North Korea – U.S. Peace Summit
May 16, 2018
North Korea – U.S. Peace Summit
Padmini Arhant
The reports on North Korea’s possible withdrawal from the upcoming peace summit tentatively scheduled on June 12th, 2018 in Singapore citing the ongoing military exercise between United States and South Korea and the U.S. officials demand for complete denuclearization obviously deserves fair assessment.
As mentioned on many occasions to resolve any crisis, the cause must be identified and addressed effectively making way for any appropriate solutions. On North Korea issue, the United States military drills with South Korea in Korean Peninsula has been the bone of contention prompting North Korea to seek nuclear option in self-defense and deterrence in the first place.
After long skirmishes and threats from both sides i.e. United States and North Korea, the olive branch exchanged between North and South Korea in the wake of Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea in February this year set the pace for peace talks between the two neighbors with hopes and expectations on all sides to diffuse long standing tensions ushering in the era of peace and normal relations in Korean Peninsula.
The earlier interaction between the two leaders of Korea, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in was indicative of some progress in reaching the milestone bringing the two leaderships to reconcile many differences and among them the three key proposals were to transform the current armistice to permanent peace treaty, North Korea terminating nuclear testing and economic ties along with family reunion among Korean members were to be formalized on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018.
North Korea released the three Americans held hostage on espionage charges and also made a public announcement via state media that North Korea is scheduled to shut down the nuclear testing site and facility followed by an official ceremony on May 23rd – May 25th this year.
Now the U.S. military training of South Korean forces claiming to be in preparation of defense strategy for ally South Korea in the middle of peace process impairs faith and credibility necessary on all sides to rescind activities that has been contributing to the escalation of conflict.
Anytime when one side makes demands on the other despite the former having been the source of the problem from the beginning with relentless military maneuvers and display of artillery power including nuclear submarines at the doorstep of another in a manner that is intimidating and provocative,
The element of trust that is essential in all negotiations is jeopardized due to lack of commitment to meet their end of the deal.
United States military presence in Korean Peninsula is similar to their engagement worldwide much to the angst and frustration of nations they deem adversary. These states are expected to accept the situation as permanent setting regardless of such disposition undermining sovereignty and security.
United States military has been training South Korean forces since the emergence of that state without any determination of making South Korea self-reliant and there appears to be no end to the military base in Korea like the operation in Afghanistan.
How long does it take for the military such as the United States projected as the formidable and superior defense force in several aspects with capabilities to provide training and guidance enabling the trainees to qualify in self-defense mechanism?
Certainly, the course could not run into decades which means there are inherent deficiencies in the method or the objectives are not necessarily confined to the stated position with protracted goals to establish indefinite stay evident not only in Korea but also in Afghanistan, Middle East, the Baltics and the rest of the world.
South Korea on their part need to clarify the status to own citizens and their extended family members across the border in North for a truly democratic nation would not eternally allow or submit to foreign troops deployment under the guise of strengthening military prowess.
Needless to say, concessions are required from all sides based on their involvement that led to constant clashes with clear and transparent participation in the summit.
Again, reiterating earlier statement on this matter, denuclearization is incumbent not only on North Korea but in fact all nuclear states with United States and other major nuclear powers viz. Britain, France, Russia, China leading Israel, India and Pakistan along with NATO de facto in possession of nuclear arsenal are to be disarmed without exceptions to establish a nuclear free zone that would guarantee global peace and security and not otherwise.
The concept of responsible vs. reckless in nuclear status has been visited several times and adequately ascertained that all nuclear states pose a threat to humanity.
Accordingly the originators in this game i.e. United States and other dominant nuclear forces mentioned above bear responsibility to begin nuclear disarmament given their imperial legacy and ongoing illegal invasion and occupation of foreign land as well as territorial annexations necessitating nuclear option for those states as viable even though the maintenance and monitoring of nuclear sites proved an enormous liability for taxpayers and nations struggling with the costs of nuclear affordability and investments in the economy.
South Korea has to demonstrate independence in decision making without being influenced by foreign military power i.e. United States in ending military routines once and for all. South Korea population are entitled to forge normal ties with their families in North and begin a new chapter renewing economic partnerships, cultural and relevantly converting the armistice into irreversible peace accord. All of these are achievable upon demilitarization of the Korean peninsula paving the path for peaceful coexistence that has been prevented with United States exerting authority on Korean affairs.
The leadership qualities are tested in these times demanding courage and sincerity to embark on a peace mission abandoning aggression visible in military undertakings attributed to current impediments depriving the people in Korea on either side to stabilize and normalize the environment.
There are always implicit and explicit hawkish overtones attempting to stymie successful peace agreements as they are regarded unfavorable to personal and vested interests not to mention other extraordinary plans ignoring the consequences of such motives exacerbating human suffering and interjecting undesirable conditions.
South Korea should prioritize peace, stability and economic prosperity for all in Korea and move forward as a free sovereign state in holding direct talks with North Korean leadership and officials that would confirm the initiatives trustworthy and reliable for that is key to any endeavors more so of this pact having the prospects to turn history towards positive and peaceful direction.
I urge the South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to come together and ratify the alteration of armistice into peace treaty in addition to facilitating free flow of economic goods and services in Kaesong industrial complex in North Korea and consolidating Korean cultural values that are significant to present and future generations in their respective country.
United States role exemplified in demilitarization and lifting economic sanctions against North Korean citizens is vital as these actions would authenticate United States integrity in changing history from acrimony to harmony.
North Korea ceasing nuclear testing and closing nuclear site is prudent and proceed to do so that would further affirm international support recognizing the seriousness of such pledge.
I convey my best wishes to the people in North and South Korea as well as the leaderships and officials on all sides including United States striving hard to accomplish ever lasting peace that is long overdue in Korean Peninsula and Asia Pacific region.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
Gaza Casualties and U.S.Embassy Relocation to Jerusalem
May 15, 2018
Gaza Casualties and U.S. Embassy Relocation to Jerusalem
Padmini Arhant
The international reports on casualties suffered by Gazans from Israel’s firing in yesterday’s protest with at least 58 killed and several injured is regrettable and reprehensible.
Whenever the heavily armed and militarily well equipped side i.e. Israel in this instance launches lethal force against another side targeting and killing people in wheelchair, such act naturally attracts worldwide condemnation.
The strength of any authority is not in exercising brute violence causing massive loss of lives when in fact such action only demonstrates weakness and desperation with no care or concern for civilian deaths as it appears to have happened in this incident.
The protests in Gaza reminding international community of unresolved Palestinian crisis is noted. There is no doubt that Palestinian issue deserves fair and peaceful resolution. The earlier attempts to broker peace has failed predominantly due to United States bias towards Israel evident in blocking every U.N. resolutions on Israel’s violations in settlement activity and occupation of Palestinian territory.
More than seventy years old Israeli- Palestinian conflict could no longer continue letting the situation get worse inflicting generational pain and misery on world watch with no respite to victims of this senseless confrontation.
Accordingly, UN General assembly is called upon to convene an international meeting on Palestinian statehood, ending settlement activity in West Bank, East Jerusalem and removing the Israeli and Egypt imposed unilateral sea and air blockades restricting basic supplies and survival needs on Gazans are imperative.
All nations regardless of UN membership are invited to vote on this matter in an effort to conclude the long overdue Palestinian issue.
The human rights violations in the name of Israel’s right to self defense bears no justification. Any disputes that should be settled through peaceful and civil discourse has better prospects to all sides while setting precedence for future adaptation.
As for US relocation of embassy to Jerusalem, the gesture is a sign of US administration and Presidency cowering to foreign authority and Israeli lobbyists will rather than exhibiting fairness that demands courage and discernment.
Keeping promises made whether right or wrong and moving forward to save personal image at vast majority expense is the confirmation of leadership lacking in vision and commitment towards global peace and security.
Any region in constant turmoil as applicable to Middle East largely related to Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, the events pose major threat to world security.
President Donald Trump’s decision to remain defiant on this matter only highlights the office of Presidency hamstrung to oblige a phenomenal mistake not without consequences considering Jerusalem is a city that belongs to other faiths as well. The Trump administration’s blindsided approach to boost personal stance fomenting legitimate grievance and disappointment amongst many within Palestine and the rest of the world explains the real authority behind the gamut.
Again, the international citizenry owes to fellow humans – the Palestinians in restoring their fundamental rights to homeland freeing their territories from prolonged oppression and occupation and individual freedom to exist in their state as free citizens of global society.
Our condolence to grieving families in Gaza and wish a speedy recovery to those hurt in the unnecessary violence.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.con
UNSC Dissolution – Part 1
April 27, 2018
UNSC Dissolution – Part 1
Padmini Arhant
Korea – Peace Summit
Padmini Arhant
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
Thank you.
Myanmar – Rohingya Muslims Plight
March 16, 2018
Myanmar – Rohingya Muslims Plight
Padmini Arhant
Anytime a nation’s minority group experience isolation, persecution and human rights violations, that nation’s leaderships and government are in spotlight. Myanmar has been systematically involved in expelling Burmese born citizens of ethnic origin despite them being the second and third generation since the country was taken over by military junta through coup d’état, in the early sixties in the past century.
The military reining control over key resources like natural gas, precious metals and minerals with deals struck between them and western energy behemoths as well as emerging economic power viz. China care less about humanitarian problems and remain focused on respective economic goals.
On the other hand, Myanmar’s military rule having accommodated western backed candidate and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s leadership and political party representation in a quasi democratic setting designed to convince the world on Myanmar’s desire towards political evolution and possible democratic environment has interestingly found a partner with similar sentiments in the wake of brutalities against Myanmar’s ethnic demography, the Rohingya Muslims.
Above all, the western leaderships and Britain in particular with the incumbent Prime Minister Theresa May recently calling out India on the treatment of minorities while ignoring the blatant violations and genocide of Rohingyas in Myanmar explains the political nature of selective empathy in humanitarian issues rather than applying one standard i.e. the golden rule on human rights abuse anywhere.
Notwithstanding the imperialists responsible for wiping civilizations and pioneering prejudice in the divide and conquer strategy until today owe an apology to victims families and the descendants besides reparation costs for depleting resources and exploiting human capital in various colonies around the world.
The western backed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s stance on this issue not only as a government representative and authority but also as a Nobel peace prize recipient confirms political expediency over humanitarian affairs demanding fairness, justice and equality in any society regardless of political system in place.
The Rohingyas conditions in Myanmar is parallel to Sri Lankan Tamils in Sri Lanka and subsequent summary execution of civilians especially the youth targeted by then Sri Lankan government. The systemic killings carried out not without regional and international i.e. India and United States support in 2009. Additionally, to facilitate the massacre, the UN peace keeping corps was withdrawn at critical juncture abandoning the pleading Sri Lankan Tamils entirely at the mercy of the former Commander in Chief and President Mahinda Rajapaksha authorized merciless killing of unarmed Tamil civilians in the island nation.
With no condemnation on Sri Lankan air raids and shelling, the Sri Lankan government’s actions barely noticed by the UN Security Council that otherwise never miss an opportunity to impose economic sanctions against the favorite adversaries like North Korea, Venezuela and alike citing human rights issues together with nations earmarked for alienation and trade embargo.
The ethnic cleansing in Myanmar by radicals that should have been prevented at onset is reprehensible. As such nations regardless of political structure are obligatory to guarantee safety and security of all citizens nationwide prohibiting discrimination and disenfranchisement.
In fact, when every nation is expected to provide the same safety measures to tourists, visitors and business travelers from overseas and safeguard them from any harm during their visit to any country,
It is incomprehensible to witness the unruly conduct and hostility against Rohingyas – one of the many ethnic groups in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s government slighting responsibility in defending the particular ethnic minority from genocide leaving them with no choice but to flee the nation offshore only to be turned down by neighboring states across the border or alternatively preyed upon by predators like human traffickers and criminal agents to abuse them for their illicit commercial trade is unacceptable. The activities could only be described as callousness on those responsible for the tragic yet avoidable humanitarian disaster.
Myanmar is not alien to ethnic diversity. In fact, there are at least one hundred and thirty five ethnic groups and Rohingyas are one of them. Among these members, the major ethnic races representing Burmese society viz. Karen, Kayin, Kayah, Bamar, Karenni, Shan, Mon, Wa, Rakhine, Palaung, Chin, Kachin and Kokang to name a few are well known in the spectrum. The segregation of a single ethnic segment, the Rohingyas denying them statehood and citizenship is a national default.
Again, the incumbent leadership Aung San Suu Kyi as the State Counsellor equivalent to Prime Minister post choosing to remain oblivious and worst failing to recognize the assault and expulsion of Rohingyas as violent and undemocratic event is extremely disappointing and deeply regrettable.
Whatever the reasons might be behind such complicity, the lack of humanitarian concern from Myanmar’s authorities and especially a Nobel Peace Prize awardee reflects poorly on individual basis and those favoring them in the international domain.
Likewise, the out of control situation in this instance towards Rohingya Muslims also raise questions about Islamic nations complacency and silence to the exclusion and expatriation of population belonging to their faith with no initiatives and pressure on western counterparts involved in economic and strategic partnerships explains the trend in humanitarian matter.
Rohingyas belong to Myanmar and ousting them using aggression and inhumane standards does not bode well for a country aspiring to be democratic and tolerant in the efforts towards political and economic development.
No nation’s progress could be real and legitimate until the people of different sect, class, gender and social paradigms possess equal rights and opportunity without being threatened in maintaining their relevant cultural heritage. Inappropriately, the definition of progress is entirely tied to economic growth, modern infrastructure and foreign investments alongside neglecting social inequality or participating in elimination of certain ethnic denomination with generational legacy.
The other tradition during racial, sectarian and communal unrest in any society is using religion as the pawn for political and fundamental cause. The practice to tarnish religions is aimed at further discord and chaos within community and the world at large. Any followers of sacred religions would refrain from unholy indulgence and strive hard to exemplify peaceful and positive traits through genuine commitment and disposition not performing for camera and audience to win superficial credit.
Nonetheless, there should be no misconception on the established truth the elements using religion to advance personal and vested interests invariably meet their fateful outcome in the end justifying the means serving as precedence to deter future engagement.
In conclusion, Rohingyas and people from anywhere confronted with synonymous plight deserve to be respected and accepted barring social indignation and injustice. Rohingyas are part of mainstream population in Myanmar and forceful deportation from their domicile is against the norm in political, social, humanitarian, ethical and practical sense.
Moving forward the restoration and rehabilitation of Rohingyas and others sharing the dilemma in Myanmar is absolutely necessary and important for the authorities in Myanmar and abroad to sustain fragile peace and stability in the South Asian and Southeast Asian region.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
United States – Violence and False Flag Events
February 15, 2018
United States – Violence and False Flag Events
Padmini Arhant
United States citizens were introduced to major false flag event on September 11, 2001 that is being covered up until today in a manner burying the sand castle inside the silt by the sea shore. Following 9/11 there were series of false fag incidents in the United States and the rest of the world to justify war on terror by terror sponsors in the position of authority falling in the category of State sponsored terrorism.
Subsequently the monumental lie about the terror group leader who served as the intelligence agency valuable asset, the deceased Osama Bin Laden despite being dead in 2001 was resurrected and claimed to have been killed in Abbottabad mission in Pakistan in 2012. Interestingly, the administration under ex-President Barack Obama then responsible for this event somehow could not produce any evidence such as the target’s body that was stated to have been conveniently disposed in the Arabian sea without considering the need to show the 9/11 terror victims families, the American public and the world at large. Additionally, the NAVY SEAL TEAM SIX deployed in the capture and kill the dead Osama Bin Laden were also eliminated all at once in Afghanistan soon after the Abbottabad anecdote. So much for transparency.
Adding insult to human intelligence, the recent statement particularly from the former President Barack Obama on Abbottabad operation that Pakistan was unaware of Osama Bin Laden’s presence in Abbottabad, the city close to Pakistan’s military headquarter in Rawalpindi surely does not reflect well on Pakistan or that nation’s military as well as Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
Back in the United States, there were number of shooting incidents reported in the past decade with many of them only becoming the unsolved murder mysteries whether the Sandy Hook Elementary School or the Boston Marathon bombing and San Bernadine marking the previous administration’s legacy.
Now the Miami High School shooting reporting in semblance with Sandy Hook Elementary School style leads to the following question.
In the latest story on Florida High School shooting, the freshman confirming a meeting at the school prior to the shooting occurrence draws attention.
The school had recently held a meeting to discuss what to do in such an attack, Ryan Gott, a 15-year-old freshman told CNN.
Did the school authorities have premonition about the incident prompting such meeting ahead of the incident?
Was the meeting held knowing such attack is imminent and accordingly alerted the school in advance yet doing nothing to prevent the crime from happening?
Usually schools have fire drill which is reported to have taken place in this school earlier in the day before any shooting rampage.
The audience are getting tired of propaganda based news items and insidious insinuations by those run out of steam and substance in the relentless pursuit of violent means to maintain status quo. The terror manufacturers and purveyors obviously are responsible for perpetual violence demonstrated in prolonged conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Palestine, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Africa inspiring and orchestrating episodes in the domestic front.
The pattern conclusively defines the source and agents modus operandi much to self-detriment.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
Politics – Ethics and Accountability
February 5, 2018
Politics – Ethics and Accountability
Padmini Arhant
Is it ever possible for politics to come clean and accept responsibility for their actions or inaction during the term in office?
The answer is well known and anyone who dares to challenge status quo are subject to extreme and extraordinary treatment not barring elimination from position and assassination witnessed in political history worldwide.
When human mind is corrupted with hunger for power, fame and fortune using any means to achieve, anyone on the path are deemed an obstruction. The corruption leads to deceit, deception and lies not shying away from treason and violation of others rights.
Politics embedded in betrayal of trust, backstabbing and bullying are regarded strength in contrast to honest straightforward and frank demeanor rejected as threat to environment seeped in secrecy and subversion.
In politics, subservience and collusion is rewarded and the trend deploying innuendoes that began in 2008 and continued until now targeting truth and factual presentations clarifies the contempt for integrity, the acute deficiency in politics.
Those who have nothing to hide and fear would always confront any obstacles and challenges with clear conscience without relying on other sources and contingency to defend them.
Politics being a double edged sword is always brandished against the one declining to submit to devious agenda cloaked in duplicity and hypocrisy.
In political race, the authentic and committed contender would welcome participation of any contestant provided there is no criminal record and tainted alliances with members and organizations exposed for violating law and order.
Interestingly, they are the ones mostly found eligible, favored and usurped to power while prohibiting those not fitting the profile in this context. They are discouraged from taking part in election by having them arrested on unsubstantiated charges or denying them a fair opportunity to compete in national election.
Such practice only reveals the lack of confidence among those pre-selected or riding on others back to gain or remain in power. The preference slight ethical factors besides conflicting with the principles of democracy and free and fair elections.
Unfortunately, those reining control over political, economic and social systems would not have any other way despite the stagnation and superficial methods premised solely on self and vested interests presenting imminent decline due to unsustainable level of corruption and illegitimacy.
In the tradition with cyclical events and constant spinning in the hope of converting fallacious details into convincing material, the right to discernment is lost and so are the forces behind the strategy.
Politics influenced news sources induce media frenzy to sensationalize topics with characterizations missing in substance and submerged in accusations for political benefit.
Politics would earn respect upon renouncing scapegoat tactics and acknowledge the importance of applying the law exempting none in pursuit of truth and justice.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhsnt.com
United States – Washington D.C. Noise Pollution
February 5, 2018
United States – Washington D.C. Noise Pollution
Padmini Arhant
Fellow Americans,
I would like to clear the air once and for all.
There is noise pollution in Washington D.C.
There has been news articles and press interviews throughout the day accusing the release of memo from the House Intelligence Committee’s Chairman Devin Nunes as abuse of power. Since I am forced to deal with innuendoes rather than direct talks and reference, I respond to the allegation.
I find this accusation of abuse of power impulsive and interesting considering those who are making such claims are parallel to none in this art of abusing power verifiable in the tenure as CIA director introducing the inhumane and internationally condemned torture techniques as well as mistreatments of those held in custody without trial or right to legal defense to prove their innocence.
Notwithstanding the intelligence agencies missing in action in preventing the worst terror attack against the nation on September 11, 2001.
This is not the first time that an administration or office of Presidency has had difference of opinion and problems with the highest office bearers in intelligence agency.
The FBI founder and first director Edgar J. Hoover’s relationship with former President John F. Kennedy and subversion subsequent to the latter’s assassination is a classified yet publicly known secret.
The entire controversy surrounding Russia investigation headed by former FBI director Robert Mueller III and the recent intelligence memo is all related to alleged Russia meddling in 2016 Presidential election and the outcome against the democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Having visited this topic numerous times on this website, anything said or written no matter how well articulated and presented on this subject, the cliché is unavoidable.
Nevertheless, there is a demand to agree with the fast track Russia investigation aimed at indictment of the sitting President Donald Trump regardless of the methods and unusual approach from intelligence apparatus, DOJ, the Clinton campaign and DNC to prove their case.
It is important to refresh memory on Presidential quest by the democrat candidate Hilary Rodham Clinton.
The democrat candidate Hillary Clinton Presidential bid in 2008 against then democrat contender Barack Obama in the primary was unsuccessful. There was a high drama in having the contender Hillary Clinton concede to then candidate Barack Obama following the democrat primary election in 2008.
Fast forward to 2016, the democrat primary election and the lead up to Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton nomination was again anything but peaceful. The political storm between the Clinton campaign and the other contender Senator Bernie Sanders’ campaign was fierce and contentious. The tensions within DNC and infighting due to admittedly rigged nomination of the establishment candidate Hillary Clinton resulted in the expulsion of then DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the murder of democrat staffer Seth Rich, the supporter of candidate Bernie Sanders in the primary election.
Having wrestled and rammed over the Sanders’ campaign, the Clinton campaign along with the political class and media presumptuously decided on Clinton victory.
The democrat candidate Hillary Clinton, a seasoned politician and tenacious contestant having held the key post as Secretary of State had never resisted the concept of end justifying the means witnessed in 2008 and 2016 primary election campaigns.
The final election between the democrat candidate Hillary Clinton and the republican challenger Donald Trump was written off under the assumption of the democrat winning the election.
Meanwhile, there has been measures from the Clinton campaign as widely reported and acknowledged on the service acquired from the former British Intelligence operative, Christopher Steele, a foreign national with openly stated resolve to see the republican candidate Donald Trump fail in the Presidential race. As per the reports thus far which has not been refuted by the relevant parties, the Clinton campaign along with DNC paid $12 million to Christopher Steele for the dossier on the republican candidate Donald Trump and the campaign advisers alleged ties with Kremlin.
The Steele dossier obviously not meeting the objectivity given the author’s predisposition and overt resentment towards the subject i.e. the Presidential candidate Donald Trump has been used by FBI and DOJ in the submission for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant against one of the Trump campaign advisers Carter Page in 2016.
The FBI and DOJ were aware of the background on the dossier as having been paid for by the Clinton campaign and DNC. The recent exchanges since the release of the intelligence committee memo cited the FBI and DOJ mentioned about the dossier being politically motivated to FISA court at the time of seeking warrant. However, there is no indication on corroboration of the dossier that was presented to FISA court.
Now, the statements from the democrats favored sources suggesting that the dossier had no role in obtaining the warrant and that the intel memo cherry picked information from the dossier ignoring many crucial elements and therefore the memo is lacking in accuracy.
Clearly, the democrats and allies altered position in the wake of intel memo release is self-contradictory. On the one hand the dossier is stated irrelevant in gaining surveillance warrant from FISA court and in the same breadth the dossier is quoted to have critical information about the targets viz. the candidate Donald Trump and the Trump campaign advisers that are supposedly omitted by Chairman Nunes in the intel memo.
These are the questions the FBI and DOJ should address for proper clarifications to the American public.
Did the FBI and DOJ specify to FISA court that the dossier author Christopher Steele is a foreign national, a former British intelligence operative hired and paid by the Clinton campaign and DNC for the specific purpose of finding possible links between the opponent Donald Trump and Russia?
Did FBI and DOJ advise the FISA court whether the dossier was properly verified and found to be incontrovertible?
What other contents were provided to FISA court in addition to the unverified dossier as asserted lately in the reaction to intel memo?
The deputy AG Rosenstein apparent knowledge about FBI intelligence officials handling of Steele dossier, the FISA warrant and the surveillance activity together with the dismissal order given in writing to fire the former FBI director James Comey to incumbent President Donald Trump severely pose conflict of interest in the supervision role on Russia investigation.
As explained earlier on the topic on this website, the objection over alleged Russia intervention in 2016 election that has not been established with more than eight months passed in the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller III is meaningless and hypocritical in the backdrop of Clinton campaign invited and paid anti-Trump foreign agent Christopher Steele prepared dossier to derail then Presidential candidate Donald Trump election prospects.
Now the questions to those members rallying behind Russia investigation by former FBI director Robert Mueller on deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein oversight.
Do Russia investigation backers also favor inquiry against Clinton campaign for allowing foreign intrusion in the paid service from Christopher Steele?
Where is the evidence on alleged impeding by Russia in 2016 Presidential election?
How come the previous administration of ex-President Barack Obama and the intelligence agency FBI as well as DOJ did nothing to avert the alleged Russia interference despite maintaining they had credible information in this respect?
How is it that when the democrat candidate Hillary Clinton lost in 2008 to then democrat contender Barack Obama there was no Russia intrusion detected unlike the alleged dramatic Russian spell in 2016 against the Republican candidate Donald Trump?
Should accountability be enforced only on certain member or selective few in politics and grant impunity to others in direct violation of constitution and abuse of power in office?
The three to four page intel memo is rejected as concise data insisting the fifty page document is the detailed version even though the volume conforms to concentric circles with a common center being the unsubstantiated Steele dossier, alleged Russia links and concerted efforts until now to shun transparency.
There is no doubt the political fervor to disrupt governance, the stock market upbeat performance and voter trust in the mid-term election year prompting the misguided and misrepresented Russia probe.
The reality is those calling for Russia investigation with impeachment as the ultimate goal should be investigated and subject to the fullest extent of law that would essentially set precedence on fairness and application of rule on the basis none are above the law.
Finally, the House intelligence committee plan on Phase II to find the State Department involvement in the misuse of position and authority is a valid proposal and emphasize congressional responsibility to end inappropriate and unethical practice at the helm freeing the political system from deep state and secret society collusion.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
United States – Intel Memo and Russia Investigation
February 2, 2018
United States – Intel Memo and Russia Investigation
Padmini Arhant
The latest furor in Washington D.C. on congressional staff drafted memo for the Republican House Intelligence Committee Chair, Republican Congressman from California Devin Nunes and subsequent approval by the White House to release the intelligence memo hardly escapes attention.
The rebuttals from FBI, the justice department and the democrats’ memo in response to the development is the other aspect of the issue.
While there are arguments on the procedural and constitutional implications with back and forth statements along with media perspectives escalating the problem, the basis of the entire uproar is undermined that deserves focus.
The purpose should aim for transparency in the political system ominously missing much to public frustration and disappointment. Then the use and misuse of intelligence apparatus by one political party against another and especially citizens in civil society in addition to emphasis on Congressional oversight to prevent infringement on civil liberties in the course of overzealous espionage activity that is a persisting tradition in politics.
The news media published details claimed as information directly from the respective sources on both sides acknowledged as credible data leads to more than it meets the eye.
The saga leading to Russia Investigation with calls for indictment of the incumbent President appears to be the primary objective ignoring the past administrations actions in consciously misleading and misrepresenting American electorate as well as constitutional violations amounting to treason clarifies the political motive behind the pursuit.
What needs to be understood in this particular dispute is the Russia investigation headed by former FBI director Robert Mueller and overseen by deputy attorney general Rod Jay Rosenstein. The controversial Russia investigation is to determine the alleged involvement of President Donald Trump’s campaign advisers and associates with Kremlin and their alleged efforts to obtain findings on the democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton from Russian sources in order to gain political advantage in the 2016 Presidential election.
Interestingly, the origin of this quagmire setting precedence inviting foreign intrusion in the democratic process of national election and obstruction of justice to seek warrant is omitted in the protest.
The democrats apparently engaged a foreign national, the former agent of the British intelligence and paid to conduct research on then Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump alleged ties with Kremlin.
The British ex-spy supplied clues without proper verification were then used by FBI and the justice department to get a warrant against Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign foreign adviser Carter Page from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) withholding the British agent’s involvement from the FISA judge issuing the warrant.
Clearly, the obstruction of justice had occurred in the onset with non-disclosure on British foreign agent hired by the major political party viz. the democrats competing in the national election during FBI and justice department submission to FISA court thereby misleading the court in issuing the warrant.
Furthermore, the noise over alleged Russia interference in 2016 election overwhelm the foreign entity participation i.e. the former agent of British intelligence agency through paid service for the democrats in acquiring potentially damaging material against the Republican opponent in the Presidential race.
As highlighted recently on the topic of Russia Investigation on this website, the democratic party has plenty to address to their own base and the nation at large in the ways and means adopted to nominate the establishment candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton that were admittedly rigged leading to the expulsion of then DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the murder of the democrat staffer Seth Rich with police investigation results not yet made available since the incident in July 2016.
Amid these events, one side crying foul against another is equivalent to the pot calling the kettle black.
As for alleged Russia meddling, the foreign intervention in the national election has been facilitated with the democrats appointing the foreign spy agent followed by obstruction of justice in abstaining from truth in the FISA court that merits appropriate explanation prior to proceeding with Russia investigation.
The rules and laws applied across the spectrum exempting none regardless of position and status barring partisanship and bias would exemplify credibility and justice in the otherwise structure fraught with political acrimony.
The earnest quest for truth would hold all those in violations and abuse of power accountable not the selective few in the bitter political environment seeking elimination of anyone against the core entities agenda.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
United States – State of the Union Address 2018
January 31, 2018
United States – State of the Union Address 2018
Padmini Arhant
President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union Address to the nation and viewers worldwide.
I present my thoughts on the address.
The domestic issues related to job creation, lowering unemployment among African Americans and Latino Americans besides other achievements were highlighted in the speech. The tax reform legislation with tax breaks for various groups though the tax relief for individuals are temporary with an expiry date compared to corporations’ permanent tax cuts and stock market record breaking performance were brought to attention. They are relevant and important milestones for this administration and Congress.
The ordinary citizens in different occupations especially the members involved in rescue operations of natural disasters and those fighting crimes within nation were appreciated and commended in the first segment of the speech. These citizens deserved acknowledgment for risking their lives and saving others from life and death situation demonstrating care and compassion in the hour of need.
There was also a pledge to reduce the cost of prescription drugs that are astronomical leaving patients suffering from terminal illnesses with hard choices between buying medications to fight disease and food for survival.
The message on economy was optimistic and complimenting brave citizens for their selfless actions were humanizing in the Presidential delivery.
There was also emphasis on unity considering the divisiveness based on misrepresentation and propaganda of different types in communication outlets that are contributing to polarization. The gesture to transcend identity and accept one another as American is a positive note. The conciliatory approach on immigration recognizing the DACA issue as one of the four pillars including border security is welcome.
The second chance with job prospects for prison inmates having satisfied necessary time is a good moral and economic support to help them reform and settle as productive citizens in society. In this respect, the plan to open and set up vocational institutes and other labor training facilities would certainly be impetus for youths straying in life and committing crimes adding to prison population in the country.
I did not hear any specific benefit to college students on education loan that is vital as there are many of them in this category saddled with education debt prior to starting their career. The student loan is another area other than mortgage that often weighs down on ordinary citizens unable to have any savings after paying the huge interest laden debt. The low or no interest easy payment plan to students and their families would definitely boost college enrollment and educated work force.
Infrastructure to build roads, railways, bridges and ports were addressed in the President’s speech that are all important with bipartisanship in funding the projects leaving politics aside is essential.
The transition from free trade agenda to fair trade with reciprocal arrangement conforms to proposal on this website.
On religion, the guarantee to safeguard religious rights as constitutional norm is conducive and crucial for social harmony.
These issues were all right on track and pertinent to building America.
What I did not hear from the President that is significant not only to America but also to the survival of all species is the environment protection and reducing carbon emission. The administration should review the Paris Climate treaty objectively though I’m yet to familiarize myself on the details of the accord which I will do in the immediate future to understand the nature and commitments of the signatories to the agreement.
In my experience, the environment accord is usually limited to consent and not necessarily translated into action by major polluters viz. United States, China, India and other industrialized as well as emerging economies contributing to global warming and ice caps melting in the north and south poles specifically the arctic and Antarctic respectively endangering marine life and human inhabitation in remote regions of the world.
In fact, the fire, hurricanes, floods and freezing temperatures the President cited in his address are the results of gross environment abuse and neglect that could no longer be slighted prompting serious engagement from government to citizen level to curb environment deterioration. The wealth and economic development are meaningless in the absence of clean air and water critical for life.
Unfortunately, the President heeding to coal industry and endorsing fossil fuel production rather than reduction with export possibilities to other nations is not a viable option on environment preservation. Instead the coal miners and other energy companies should consider clean renewable energy using natural resources like solar, wind and hydrothermal projects and contain fossil fuel dependency. The oil companies constant drilling, fracking and digging in deep and shallow water along with pipelines like the controversial Keystone project ignoring native Americans plea to spare their territory prioritize profit over people and planet sustenance.
The administration’s focus and obligation to protect oceans and rivers from contamination and the atmosphere from pollution is key to healthy living standards that would also decrease health care costs for the nation. Again, clean air and water is not a privilege but indeed a necessity for all to exist and experience healthy life span.
Now on foreign policy. Not surprisingly, the foreign policy advocates input in the State of the Union Address targeting the usual nations as adversaries was predictable. The distinct remarks against some were not only repetitive stance but pronounce stagnancy in changing course from their archaic view of the world and refusing to accept the transformative geopolitical landscape.
Simultaneously touting the allies’ erroneous demands and indulgence viz. Israel and Saudi Arabia with the former occupation of Palestine and defiant settlement activities in Palestinian territories while the latter pounding of Yemen using United States sold artillery in Yemen are proved counterproductive.
The administration’s egregious decision on Jerusalem is neither in United States nor Israel’s interest as claimed in the speech. Jerusalem is a holy city shared among natives and residents settled thereafter creation of Israel on Palestine. The unilateral declaration of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is provocative and appropriately ruled out in the UN vote by majority in the world.
The President expectation from nations to fall in line on international affairs such as Jerusalem deny these nations sovereign right to express dissent and their citizens’ position on global matter. The anticipation on complacency and complicity from nations as recipients of United States financial aid and funding of the United Nations qualifies as bribery to buy votes in the UN voting process defeating the legitimate purpose of an international body.
On North Korea – the President reminisced the formation of union with then patriots’ resolve for self-governance that led to the emergence of United States of America proudly declared an independent nation on earth.
However, the free country not entirely free in governance with diverse special interests from within and outside exerting control over United States investments has developed into imperialist power despite failures and consistent debacles from illegal invasion and occupation of foreign land.
The irony with western colonial powers is they cherish own freedom and take pride in subjugation and colonization of nations worldwide. The colonial mindset rejects the rights of all human beings to liberty and independence from foreign intervention.
North Korea’s aspiration for reunification of Korea as an independent, sovereign nation liberated from foreign military on the borders and repressive UNSC economic sanctions is an inalienable right of the people of that country. United States long standing imposition on North Korea is direct violation of North Korean sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The same would be applicable to United States engagement in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and wherever United States military bases are established indefinitely declining the citizens of these nations the self-determination in governance of their choice without foreign troops and sponsored terror outfits presence.
The imperial quest premised on unfettered access to economic reserves and strategic dominance prompting military and terror infiltration in foreign land is a flawed strategy and never gain respect draining tax payer dollars on aggression and violent pursuits.
On the subject of terror – As stated earlier on this website, terrorism would collapse instantly upon terminating supply of weapons to terror factions together with ceasing funding to terror operatives that fosters terror. There is little or no desire to end these two means among promoters and profiteers of terror instrumental in proliferating terrorism.
Nuclear policy – The reluctance to lead the world in nuclear disarmament due to reservations from forces believing nuclear might as formidable defense is an illusion. Again, as explained earlier on the topic on this website, nuclear status is a dead weight on nuclear powers demanding extraordinary vigilance and financial investment in maintenance of nuclear site depriving other areas such as health care, education and infrastructure improvement in the national budget. The reality is people dying from preventable disease and lack of basic facilities is much higher and happening on daily basis among nuclear and non-nuclear states than the probability of nuclear attack. Yet nuclear ambitions and advancement exceed overall life requisites among nuclear states accelerating nuclear arms race.
The world cannot afford to wait for a particular time and place on denuclearization. Nuclear weapons are a menace and require safe disposal making the world a nuclear free zone. Hence, it is incumbent on all nuclear states to arrive at a consensus and expedite nuclear disarmament exempting none in the endeavor. The world leaderships in military, politics and civil society owe this responsibility to the present and future generation for safe and nuclear free existence.
Likewise, there is another cleaning up task pending world action. The land mines and improvised explosive device (IED) that are inflicting pain and permanent injury to largely poorer demography in countries that are designated eternal war precincts with weapons and explosives left behind in open field and abandoned in warehouse as witnessed in Africa, Afghanistan and Libya.
The addiction to foreign policy to suit core entities self and vested interests against United States and global benefits hurt America’s credibility in presiding over world disputes and discord.
The President speech also confirmed on Guantanamo Bay to remain open retaining status quo. The idea to house terror suspects most of whom are known to be falsely held in captivity denying them habeas corpus – the right to legal defense to prove their innocence emanated from the administration headed by then President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney and sources in power at that time. These members having been primarily responsible for allowing terror attack on 9/11/2001, they were never held accountable for dereliction of duty amounting to treason and violation of human rights in introducing torture and inhumane tactics on those in unlawful custody.
United States image could not be enhanced in skyscrapers and coast to coast high ways, bridges and monuments alone. Any nations real progress is verifiable in the treatment of own citizens and those abroad with mutual respect, dignity and fairness without compromising on ethics and human value.
I reiterate that President Donald Trump led administration and the present Congress with members from both sides of the political aisle have potential to build America and enable American dream for all Americans leaving none behind barring prejudice in general and partisan politics in governance.
United States and the world moving forward in strengthening ties with neighbors in the region and across the frontiers treating each other as partners and not rivals extending economic, cultural, educational and social events is paramount for global peace, prosperity and security.
God bless humanity and environment.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com
United States – Robert Mueller Investigation
January 30, 2018
United States – Robert Mueller Investigation
Padmini Arhant
The investigation headed by the former FBI director Robert Mueller is presented by Capitol Hill and media in different tone speculating various outcomes not excluding the possibility of President Donald J Trump impeachment.
What they are not telling the American electorate is who is the target in this investigation?
Is it President Donald Trump or the Russian government and the President Vladimir Putin?
Since the investigation is coined Russia probe,
Does this mean Russia is the subject of interest?
If Russia is suspected to have meddled in 2016 U.S. Presidential election and allegedly sabotaged the democratic Presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton’s shot at Presidency as the first female President,
Why did the predecessor President Barack Obama administration allow such alleged interference?
In other words, why didn’t the earlier administration in power at that time until January 2017 thwart foreign government intrusion given the state of the art technology and dragnet surveillance at their disposal?
The news media report on CIA awareness of Russia’s alleged plan raise the obvious query.
Why didn’t then President Barack Obama administration avert the foreign government meddling prior to the election day on November 4 in 2016?
Just like the media reporting now on CIA warning on Russia’s alleged preparation to intervene in the mid-term election this year.
What is the point in having intelligence agency that claims to have information about certain event that threatens democratic process and does nothing against the plot from coming into fruition?
There appears to be a pattern here going back to 9/11. The intelligence agencies CIA and FBI together with then administration under President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were adequately warned and informed about the major terror attack on the nation and yet they regarded the warning as hoax and let it happen facilitating the death of three thousand and more American and foreign nationals lives on the fateful day 9/11/2001 and millions thereafter in foreign land.
Is CIA information gathering and subsequent release to media only for the latter analysis and interpretations to keep the public confused on the matter without any appropriate action from the relevant administrations to prevent such activity?
The interesting fact in this entire saga is the democratic candidacy of Hillary Rodham Clinton notably surrounded by controversies, scandals and scathing political background believed to have been deprived from winning the election in 2016 when the candidate Hillary Clinton nomination process within the democratic party admittedly rigged leading to the forced resignation i.e. expulsion of DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz for the debacle.
The DNC interim chair at that time Donna Brazil recently confirmed the rigging adding to the pre-existing fact that was done to anoint the establishment candidate Hillary Clinton with DNC blatantly slighting the other contender on the democratic ticket, the Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders much to his supporters’ anger and disappointment.
Then the incident involving DNC staffer and Senator Bernie Sanders supporter, then 27 years old Seth Rich shot and killed on July 2016 in Washington D.C. for his alleged role in leaking DNC emails that had details on DNC decision to nominate Hillary Clinton further exacerbated DNC handling of the issue.
The murder of young political aide Seth Rich in the heat of political drama ensuing within DNC and the murder investigation results yet to be made public clarifies the problems confined to DNC bias and subversion of the nomination procedure.
Under these circumstances, the legitimate question that arise on the Robert Mueller Investigation is when the cause prompting such investigation expending taxpayer dollars evidently flawed from the beginning,
What is expected to be achieved from the pursuit?
The nomination of democratic candidate Hillary Clinton failed to follow the election rules and standard practice applicable to both political parties on primary and final election jeopardizing the credibility of such nomination.
The creation of Russian inquiry to deflect public attention from the actual internal turmoil in DNC due to pre-selected nominee Hillary Clinton usurping to be the Democratic Presidential candidate in 2016 election is circumvention and explains the endeavor bearing no meaningful and genuine purpose other than conforming to public opinion on the investigation being a political witch hunt and elaborating Russia phobia.
The Robert Mueller investigation would be fair and justified in the absence of DNC active impairment to field the candidate of their choice Hillary Clinton snubbing the democrat base and the other democrat contestant Senator Bernie Sander’s voters’ expectation for a normal and credible nomination course.
Otherwise, the wild goose chase laden with carving the bird in the impeachment undertone is rambunctious at best and fallacious at worst.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com