During a week that has seen its news dominated by economic developments, violence has seemed to be on the increase in Iraq, while the region's political leaders have been maintaining an active, if not a somewhat confusing, schedule.
On Tuesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was in Rome, as an unpopular attendee at a UN food summit, and he took the occasion to describe Israel as a "fabricated entity...doomed to go," and the "myth of America's invincibility" as being "shattered."
Then, three days later, an Israeli official issued one of that nation's strongest statements, yet, threatening an attack on Iran if it continues to pursue its nuclear program.
And today, Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, on his third visit to Iran in his present official capacity, is holding talks with Ahmadinejad, described as being an attempt to "put the relations between Iran and Iraq on the right path."
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, two explosions in Baghdad killed 22 Iraqis and wounded at least 50. One was thought to be an accidental detonation by the terrorists. And today, the Green Zone was again under attack, as three civilians were killed and seven were wounded by mortar fire.
The ability of Al Qaeda in Iraq to disappear underground when necessary only to reemerge elsewhere has been well documented, and it was demonstrated once again this week, as violence increased in the northern provinces.
Tamim province saw three U.S. soldiers killed on Wednesday and today a major explosion by a suicide truck bomber there killed another U.S. soldier and wounded 18 other American service personnel as well as two Iraqi contractors.
Mosul, a northern city of 2.6 million people in Ninawa province, is also described in press reports as currently being an urban stronghold for Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Last week, the Department of Defense released the obituaries of seven military personnel killed in Iraq, ranging in age from 19 to 26.
According to the website www.icasualties.org, U.S. deaths in that country now stand at 4,094, including three whose families are being notified today.
The Department of Defense also released the obituaries of six soldiers killed in Afghanistan, ranging in age from 19 to 42.
Total U.S. deaths in Afghanistan were 444 as of May 31, according to the Pentagon.
Five of the American deaths reported this week, were caused by roadside bombs.
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Comments: 44
US and other troops continue to sacrifice life, limb, and mental stability for their countries. May we continue to uphold their families and pray for a quick end to this conflict.
This isn't fear-mongering; it's 21st-century warfare. That I don't believe that Obama can handle it is another reason why I won't be voting for him.
Duct tape, though maligned often in red-neck comedian blurbs, sadly, works to keep the count, which we do not see on our own news, in front of whomever drives behind me.
Again, tonight I weep for the loss, and the needless pain of moms and dads across the country.
Feeling tired and down tonight--where and when will we be able to end this?
Wilka
Triple points for you!!!
But bear this in mind....Almost everything on this planet is based on mass psychology, although it is fairly rare in history that we get to see the proof of it. The emergence of a charismatic leader at the right time has provided that proof in the past, and, indeed the results have been both great and, as in the case of Hitler, terrible.
If Obama is allowed to win the forthcoming election he may well bring with him a spirit that could ignite a significant change in the direction this country is headed. People who say he doesn't have the experience, I believe, are neglecting to take this possibility into consideration.
And Obama's psychological impact could extend far beyond the borders of this nation. Thursday's LA Times carried a major story headlined "Obama Has Captivated the World."
If he is elected, as many people across the globe are hoping, I believe that his positive effect on the general level of confidence could far outwiegh any degree of inexperience he may or may not have, a question which - in truth - can be asked in connection with any presidential candidate.
Someone with Obama's apparent degree of potential to motivate the masses rarely comes along. I hope America doesn't blow it (again!).
I just can't get over the number. I just seriously can't get over the number. What a freaking waste for profit. Eternal shame for those who engage to kill for profit. Eternal, eternal shame.
Blessings to you today,
Wilka
I'm going to gone from gather for a little while but, I'll be back ASAP
Meanwhile, keep us informed as to the shenanagins and rhetoric of those who purport to represent our voice.
since we are trying to elect an American president, other than making sure the world stays either respectful or fearful of us, why do we care what most of the world thinks? Too many libs/progs think that world opinion is some magical force that ensures we are doing right...far from it. Most of the world claiming to like us simply means we are doing what they want us to do...watch immigration applications/illegals coming here, tourists/students overstaying their visas to see what really counts. When the outflow approaches a fraction of the attempted inflow, then the world really no longer likes or needs us, until that day its all simply the media trying to make news and placate those who find it fun to criticize (an action without consequences)
I'm sure that the likes of John Hagee like what they see as it sets the stage for a massive confrontation between the sons of Isaac and Ismael as the Sons of Isaac have recently threatened Iran with attack if they don't stop their nuclear program deemed to be peaceful by the IAEA and the Neo-Cons are more than willing to aid Israel while the Christian Eschatologists such as Hagee will pray for it and do all they can to hasten the Rapture that they thought was going to come during Israel's last war with Hezbollah not too long ago. Talk about a let down. They are still faithful that the Rapture will be coming in their lifetimes as Hagee strongly believes. It's all just a matter of time. They will vote for four more years of the McSame.
I just wish God would take them to Heaven now.
It's facinating as to what is really going on between the US, Israel and Iran.
Donald, you provide much food for thought.
Richard, sorry to hear you'll be gone for awhile. Hope it isn't for long and that everything is ok.
Charles, thanks for expressing your interesting point of view.
Francis...that's a scary scenario and well it should be. The end-time situation is not one to be take lightly in terms of its potential to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Dan, thanks for your opinion.
and Pat, I appreciate your recommending that book...I will definitely check it out...
And given the general status of an ego driven world locked into duality (+/-), it will be MOST VIOLENT for the majority ... possibly just what "they" need to learn their "lessons" ... never the less, I will keep on pushing for a spiritual "conversion" for those not too hung up on thinking that violence will really settle things longer than "possibly" a temporary solution ... what goes around comes around.
Don't expect Obama to do anything different. He will not yank our troops out. I don't see any changes except a new president.
My son Eddie is about to join this episode but thanks to the 24th MEU there is much peace keeping progress in So Afghanistan and they have been there for over 7 months. It is our Marines that get in there and do the job it seems the Nato forces only want to work where it is safe and the British forces do not want to fix the problems merely to hold them off until the Marines step in.
I am well aware that one day the Marines will pull up in my driveway with full dress uniforms to inform me my son is with his brothers in heaven, but although it will be painful at least I will know he did something wonderful for his country in his sacrifice and did not just sit around and play video games like a lot of weak young men today.
Sorry guys, the world is a lot more complex than you most of you will ever realize. Until that magic day comes when the sheep will lie down with the lamb, we need to keep our knives sharp. Your evidence for world opinion being important is damn slim, we've never been a nation that many other nations "liked" so much that they would make sacrifices to help us. To get a worthless good opinion from other nations means nothing in the long run. Think for a moment what nations you would have called our friends before Iraq OR Afghanistan and who are they today? Why did they change if they did? Fear?
For many its guilt...I still remember that German panzer grenadier officer in Germany telling me that the week of the invasion. He said they (the Germans) disliked Bush and his determination to do what he thought was right for his nation regardless but especially in the Bundeswehr were ashamed that when push came to shove, the Germans and most of Europe refused to pay their blood debt.
I have major disagreements with Bush on most things but I truly hate those politicians who voted for this war and like cowards ran when it didn't end in a week or two. Especially when so many were "tough" until the pedal hit the road. Obama did say he'd help Iraq instead of a total pullout...what does that mean? If the Iraqis start to collapse will he order another invasion? I wonder if you are all prepared to take the consequences of this if/when he starts the pullout....