions for ten years with extension by another five years nearing the ten-year term expiry.

Evidently Iran and P5+1 share mutual concerns over members not honoring the pact and accordingly maintain buffer zone in response to breach of contract from either side.

Iran could accelerate nuclear activity resulting from P5+1 non-adherence to sanctions elimination.

Simultaneously, United States and Russia led P5+1 reverting to trade and financial restrictions on any suspicion of Iran’s nuclear ambition explicitly included in UNSC endorsed JCPOA.

The executive branch division – the defense secretary rhetoric warning Iran on military action and similar reaction from the U.S. President Barack Obama in recent interview add confusion to JCPOA bid.

JCPOA would be credible in the absence of prolonged sanctions against Iran that was illegal to begin with considering there were no plausible developments in Iran’s nuclear engagement.

In case, the imposition is to restrain Iran from achieving nuclear goals the current disposition creates such opportunity in response to western incorrigible strategy.

Not barring P5+1 and ally Israel’s continuous nuclear proliferation and threats endangering life and planet survival.

Again P5+1 despite significant nuclear stockpiles in possession unrelenting to denuclearization and abusing veto power at UNSC exclusive club using sanctions and military intervention as means to target nations for economic gains and strategic dominance need to qualify as a reasonable and trustworthy partner in any negotiations with rest of the world.

Upon self-disarmament, P5+1 could be regarded fair and reasonable with demand on others to renounce nuclear aspirations for a nuclear free world.

The unipolar system comprising P5+1 and EU are primarily responsible for global economic, political, social and environmental problems with nuclear and military might exacerbating human suffering.

The acknowledgment to this effect amongst P5+1 and EU is necessary and could be the precursor for global peace, progress and security.

Syria under international attack with P5+1 and EU leading members together with allies sponsoring terrorism is experiencing worst genocide with no end in sight.

The terror sponsors having utilized various tactics ranging from deploying nuclear components to chemical weapons in five years long battle forced Syria to surrender biological inventory and now preparing to enforce no fly zone aimed at stripping the embattled nation of any defense mechanism.

United States and allies involvement in Syria and elsewhere verifies track record that heavily weighs down on JCPOA.

When determining pros and cons of JCPOA, diplomacy is arguably better than confrontational pursuit and concurrently genuine outcome with terms applicable to all offenders on nuclear treaty rather than isolation method would be convincing and acceptable.

Until then, JCPOA serve as an experimental phase on diplomacy maintaining status quo with respect to sanctions and nuclear rights.

P5+1 and allies disinheritance of nuclear arms could no longer be evaded and required to free the world from nuclear menace.

Strong political will and commitment would guarantee success saving humanity from imminent peril with persisting nuclear arms race amongst P5+1 and EU besides aggressive policy.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P5+1, EU Nuclear Deal – JCPOA Endanger Iran and Israel

July 21, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

Iran Nuclear Deal – the prolific nuclear powers P5+1 engagement with non-nuclear state Iran on non-nuclear proliferation is the irony to begin with and the purpose was to contain Iran from developing a nuclear bomb predominantly to protect the only nuclear state Israel in the Middle East.

The illegal sanctions on Iran were to be lifted in entirety in exchange for Iran’s commitment to limited nuclear activity.

As I mentioned earlier, Iran’s self-declaration on oil and natural gas reserves in possession lasting over hundred years essentially negate the need for nuclear energy.

Nonetheless, the uranium enrichment for nuclear medicine and scientific programs solely directed towards life saving projects do not require external approval due to notable difference in quantity otherwise involved in manufacturing nuclear weapon.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi discussed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between P5+1 and Iran in Majlis i.e. Iranian Parliament.

Foreign Minister Zarif stated that Iran’s objectives were achieved in the deal and they are – establishing the nuclear program, enrichment and retaining the heavy water reactor.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Zarif also mentioned about termination of sanctions on nuclear program along with enhancement of Iran’s missile capabilities in addition to removing trade and financial embargo.

The Foreign Minister also emphasized that Iran has never been and is after nuclear weapons.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Chief Ali Akbar Salehi briefing on JCPOA to Majlis clarified on the provisions of the agreement meant to restrict Iran from advancing towards nuclear bomb, however there are no constraints on the country’s nuclear sector since the Islamic Republic has never sought to build such weapons.

Objectively speaking, the Vienna agreement has allowed Iran nuclear program to remain intact creating false impression to Iran of P5+1 and EU having acceded to Iran’s nuclear rights.

Accordingly the foreign entities (P5+1 and EU) determined Iran as the nuclear power in the Vienna document that was adopted at UNSC with the contentious snap back mechanism reversing the JCPOA outcome using singular veto from the United States or any other ally assuming higher likelihood of Iran’s breach of contract as specified in the UNSC material.

Similarly the economic and financial sanctions are not necessarily removed despite such claim alongside stipulation in the UN resolution for sanctions to linger on for 10 years with five years extension upon initial term expiry.

The decision by P5+1 (P6) and EU obviously reached with the mindset of Iran violating the deal in the 10 years timeframe or in subsequent five years period.

Hence the statement on Iran as a nuclear power in the agreement prior to any acquisition now or in the immediate term.

Israeli authorities protest to P6 plus EU and Iran pact on the possibility of Iran transforming to nuclear power during economic boom from sanctions relief combined with P6 and EU relaxation on Iran’s nuclear sector ignore the snap back option in the agreement.

There are two scenarios from the opposite sides drawing attention.

Israel assertion on Iran bound for nuclear status regardless of snap back clause in UNSC resolution.

Perhaps Israel’s concerns are Iran’s preparedness towards Israel’s established pre-emptive strikes and provocation currently witnessed in Pentagon’s wanton rhetoric of military action against the Islamic state.

Iran stance on non-nuclear aspiration in the past and present that could not be affirmed for the future with the guarantors of today not being around tomorrow.

Contemporary issues are being addressed on short term basis neglecting repercussions in the long run.

When arriving at consensus on matter of greater importance affecting lives, the assessment of negative impact with appropriate remedy should be part of the solution.

JCPOA fails to accommodate Iran’s response to any fabricated account to derail the process. The option to revive sanctions with veto could trigger Iran reverting to nuclear goals.

With unpredictable future preventing destructive course would be wise rather than enticing Iran into entrapment prevalent in the pact.

The genuine peace accord would comprehensively and unconditionally eliminate sanctions against Iran on economic, banking and financial sector given the illegitimate rule exercised by UNSC exclusive club with veto power.

Israel’s anxiety could be alleviated upon Israel’s compliance on nuclear non-proliferation treaty becoming a signatory and exceeding expectation with nuclear disarmament i.e. dismantling Israel’s Negev Research Center, Dimona site would aptly qualify the self-proclaimed Jewish state to campaign on anti-nuclear enhancement.

In return Iran abandoning nuclear programs and shutting down sites would be fair and equal without any known or unknown JCPOA incidents prompting such actions.

Israel and Iran’s mutual and simultaneous nuclear disinheritance would guarantee peace and stability in the region.

United States administration belief that JCPOA would prohibit war in the Middle East with persisting conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and Libya is misleading in context and reality.

Israel and Iran convergence on nuclear strategy divergence is the best viable option.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant