Republicans are saints and democrats are devils

Republicans are saints and democrats are devils

Jameel W. Karaki

Presidency at this time does not need someone with a wise future vision to manage his nation, its resources and foreign affairs. It also doesn’t need a man who is honest with himself but for a candidate who can attack his rival within the context of the alleged American democracy which requires a candidate to  flatter AIPAC  in order to become the US president.

Recently, the Former  governor of Minnesota and Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty ,in his addresses to the State Department and the AIPAC policy conference , argued that  Obam’s Middle East policy 'breaks his heart' since he considers obama  as wrong  g in  his belief that 'Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies at the heart of every problem in the Middle East.

Pawlenty approach says that he would never undermine Israel’s negotiating position, nor pressure it to accept borders, which jeopardize security. He also believes that it is unproductive to pressure Israel into negotiations with “Hamas or a Palestinian government that includes Hamas.

 Moreover, he called Obam’s administration to take action in Syria and demanding that the U.S. take a stand in the war-torn Middle East country and to withdrew the American ambassador from Syria

Pawlenty also accused Obama of failing to present a coherent response to the Arab Spring, describing his actions as slow, and too often without a clear understanding of the American interests.

As an observer, I would like to highlight some facts in this regard, that the major reason behind the culture of heat against the United States in the Middle East and the Muslim world is the American support to Israel and terrorism behavior of the Zionist regime by killing many Palestinians like flea by using American weapons. There are some other reasons behind this hate against USA that doesn’t need a political science graduate from University of Minnesota.

Regarding Hamas, it is an organization that represents a lot of Palestinians where in 2006 former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said the elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip were “completely honest”   and That Hamas had won so overwhelmingly and fairly. As a result Hamas is a part of the government and it is a good investment for USA to negotiate a government that contains both of Fatah and Hamas rather than watching the Israeli skies rained with rockets.

It is a also a well known  fact  that  the pace of events in the Arab spring countries was faster than the light to the extent that diplomats in these countries were shocked while preparing their reporters  like local citizens unless, there was an American intervention in these revolutions which helped American diplomats to report.

 In addition to the current situation in Syria, I do agree with Mr. Pawlenty that many massacres are being committed against Syrians. However, since 1967, there was not a single shot fired from the Golan Heights and no commando operations were executed towards Israel in any way, therefore the existence of Basher Al-Asaad's regime as essential for the security of Israel.

In general, there is neither two state solutions nor a peace between Israel and palatines unless a brave American president  dares to think about considering Israel as a problem under the pressure of an organized militant and resistance operations against Israel.

Moreover,  the conflict in Middle East is like a snake with a head called the American Support and a tail named Israel that has diverse mechanisms  of disrupting the whole region through its toxins and what’s happening now between the republicans and democrats is a partisan war which  is a major threat to Israel.

In a word, if Obama made the American sky rains gold, and granted every single American a place in the heaven he would remain a devil in the eyes of republicans but at the end the American foreign policy against the Palestinian cause is just a placebo.

UNDP launches its Twitter Account

KUWAIT: In a press the United Nation Development Porgram (UNDP) in Kuwait

has registered and launched its Twitter account at @UNDPKuwait.

 

The account is set to make information about the organization’s on-going projects available and create a forum from which the public can have an understanding of UNDP Kuwait’s work, aspirations, initiatives and goals.

The Twitter account can be found at: http://www.twitter.com/UNDPKuwait

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As

they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of

Kuwait's forces mobility is normal, GCC won't let Bahrain fall: Expert

Sunday,26 June 2011

By : Jameel W. Karaki KUWAIT: Security Expert Colonial Fahed Al-Shelaimi said in his comment on the current situation in the Middle East that the political elites in some countries are not recognized or mature yet.      Al-Shelaimi indicated that most of the countries in the Middle East are in revolutions except for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area,     where he explained that the current situation in Bahrain is occurring due to a large number of Shiites and low economic conditions which created a revolt against the ruling family. He noted that GCC countries won't let this monarchy fall since this action has a domino effect on the region.     Regarding the Legitimacy and the legal side of moving forces from one place to another, he explained that the mobility is normal; recalling that the head quarter of the Kuwaiti navy during the Iraqi invasion was in Bahrain. He went on to say, "In Kuwait, we asked for foreign troops, so its normal that Bahrain asks the GCC for help despite the fact that some urge that these forces were used for internal affairs," noting that "the GCC including Saudi Arabia want to secure their back yard."     "There is no doubt that Bahrain is part of the GCC where the Gulf Arab States are providing 20 billion US dollars to Bahrain and Oman," he said, adding that "in Bahrain, there will be no revolution but a compromisation." Al-Shelaimi asserted that GCC countries will not allow things to go beyond control and that Bahrain is a part of the United States Fifth Fleet. He said explained that the problem is economical and was accepted, however caused the GCC countries to panic when it reached the stage of regime change.     Moreover, the official expert said that Iranian fingerprints and signatures in Bahrain are present in the slogans, attitude and language which led the Sunni's to become frustrated, not to mention that some people from the Sunni side have blown some matters out of context. According to Al-Shelaimi, "those people, who were trying to get their constitutional rights, lost their direction and (the demonstrations) ended up with a (demand) for regime change which is unacceptable given the GCC's mindset, therefore, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates (UAE) sent some troops."     Furthermore, in his assessment of the situation regarding some countries in the Middle East, he pointed out that the Yemen's president is leaving, the situation in Syria is vague, the Muslim brotherhood will gain 20 percent to 25 percent of votes, and that the Moroccan King is doing his best toward to provide legitimate constitutional changes, noting that the area is living in a turning point which will revolve around political elites.     Regarding the situation in Syria, he believes that since 1967, there was not a single shot fired from the Golan Heights and no commando operations were executed towards Israel in any way, therefore the Israelis and Europeans view the existence of Basher Al-Asaad's regime as essential for the security of Israel.     As for Egypt, Al-Shelaimi predicts that religious parties will be successful in its achievements because of the weak bases of well known parties such as Wafd Party and National Democratic Party which many people are renouncing from it, while other parties are considered small in representation. However, the Muslim Brotherhood has charitable bases in some areas which can be transformed into electoral bases.     As for the current situation in Yemen, he described Ali Abduallh Salah's regime as a "groggy regime" which if remains in power for long, causes a buffer zone between the people and the system. He noted that the world was hesitant in taking a common decision about Yemen since the political elites in this country were not recognized. However, these political elites have been recognized in addition to the GCC initiative.     He concluded, "It is a matter of time ... the opposition provided the current president with many options such as allowing the vice president to become a president for a transformation period," noting that this is considered as an encouraging sign that can help changes in Yemen.

Social media networks: Where does the margin of freedom stand?

Friday,24 June 2011

By : Jameel W. Karaki (Me)        Staff Writer KUWAIT: The recent technological advancements brought to the surface many new concepts that include expressing an opinion or even reporting news through social media networks or blogs.  These media channels have become a global phenomenon, particularly in the Arab World in the current climate. Disputes have emerged among people, journalists and activists, in regards to whether there should be laws or regulations to organize and control these media outlets. Nasser Abul, Kuwaiti citizens and a Twitter user, was arrested almost two weeks ago for criticizing Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's ruling families in tweet posts. This is not the first time a blogger has been detained in Kuwait over expressing their opinion. For his part, Daham Al-Ghatni, a journalist and a political analyst who believes that social media networks should present a medium of freedom of expression, said that there is a difference between freedom of expression when it brings matters in a logical and objective way and between statements that can be called "indecent", which occur by insulting people and their legal positions without any evidence, also known as libel. He went on to say, "For instance, when I describe a human being to be an animal and I get arrested, I can't speak about freedom," noting that a journalist should be prosecuted according to the printing laws, and not by state security laws. In addition, Al Ghahtni said that till now there is no law that governs blogging in Kuwait, yet insulting dignities is not acceptable, adding that the detained blogger should be dealt with in a legal framework. "Sometimes governments don't harm freedoms, but some people who are practicing are present a bad example about blogging, therefore, as bloggers we should present the positive impression." said Dahem. On his part Jaafar Rajab, a Kuwait writer believes that freedom of expression shouldn't be restricted on social media, printing press media or even public places, indicating that there are relevant laws that deal with libel. Rajab referred to social media outlets such Facebook and Twitter as a "big diwenya." When asked about legalizing laws related to social media networks, he said: "It is not appropriate to legalize such a law to restrict freedoms", noting that Kuwait should keep pace with development around the world since given that it's the 21th century. Regarding the case of Nasser Abul he said that "even if he committed a mistake, what is happening in his case is that there is an abuse of power because it doesn't make any sense that until now he has no charges against him." He went on to say, "Abul is a regular guy who is not a politician or has previous police records. He is just a guy who was involved in a dialogue. There is a legal reference for such an action which doesn't include his arrest for weeks." Rajab also compared the journalism law in Europe to the Arab World's, saying that European laws talk about rights and the access of information while media laws in the Arab World speak about taboos and crimes, ignoring the rights of the journalists as well as the bloggers.

The last interview with Ambassador Deborah K. Jones, So much respect for this woman

Thursday,16 June 2011

By : Jameel W. Karaki Staff Writer KUWAIT: The two Kuwaiti detainees in Guantanamo bay represent a threat for both countries and their shared interest, said the US Ambassador to Kuwait Deborah K. Jones on Wednesday. "We will keep working with the Kuwaiti government to reach a satisfactory solution for both parties," she said, adding that the detainees are to be prosecuted before a military court. This statement was given to reporters during a round table discussion. The ambassador's diplomatic mission will end in few days. When asked about her evaluation for her mission in Kuwait, she clarified that every ambassador is sent with a letter of instructions from the president of the United States where many of those instructions aim to support and develop the bilateral relationship, civil society, democracy and sustain and develop economics, energy and commercial ties as well as cooperating in the field of counter terrorism in order to prevent sources from financing terrorists group in terms of countering mutual threats. Regarding the security forces in Iraq, Jones noted that it t is important to realize that the Iraqi security forces along with the American forces provided security for Iraqi citizens, adding that the US completely withdrew the combat forces. The ambassador asserted that Iraq is a sovereign state. "The American troops don't exist at any country if they are not welcomed. The American people want to see an end of our troop's involvement in Iraq," she said. As to the Iranian Nuclear program, Jones clarified that "The United States supports the right of Iran to have a peaceful nuclear energy,  however, The United States and the International Community is still waiting for a clear statement about the nuclear intentions of Iran," adding that the American Government will continue to work closely with its allies in the region to protect them against this kind of threat. Jones believes that the relationship between Iraq and Kuwait shouldn't be distracted by some media or some politicians who are trying giving statements for the sake of the domestic gains, noting that this phenomenon happens also in the United States.  "I personally believe that Iraq is a country that has been isolated for the decades because of sanctions, therefore it can benefit from its neighbor Kuwait in the business and financial world and use Kuwait's expertise as a gateway or an economic enzymes that can really open that door to reach a win -win situation for both of them," She added. As for the situation in Syria and the Turkish Role, "The current situation in Syria represents a huge concern for everyone," said Jones, adding that the Turkish foreign policy aims to have a good relationship with its neighbors. Jones pointed out that the collapse of the current regimes will have an impact on Lebanon, Israel, Turkey and Iraq. According to Jones, the former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak was a great ally to the United States and a peace supporter, asserting that US didn't throw him, but Egyptian citizens did a change. She concluded, "I feel like home and it's an honor that the leadership said to me "you are from our own people, you are in our heart." US Ambassador to Kuwait Deborah K. Jones, centers reporters in a memorial photo after a round table discussion held on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. (LEFT) her excellency US Ambassador to Kuwait Ambassador Deborah K. Jones(Right) Myself. I wish you all the best in your new mission and thanks for your support.