Korea – Peace Talks and Winter Olympics

January 9, 2018

Korea – Peace Talks and Winter Olympics

Padmini Arhant

The latest official gesture on Tuesday between North and South Korean officials to thaw relations is a positive sign welcoming peace in the Korean peninsula. The initiatives on both sides impetus the Korean population interest and security having been subject to unnecessary skirmishes and nuclear threats so far.

North and South Korean leaderships focus on persistent diplomacy and peaceful dialogue distancing from any advice or notions for overt or covert military intrusion to disrupt peace activity would demonstrate both nations resolve to rise above violent means and adopt direct communications and meaningful negotiations between two states sharing strong family ties and mutual economic development.

Meanwhile, the U.S. officials in Washington as behind the scenes actors and warfare proponents largely responsible for mayhem and chaos wherever possible whether Middle East, Ukraine or North Korea abandoning the repeat failed and flawed strategy to ignite hostility is not only beneficial to target nations but also help United States in moving away from destructive course.

These individuals, unknown to American public yet instrumental in ruining United States image and ability to allow peaceful resolutions of conflicts are the biggest threat to national and international peace and security. The current proposal from these officials to strike North Korean facility coining the term bloody nose strategy to provoke response from North Korea expecting such attempt would not erupt into full blown confrontation not barring nuclear option is at best delusional and at worst provocative.

The intent among these officials to disrupt and deviate the peace talks to combat mode describes their fixation on violence, deaths and destruction for which they are fully responsible and never ever held accountable so the trend continues with no respect for lives in general.

Accordingly, nations bearing the brunt of such reckless policy relevantly South and North Korea averting the possibility of any foreign military intervention to sabotage peace efforts between them would be wise and further exemplify the respective leaderships determination to defend sovereignty and commitment to protect Korean lives on either side.

North Korean athletes and cheering squad participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics without heeding to any foreign distractions alongside pursuing continuous peaceful dialogue with counterparts in South Korea would enable important issues like Korean family reunion and revival of Kaesong industrial complex that are essential for Korean citizens social and economic progress.

As for those touting wars and aggressions ignoring consequences despite trajectory on devastations inflicted on humanity with thousands of lives killed and millions forced into refugee status and their fate shattered is no laughing matter.

Those floating such ideas like bloody nose engagement with North Korea amid peaceful exchanges between North and South Korea evidently have vested interests at the Korean and the entire Asian regions expense. The lack of maturity among such groups permanently serving every U.S. administration is a travesty of intellect and rationality in treating military actions as nothing more than virtual game or simulation effects slighting serious ramifications.

The world is tired of turmoil and constant tensions with innocent lives targeted for regime change and other political, economic and strategic goals that were never viable and nonetheless maintained to exert dominance. The sane approach would be to refrain from harming peaceful process and instead appreciate the prospects of nations moving towards reconciliation rather than retaliation.

I convey my best wishes to North and South Korean leaderships and officials involved in transforming polarization in Korean relations to amicable partnerships prioritizing Korean citizens unity, economic needs and security.

I also wish success in hosting Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

Korea – Positive Overtures and Dialogue Serve Korean Population Interest

January 4, 2018

Korea – Positive Overtures and Dialogue Serve Korean Population Interest

Padmini Arhant

The latest development in North and South Korean relations is a refreshing change. The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overture to send North Korean athletes with cheering squad to participate in upcoming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea and South Korean President Moon Jae-in and other ministers’ favorable response to set the bilateral talks in motion serve Korean population interest.

Both nations sharing strong family ties subject to unnecessary tensions proved counterproductive. The unwanted engagements on both sides having been the cause of constant skirmishes in Korean Peninsula substituted with peaceful interaction and meaningful negotiations guarantee results benefitting all especially the Korean citizens deserving permanent peace and conducive conditions for normal coexistence.

When nations deploy diplomacy and pursue peaceful outcome through dialogue, the efforts leading to desirable effects are always welcome for such involvement not only demonstrates maturity but also pave ways to rapprochement anticipated by people on either side of Korea.

The peace initiatives from both nations evolving into fruitful bilateral ties and trade development are mutually beneficial. In abandoning unviable strategies and means threatening each other with military and nuclear options displayed thus far, the leaderships representing North and South Korea could offer better economic prospects to their citizens and ensure national as well as regional security with the current position.

Any nation striving to improve dealings in the region and beyond adopting constructive measures that are non-violent and respectful of sovereign and territorial integrity of other nations would earn multilateral support and cooperation.

Korea with rich cultural heritage and traditions have common goals in terms of reviving Kaesong Industrial complex, facilitating visits from families on both sides without restrictions, allowing citizens participation in social and other events that outweighs the policy of isolation and confrontations experienced until now.

Nations and leaderships real strength and power lies not in firepower and nuclear status for they only reveal dependency on mass destruction much to self-detriment in addition to confirming weakness and inability to achieve anything peacefully without the use of force and deadly arsenal.

Again, the world subjugated to military interventions and nuclear threats suppress genuine progress. The territorial disputes and annexations for economic resources, regional and global dominance are the norm with time and financial investments expended in protracted warfare and conflicts neglect domestic woes and commitments contributing to internal turmoil.

Korea has been drawn into preventable crisis with North Korean citizens unfairly enduring economic sanctions and harsh embargo due to UNSC arbitrary and egregious impositions exacerbating humanity plight rather than alleviating economic situation and unreasonable conditions challenging basic survival.

All the more reason for UNSC dissolution based on trajectory failing to acknowledge repeat errors and debacles in the targeted actions while ignoring the importance of applying and maintaining standards across the spectrum barring prejudice and preference in decision making process.

Furthermore, UNSC creation and functionality impairs the formation of United Nations as an international body. The international consortium would be legitimate and effective upon elimination of any subset and entity such as UNSC with self granted veto powers among nations premised on twentieth century determinations to rein control over global matter having no semblance to contemporary geopolitical and economic paradigms and dimensions.

The changing dynamics in recognition of peaceful meetings between North and South Korea with an understanding and focus to move forward in diffusing conflict in Korean border is a step in the right direction besides exploring the possibility to elevate present armistice to definitive peace treaty.

Where there is a will, there is a way to find solutions averting irreversible loss of lives and devastation that could never be justified in the aftermath of any military and nuclear combat. There are no winners in such eventuality and nothing to be proud of in spreading mayhem and catastrophe.

I convey my best wishes to citizens and leaderships in North and South Korea in reaching an amicable approach and agreement bringing an end to Korean crisis as a new year pledge to their respective nations and citizenry.

Good Luck to citizens in Korea for a peaceful resolution!

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

North Korea – Peace Talks

December 18, 2017

North Korea – Peace Talks

Padmini Arhant

Synopsis on the topic.

United States engagement in peace talks with North Korea is not dependent on auspicious time and day.

Unlike war with pre-emptive air strikes, missiles, provocative military drills not barring nuclear threats demand caution and restraints in words and action that are often unheeded to demonstrate misconceived strength,

Peace is unique in that respect. The peaceful communication and diplomacy conducted with  mutual respect and without preconditions have great prospects in defusing conflicts.

North Korea has indicated during the former leader Kim Jong Il’s premiership, the readiness for direct talks with the United States provided there are no hidden agenda proven elsewhere. Similarly, the present North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed interest in conducive dialogue prior to verbal confrontation with the incumbent U.S. administration.

North Korea’s stated nuclear program confirmed by CIA and other intelligence sources meant for deterrence to United States position in Korean Peninsula involving unwanted and untimely naval and other military exercise clarify the cause and effect situation.

Accordingly, United States civilian leaderships’ initiative in extending an olive branch would not only desescalate tensions but also be a paradigm shift in U.S. foreign policy predominantly premised on military reaction and violent means to any crisis.

United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson latest overture to deal with North Korea peacefully in the absence of terms and conditions is a rational approach that would allow both sides to focus on reversing the military and nuclear activities to fruitful negotiations keeping in mind the benefits to  people in North and South Korea, Japan and remaining population in the region. The same would apply in protecting massive U.S. troops deployment in Asia Pacific or farther away in Guam and Hawaii.

There is no other better alternative to peace in resolving long standing issues that are consistently challenged with military and nuclear options ignoring grave consequences with death and destruction following aggression on all sides.

Not to mention the irreversible outcome in loss of lives and prolonged despair to victims’ families witnessed in the aftermath of warfare and violent exchange.

President Donald Trump moving forward with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in pursuing peaceful settlement on North Korea would set precedence in renewing hope in constructive and result oriented management of international affairs.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States Supreme Court Ruling on Travel Ban

December 5, 2017

United States Supreme Court Ruling on Travel Ban

Padmini Arhant

The latest ruling by U.S.Supreme Court favoring the White House indefinite travel ban on targeted countries via. Syria, Libya, Iran, Yemen, Chad, Somalia, North Korea and Venezuela with six of them being Muslim majority nations is political in the face of the incumbent President Donald Trump”s personal remarks and views about Muslims in general.

The White House claim echoed by the Department of Justice Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the travel ban decision is to protect American people from harm by citizens of these nations is an irony considering the fact that all eight nations listed for travel ban are the victims of United States and allies aggression through air raids, bombing, continuous shelling and terror sponsoring besides illegal economic sanctions against them since 2011 and until now.

On the contrary, Saudi Arabia whose citizens were involved in 9/11 terror attack missing on the travel ban list confirms the administration and judiciary priority of vested interests over national interest.

The fundamental principles of democracy are slighted in applying the rule of law that are regrettably premised on external forces influenced U.S. foreign policy rather than earlier experience on national security threatened and compromised with internal collusion and so-called allies participation behind the worst terror attack on American soil.

The nations under constant attack and challenges from United States and allies perceived as threat while the ones that were actually responsible for 9/11 not to mention their footprints in subsequent terror activities in different parts of the world continued until today exempt from scrutiny is a bizarre position posing credibility factor on indifference in security matter.

The politically driven egregious decisions exemplify myopic perspectives with little or no concern for humanitarian values and America’s status on human rights and reliability on global relations critical in resolving myriad international crisis.

The reversal of ban against these nations with restrictions on those travelers from anywhere identified with verified criminal and/or terror involvement record barring discrimination otherwise against anybody is the sane approach that would guarantee cooperation and efficient intelligence sharing at global level necessary to avert any potential danger or security problem against United States and the rest of the world.

Inclusion and not isolation is the solution to manufactured terrorism and violence unleashed for profitability at human life expense. Accordingly, alienating nations of specific faith and others due to political disputes are neither reasonable nor pragmatic.

The politics aside, focus on economic, academic and cultural prospects with all nations are key to sustainable progress.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

North Korea – Missile Launch

November 29, 2017

 

North Korea – Missile Launch

Padmini Arhant

North Korea’s latest missile launch demonstrating Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability, however lacking in ability to deliver nuclear payload due to weight and velocity leads to classification as test mode rather than operational type.

The inconsistency in United States media reporting on description and details with major television broadcasters – the cable news network (CNN) sounding alarm on the supposedly imminent threat to entire U.S and the world at large is media sensationalism. Such sound bites set the stage for warfare witnessed in the past and recent air raids and bombing in Libya and Iraq earlier with media propaganda.

The news media, the television networks in particular exercising caution and diligence with proper verification of facts for accuracy on reporting any matter ranging from sensitive nuclear issue to regular news events would be credible. The media has a responsibility to maintain ethical standards in coverage and analysis. The failure to do so given the pattern on media drum roll for warfare ignoring dire consequences and massive casualties is irresponsible journalism. The media trend favoring military intervention is well known exposing media role in fomenting violence.

North Korea’s nuclear program is contentious and as stated on this website many times over, the situation is a cause and effect scenario with provocation via U.S. troops deployment in Korean Peninsula under the pretext of protecting allies South Korea and Japan combined with crippling economic sanctions prompting reaction from North Korea.

United States recognition of the problem in this regard followed with genuine commitment through dialogue and diplomacy is the preliminary step towards diffusing conflict with North Korea.

Simultaneously, North Korean leadership outreach to South Korean people and government for direct discourse setting aside political differences and military exchanges is critical since the development in North Korea and United States position through missile launches and military exercise respectively upon reaching adverse point would immediately affect those in the Peninsula beginning with citizens in South and North Korea as well as large U.S. troops contingency in the region.

Obviously, there is an urgent need to invest in renewing communication between North and South as the crisis is related to the fate of Korean citizens on both sides forced into decades long skirmish with foreign meddling and presence for economic and strategic dominance preventing any hope to evolve from prevalent armistice to permanent peace treaty in Korea.

North Korea seeking nuclear status in self-defense against U.S. air strikes and military action could be deterred in the latter withdrawal of military activities in Yellow Sea and large naval base at North Korea’s doorstep. The aggression verbatim and in naval drills thus far substituting civil engagement proved counterproductive. Unless the most powerful nuclear nation i.e. the United States refrains from actions threatening security and sovereignty of any foreign nation and in this instance North Korea, the crisis would not desist.

Nuclear threats not just between North Korea and United States but in fact amongst any other nuclear states like India and Pakistan or for that matter the anti-Russian sentiments in the United States political circle with think tanks as well as institutions and organizations designing U.S. foreign policy not ruling out nuclear confrontation observed in the Cuban missile crisis in the past century is a reality.

Similar warning against Iran in the Middle East by United States during Presidential race and administrations in power regardless of right or left in political representation are reasons for nuclear quest in deterrence and not defiance to nuclear challenge from United States and other nuclear powers.

The call for denuclearization of North Korea would be practical in accepting and implementing the same rule across the spectrum not just selective imposition against nations isolated for geopolitical and economic aspirations that in return exacerbate any prospects on nuclear disarmament.

The world is never safe with nuclear weapons in anyone’s possession that are categorized as responsible vs. reckless in nuclear proliferation. The nuclear arms and advanced technology deployed in short and long range missiles with nuclear warhead endanger life and planet survival.

The recent vote in the United Nations on nuclear disarmament clarified the will of the majority to rid the world of nuclear menace.

Please refer to  UN Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament

https://padminiarhant.com/un-resolution-on-nuclear-disarmament/

United States, Israel, Britain, France and Russia voting against the proposal is a disillusionment revealing the nuclear powers misplaced priority neglecting life over nuclear stockpiles.

The acknowledgment of nuclear danger among nuclear and non-nuclear states serving as de facto to nuclear power translated into agreement to nuclear arsenal disposal by all on independent international oversight would exemplify sincerity and obligation to leave behind a nuclear free world for the present and future generation.

The contemporary conditions are not favorable amid higher nuclear ambitions amongst major nuclear powers allocating disproportionate spending on nuclear enhancement and modernizing nuclear techniques while demanding nations they are in discord with to disavow nuclear program. The extraordinary expectations only reverse the opportunity on nuclear free zone.

In any setting, the prominent nuclear states viz. United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, Israel, India and Pakistan… along with the rest submitting to nuclear disarmament would legitimize concern on nuclear proliferation by others paving the way for positive outcome. In the absence of any desire to renounce nuclear status by nuclear powers rejecting the idea of non-nuclear world promotes anxiety and necessity among the targeted nations to be a nuclear force.

North Korea’s reservations on nuclear deal is premised on United States legacy against Libya, Iraq, Sudan, Syria and nations invaded for economic interests. The paradigm shift in U.S. foreign policy to respect and honor nations barring threats and military intrusions instead inviting them to a meaningful discussion would be conducive in building trust moving forward. Any other option that discounts peaceful negotiations would be a cavalier approach with extreme ramifications. The egregious decisions resulting in irreversible loss of lives and regional chaos would be disastrous and unwise.

North Korean leadership Kim Jong Un and military advisers are urged to pursue diplomatic course with South Korea and Japan abandoning repetitive missile launch in Sea of Japan.  The time and resources expended in aggressive maneuvers should be directed at peaceful overtures that are guaranteed to be beneficial in winning global community support and ending foreign occupation.

Nuclear exchanges are not to be taken for granted as there is nothing to gain except debris and devastation highlighting abuse of power and violation of many lives at stake.

In conclusion, the nuclear powers unanimous consensus in relinquishing nuclear rights is the absolute and fair resolution on nuclear strategy.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine mission

 

Russian Affair

November 4, 2017

Russian Affair

Padmini Arhant

The former FBI director Robert Mueller headed special investigation dominates news on the alleged Russian meddling in the United States 2016 Presidential election.

The special committee targeting then Republican Presidential candidate now elected President Donald Trump’s campaign aides and members’ presumed interaction and meetings with key Russian officials has led to recent indictments on this matter.

The U.S. actions besides the ongoing inquiry includes closing consulate general in San Francisco and annexes in Washington and New York.

Russia in turn has responded by reducing diplomatic service staff at U.S. facilities in Moscow as confirmed by Washington based Russia Today (RT) television network.

Russia Today – the state funded network founded by the state owned news agency RIA-NOVOSTI in 2005 is dedicated in promoting Russian government interests to the likes of mainstream media and others in the U.S. and elsewhere safeguarding oligarchy, political and Secret Society agenda.  

Although RT claims the network is independent, any business especially communication media receiving funding that has surged from $30 million in the beginning to current $300 million from the state obviously inclined to be subjective rather than objective.

RT projecting Russian image to counteract U.S. media versions about Russia and Russian policy is a conundrum for viewers having to deal with two extremes from both sides i.e. one for and the other against amidst missing facts from the content regardless.

On propaganda, RT efforts are on par with prevalent media trend in hyperbole and falsehood in presentation of historic events and entities pertaining to the past and present time conforming to syndicate strategy.

RT transmission in three languages viz. English, Spanish and Arabic attracting 120 million viewership in the United States and other parts of the world is a buffer to syndicate’s media presence via CNN, Fox and BBC worldwide.

The syndicate’s media control and influence on entertainment industry to deny public access to truth and factual information could be anything but freedom of press and free speech.

RT like counterparts are not without collusion on not maintaining journalistic standards and ethics that are rare and remains under attack. The journalism with accurate reporting, review and analyses on issues and topics concerning lives and world problems are replaced for political and commercial success ignoring harm to society and the world at large that eventually hurts the source.

As such, the citizens fatigue in fake news and indoctrination is evident in broadcasting networks declined rating prompting desperate attempts to avert further deterioration. The spin zone is yet another means to continue mindless discussions lacking in substance in anything goes talk shows and programs to fill in time in the 24/7 media.

United States and Russia relations might have strained due to latest developments,

However, the similarities in both nations policies on critical issues such as voting against nuclear disarmament in the UN vote past month, resistance to dissolution of UNSC granted veto power to five permanent members viz. United States, Britain, Russia, China and France and strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia clarify common goals.

In terms of disagreements, United States and Russia have difference of opinion on Ukraine, Syrian conflict, NATO buildup through Eastern bloc and incursion in Baltic Sea. The U.S. occupation in Afghanistan extended into Central Asia that was previously under former Soviet Union is causing uneasiness on regional basis.

Last but not the least, U.S. sanctions on Russia is not appreciated in the wake of 2016 electoral outcome distressing those for change in game plan.

On North Korea, United States sanctions against the south east Asian nation is welcome by Russia. The reaction confirmed in UNSC decision with Russia and China’s consensus to impose embargo on North Korea.

As stated repeatedly on this website on standoff between U.S and North Korea, the de-escalation via diplomacy and constructive dialogue should be the focus on both sides retracting from respective positions with United States and ally South Korea ceasing military exercise and provocative naval drills in Korean Peninsula.  North Korea on its part to suspend nuclear enhancement.

Furthermore, the major nuclear powers stance on North Korea’s nuclear status would be credible upon them in possession of enormous nuclear stockpiles never subject to independent international scrutiny lead other nuclear and non-nuclear states in safe disposal of nuclear weapons freeing the world from nuclear threats that are frequently exchanged in U.S. and North Korea confrontation. U.S. has also issued nuclear warnings against Iran preceding Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) treaty.

In the domestic front, Russia Today (RT) as state represented media is criticized for not providing opportunity to political opponents to Kremlin power. The same is applied towards any political dissent deprived from sharing thoughts and grievance on air to local and foreign audience. They are apparently considered detractors and accordingly excluded in participation on media channel.

The contemporary practice to debar alternative political perspectives especially with Russian elections on the horizon in March 2018 may not bode well for Russia in the post-communist era declared as democratic system premised on free and fair elections allowing contenders upon meeting eligibility criteria to run for office.

Then the incident though eleven years ago involving independent journalist, writer and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya tragic death from gunshot wounds in Moscow in 2006 deter Russian democratic evolution.

The free society would create and nurture environment to question authorities without fear of incarceration, character defamation or danger to their life. The country as vast as Russia with enormous potential in different fields not barring politics would benefit from eclectic representation that could permeate across the spectrum. The transformation is made possible with healthy debates and public forums on all topics relevant to citizens in the province and national level.

Russia’s membership in BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in addition to G20 and WTO serve economic prospects. On security to combat terrorism and any foreign intrusion – the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) comprising Russia and former Soviet republics in Central Asia enable neutralization.

Russian economy, political stability and national security are general expectations amongst electorate. Russia’s role in international disputes are also important whether personally that entails skirmishes at Russian border with NATO or tension related to U.S. and North Korea as well as ending Syrian warfare.

The internal challenges like corruption undermining real progress, Chechnya seeking resolution, immigration and social dilemmas are prominent woes requiring effective measures.

Russia is in the threshold of economic growth and constraints on political choices limits the scope for broader vision necessary to sustain expansion.

Finally, vox populithe voice of the people from all walks of life exercising the right to express views or concerns and journalism in particular not confined to state or external orientation would demonstrate vibrant democracy.

I convey my best wishes to citizens in Russia.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UN Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament

October 29, 2017

UN Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament

Padmini Arhant

The latest UN vote on nuclear disarmament gaining traction with 112 votes in favor, 44 votes against and 15 abstinences is the beginning to free the world from deadly and devastating nuclear carnage.

The resolution draft from Iran is the Islamic Republic affirmation to nuclear non-proliferation. However, the non-binding measure is perhaps to test reaction. The proposal acknowledgment in theory but not in practice is a persistent problem for global community.

The world faced with existential threat predominantly from major nuclear powers reluctance to nuclear non-proliferation on their part while setting terms and conditions on nations they challenge with military attacks including the favorite line – all options are on the table alluding to potential nuclear option exacerbate global security.

The safe disposal of nuclear arsenal by all nuclear powers without exception regardless of presumption as responsible vs. reckless together with abandoning nuclear testing to enhance nuclear capability and deployment of nuclear weapons in allies’ domain qualifying as de facto possession is the only way to eliminate nuclear danger.

Not surprisingly, the nay sayers to the resolution – United States, Israel, Britain, France and Russia among others decline world peace and safety.

These active nuclear proliferators in violation of non-proliferation treaty ratified in recent times to effect indefinitely contribute to nuclear arms race in acting against international consensus.

Those who call for nuclear disarmament of any other nation would be credible in setting an example starting with them first and then lead the rest in that course. Otherwise the true colors come to light on motives along with legacy in illegal invasion and occupation of foreign land not barring the use of nuclear weapon.

The nations targeted for subjugation in any region are forced into nuclear response preparedness that is known as deterrent strategy. The aggressor such as United States and other permanent members defiance in renouncing nuclear status amid belligerence from them is essentially promoting nuclear armament.

The nations on radar are expected to quit nuclear aspirations. Ironically, those with such demand holding nuclear stockpiles never subject to independent international scrutiny and remain non-compliant in freezing nuclear activities. The stalemate in the absence of constructive approach via dialogue and diplomacy impose undesirable nuclear requirement.

The prominent nuclear powers viz. United States, Russia, Britain, China, France and Israel with established track record on colonization and territorial annexations pursue nuclear empowerment. Simultaneously, they expect those whom they aim at to disarm and oblige. In other words, they expect nations dealing with military incursions on the border to submit to suicidal mission.

Every nation has the right to self-defense and cannot possibly ignore the persistent security issues with provocative military drills and massive troops deployment near their territory.  The ongoing tension between North Korea and United States is precisely the cause and effect situation prompting North Korea to rely on nuclear defense. North Korea has cited the facts on U.S. and allies raid and decimation of Libya, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Yemen for imperial goals that continues unabated until now.

North Korea slammed with economic sanctions for nuclear plans often criticized as the nation driving citizens to starvation and premature deaths without accepting the contributing factors – sanctions and sources behind protracted confrontation. North Korea’s predicament is whether to capitulate to United States military provocation or stay resilient.

Though nuclear threats are not to be exchanged frivolously, the environment unnecessarily create saber rattling on both sides instead of serious engagement to find common ground in defusing crisis. United States and South Korea ceasing military operation alongside North Korea enacting moratorium on nuclear program would provide opportunity for peace talks through direct involvement rather than proxies and demonstrate commitment to protect lives on all sides that are at stake.

United States and other nuclear states resistance to UN resolution on denuclearization of the world is disillusionment revealing the real forces endangering lives and habitat with no concern for any generation.

Furthermore, the safekeeping of nuclear weapon, maintenance and upgrade of nuclear technology to operate nuclear facility is a phenomenal cost to taxpayers of every nuclear nation that could be allocated in improving living standards like health care, housing, education, retirement plans and infrastructure.

The population suffering from poverty, disease and lack of support in basic survival needs are dying in great numbers with nuclear states investment in nuclear development prioritized over life existence.

Besides, the risks in transportation of nuclear missiles are serious and nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and earthquake triggered Fukushima proved catastrophic. The nuclear ambitions among nuclear states on the high confirmed in the UN negative vote, the policy is alarming leaving the world on the edge for geopolitical dominance.

No climate treaty is meaningful in the nuclear world mistakenly assuming nuclear strength as formidable security asset despite the liabilities of nuclear reckoning.

The leaderships and members behind such decisions fail to recognize reality that they may not want the nation they represent as leaders to relinquish nuclear status,

Nonetheless individually, they do have to part with it like everything else when they depart from the world. 

Most importantly, they need to contemplate on the world they leave behind for future is determined by choices made in the present time.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States – Exxon Mobil Climate Change Battle

October 27, 2017

  • United States – Exxon Mobil Climate Change Battle

Padmini Arhant

The legal battle between New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman representing the State of New York and world’s second largest energy corporation Exxon Mobil on Climate Change is an interesting development.  Considering the ongoing litigation, the topic will focus on political aspect besides other important names linked to climate change.

The serving Secretary of State Rex Tillerson as former CEO of Exxon Mobil is referenced in the contentious lawsuit.

The energy companies and environment woes are not uncommon resulting from negligence and activities endangering lives and habitat as seen in 2010 British Petroleum (BP) Gulf Coast oil spill disaster and several others by leading energy behemoths in different parts of the world.

As for climate change deniers, the energy companies are not the only ones in this category. Though they are prominent in fielding such opinion for economic interests, there are others viz. Fox News and Fox television Network with paid panelists and commentators actively disseminating climate change as hoax for they don’t accept the facts on man made calamity and environment abuse. The 24/7 news media misrepresentation on climate talks is not without impact.

Similarly, politics joining forces with energy companies are not unusual either. Following the BP refinery structure  collapse contributing to gulf coast catastrophe in 2010, then President Barack Obama administration had no problem approving BP continuation of deep and shallow water drilling in the backdrop of immense damages to environment costing lives, livelihoods and loss of native species both rare and generic.

The transformation pertaining to Secretary of State portfolio and the current political and international matter merits attention.

The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s position on foreign policy related to South East Asia, North Korea in particular, Middle East regarding United States key allies Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE on one side and adversary Iran on the other, not barring nuclear non-proliferation visibly at odds with White House stance.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s approach to resolving or in the least containing potential nuclear confrontation with North Korea is through constructive dialogue and diplomacy which apparently contradictory to White House public statement declaring the move – a waste of time.

Middle East – The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s concern over White House reaction to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) possibly via more sanctions at Israel and Saudi Arabia’s behest is legitimate given the accord stipulating reversal to pre-treaty situation upon either party default on the agreement.  Iran would resume nuclear program upon United States returning to sanctions and vice versa.

In the absence of any nuclear activity prior to and post JCPOA, there is no justification in imposing sanctions against Iran on nuclear status for that would unnecessarily foment tension in the region.

Syria – Ending the conflict by increasing ceasefire zones in the war torn nation and disarming terror factions in suspending weapons supply would expedite long awaited respite to Syrian population.

Saudi Arabia and UAE – Secretary of State Rex Tillerson suggestion to White House to leverage Saudi Kingdom and UAE using recent arms deal to settle regional dispute between them and Qatar may not be in alignment with White House tactic.

Israel – Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s proposal to recover several million dollars aid (Israel is actually provided 3 billion dollars annual financial aid other than military assistance that was locked in as permanent arrangement by previous administration under ex-President Barack Obama) would not have synced in the current setting with advisors Jared Kushner and Ivanka Kushner representing Israel’s interests in the nepotism oriented appointment in the West Wing operation.

Last but not the least, the hot button issue – Nuclear proliferation. The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson preference in simmering nuclear ambitions is in contrast to White House nuclear acceleration and enhancement despite such aspirations posing credibility factor on nuclear disarmament of North Korea and defusing nuclear goals of Iran.

In light of the prevalent conditions, the insinuations on inevitable change to critical cabinet post Secretary of State handling foreign affairs is perhaps the ground work to substitute the voice of reason and sensibility with belligerence and acquiescence.

The duties and responsibilities consolidated under State Department in earlier administrations is abandoned by the present administration allocating Middle East relations to family member and advisor Jared Kushner and lately the assignment to U.S. ambassador to United Nations Nikki Haley visiting South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faced with protests necessitating the representative evacuation allude paradigm shift in State Department jurisdiction.

In comparison, the former head of the State Department Hillary Clinton during the first term of ex-President Barack Obama administration had none of the sharing with everything held under Secretary of State control including the Benghazi gate, secret email and private server scandal.

What appears from this stark distinction between Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s soft power and hard line predecessors is the member favoring hawkish agenda regardless of political affiliation as witnessed in former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a democrat’s involvement in Syria, Libya, Egypt, Ukraine, Africa and Latin America exacerbating terrorism, political instability, chaos and destruction in semblance to former counterparts and others like U.S. ambassador to UN John Bolton, a republican now emulated by the current ambassador Nikki Haley guarantee job security and acknowledgment by those behind US foreign policy.

The compliance to egregious decisions and endeavors proved failures is evidently the course to retain sensitive designation such as the Secretary of State.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fact Check

October 16, 2017

Fact Check

Padmini Arhant

1. Why is war fascinating to factions terrified of losing own life?

2. What makes major nuclear powers think they are responsible despite their track record?

3. Will there ever be accountability on actions and violations by those in position of power both past and present as wells as incognito authority granted immunity on crimes against humanity?

4. Who is anyone to declare war for profitability ignoring massive casualty and major catastrophe?

5. Is the world going to be silent spectators to warfare and potential nuclear confrontation considered a favorite option among those having no desire for peaceful negotiations and dialogue?

6. What are the citizens in the United States prepared to do in the event of yet another deceitful and deceptive Iraq war like mission against North Korea?

7. Why are sanctions against nations protecting own citizens from U.S. and allies threat is the norm?

8. Why not impose sanctions on those in gross human rights violation and oppress citizens in the region viz. Israel, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain?

9. What makes the fearful engage in fear mongering using propaganda and fake news?

10. When will the communication media and entertainment industry be free from hegemony control?

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

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