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Iran Nuclear Watch: British Prime Minister Tony Blair Issues Iran Warning
Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) and Iraq ‘s Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki speak at a news conference in the fortified Green Zone in Baghdad December 17, 2006. Blair pledged his full support for Iraq’s government during a visit to Baghdad on Sunday and vowed not to let democracy be destroyed by ‘those who wish to live in hatred’.
Reuters: Blair to urge Middle East states to rein in Iran
British Prime Minister Tony Blair will call on Wednesday for Middle East states to rein in what he calls the threat from Iran and to help advance peacemaking between Israelis and Palestinians.
Speaking in the United Arab Emirates, he will underline what has been the theme of his Middle East tour: moderate leaders must be empowered against extremists.
“We must recognize the strategic threat the government of Iran poses, not its people, not possibly all of its ruling elements, but those presently in charge of its policy,” he will say, according to extracts of his speech released by his office.
Iran seeks “to pin us back in Lebanon, in Iraq and in Palestine,” he will tell business leaders in Dubai.
“Our response should be to expose what they are doing, build the alliances to prevent it and pin them back across the whole of the region.”
He says to do this “we need the open and clear backing of the countries in this region that know better than me what is happening and why.”
In the meantime, the United States is considering a show of military force against Iran.
And Russia is still STALLING United Nations sanctions.
TICK TOCK TICK TOCK
Tony Blair is preparing the Middle East for the eventuality of the “POINT OF NO RETURN.”
Americans know the Brits will be with the United States.
The other countries of the Middle East can either help the United States and Iran achieve a negotiated settlement – which means a NO NUKE IRAN or get the hell out of the way of the United States military, NATO and the Israeli Defense Forces.
Stay tuned…….
The USS Enterprise and USS Dwight David Eisenhower
Previous:Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Considering Show Of Force Against Iran
Iran Nuclear Watch: A Military Option Redux
John Hinderaker: Mr. President, If I May Be So Bold…
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Expands Uranium Enrichment – AGAIN
The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, Ahmadinejad
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Cox & Forkum: Wish List
Cox & Forkum: Wish List
CNN: U.S., North Korea meet one-on-one.
Financial experts from the United States and North Korea met Tuesday to address Washington’s campaign to isolate the North from the international banking system, the key stumbling block blamed for Pyongyang’s 13-month boycott of nuclear talks.The meeting came on the sidelines of six-nation arms talks that entered a second day Tuesday with discussions focused on the implementation of a disarmament pledge signed by the North last year. …
The North staked out a tough position as the six-nation talks opened Monday, demanding a long list of previously stated preconditions for its disarmament such as the lifting of all U.N. sanctions and U.S. financial restrictions.
It repeated its assertion that it be considered a nuclear weapons power and that the talks be transformed into negotiations over mutual arms reductions in which it would be accorded equal footing with the United States. The North said it would increase its nuclear arsenal if its demands are not met.
The North also renewed its demand for a nuclear reactor for electricity.
The latest North Korean nuclear crisis erupted in 2002 after U.S. officials said the North had admitted having a secret nuclear program in violation of a 1994 disarmament deal, leading to the North’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
Flap knows the United States will bargain in good faith.
The problem has been the duplicity of Kim Jong-Il.
Trust But Verify
Technorati Tags: Cox&Forkum, NorthKorea, KimJong-Il
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Rudy Giuliani Watch: Join Rudy 2008 Web Site Is Gold
ABC News: Giuliani Takes Another Step Toward 2008 White House Run
ABC News’ David Chalian Reports: In yet another sign that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani may be leaning in favor of making a full-blown run for the White House, the Giuliani exploratory committee has launched a brand new Web site with the hopes of attracting donors, activists, and potential voters.
JoinRudy2008.com makes it abundantly clear around which attributes Team Giuliani plans to build the former mayor’s candidacy. “Proven Leadership,” reads the banner headline across the home page of the Web site – an echo of the main theme and title of Giuliani’s best selling book.
Flap says head on over to JOINRUDY2008.COM and join and contribute.
Flap knows you will be glad you did.
Previous:
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani the Un-Nominated?
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani to Be Keynote Speaker at California Republican Party Convention
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani Leads McCain and Hillary Clinton in 2008 Presidential Poll
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani Leads in Latest Fox News Poll
Rudy Giuliani Watch: California’s Model for 2008
Technorati Tags: RudyGiuliani
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Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Considering Show Of Force Against Iran
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hosts a State Department commemoration of International Human Rights Week in Washington, 14 December 2006. The United States wants a UN Security Council vote this week imposing sanctions on Iran for its failure to freeze its uranium enrichment program, the State Department said.
Reuters: U.N. Iran nuclear talks stall; Russia has objections
Despite optimism of a U.N. Security Council vote this week on Iran’s nuclear program, Russia still voiced objections on Tuesday to a draft European resolution imposing sanctions on Tehran.
The resolution bans imports and exports of materials and technology relating to uranium enrichment, reprocessing and heavy-water reactors, as well as ballistic missile delivery systems. And to meet Russia’s objections, it excludes any mention of a light-water reactor Moscow is building at Bushehr in southwest Iran, Tehran’s first nuclear power plant.
But Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin said he wanted to delete a travel ban on leading Iranian officials and firms associated with the nuclear program. He also opposes a list of Iranians subject to an assets freeze.
The issues are the same ones that Russia, backed by China, has objected to for days in talks with five other key powers.
“We are still discussing a number of key areas,” China’s U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya told reporters. “So far there are some differences over some areas.”
Consequently, Britain and France, who along with Germany, drafted the resolution backed by the United States, will brief the 15-member Security Council later on Tuesday without a text that is supported by Russia and China.
In Moscow, Russian Ambassador Sergei Lavrov said the draft resolution, revised earlier this month, had largely met Moscow’s concerns as a basis for a consensus decision.
But Churkin said, “There is a certain distance between basic agreement and final agreement. We are trying to cover this distance and so far we are not there yet.”
In the meantime:
The USS Enterprise and USS Dwight David Eisenhower
AP: Pentagon mulling show of force to Iran
The Pentagon is considering a buildup of Navy forces in the Persian Gulf as a show of force against Iran, a senior defense official said Tuesday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because the idea has not been approved, the official said one proposal is to send a second aircraft carrier to the region amid increasing tensions with Iran, blamed for encouraging sectarian violence in neighboring Iraq as well as allegedly pursuing a nuclear weapons program.
The United Nations Security Council is continuing to do NOTHING and Iran continues to say that UNSC sanctions mean NOTHING.
So……..
The idea of building up U.S. Navy forces has been discussed over some time and it’s unclear when a decision will be made, the defense official said.
The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is already in the region. It left the United States in late September with four other Norfolk-based ships and submarines carrying 6,500 sailors.
The flotilla headed to the Mediterranean Sea and eventually went to relieve the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier USS Enterprise strike group, which was in the region supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Also, the U.S. in late October led a naval training exercise aimed at blocking smuggling of nuclear weapons in the Persian Gulf.
The six-nation maneuvers off the coast of Iran were the first of their kind since North Korea’s Oct. 9 nuclear test and U.N. sanctions that called on the international community to conduct searches at sea to ensure the reclusive communist nation is not secretly expanding its nuclear program.
Tick Tock Tick Tock
The “POINT OF NO RETURN” clock is counting down. Russia soon will not have to worry about Bushehr and the nuclear reactor they are helping Iran build there since it will be bombed into the Gulf – as a prime target.
And President Bush is NOW sending more troops into Iraq.
Is Iran being sent a message?
Stay tuned……..Previous:
Iran Nuclear Watch: A Military Option Redux
John Hinderaker: Mr. President, If I May Be So Bold…
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Expands Uranium Enrichment – AGAIN
The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, Ahmadinejad
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Tom McClintock Watch: State Board of Equalization?
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and California State Senator and Lt. Governor candidate Tom McClintock in San Jose at the California Republican Party Convention, February 24, 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Lowered expectations
Having lost races for governor, lieutenant governor and state controller, Republican State Sen. Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks is working his way down the ole ballot. The Capitol Morning Report, which is sort of the daily racing sheet of Sacramento politics, reports that McClintock has opened a campaign account to run for a Board of Equalization seat in 2010.
Of course, many termed-out legislators open accounts for offices they don’t have interest in, just so they have a way to continue fundraising. But then again the Board of Equalization is a popular way station for politicians looking to run for another job. McClintock’s interest in the BOE remains unknown as he did not respond to a request for comment.
Flap suspects this is a fund-raising mechanism. Especially, since McClintock is termed out of his California State Senate seat.
Now, this could change with a redistricting proposal being floated around the capital – should the governor need to entice affirmative Democrat legislative votes with a change in term limits.
But, what Tom WILL do is open a federal fundraising account (unless he already has?) and keep his powder dry for a possible Congressional run in either the 24th (Thousand Oaks) or another safe GOP district.
Previous:
Tom McClintock Watch: McClintock for Congress?
Technorati Tags: TomMcClintock
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Michael Angelo Morales Watch: California Governor Schwarzenegger Proposes Revised 5-Point Lethal Injection Protocol
Sacramento Bee: State seeks new plan for lethal injections
Responding to judge, governor wants improved training for executions.
Addressing concerns of a federal judge, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger laid out a plan Monday to bring California’s lethal injection process in line with constitutional standards guarding against cruel and unusual punishment.
Schwarzenegger’s proposed five-point lethal injection protocol came in response to Friday’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel in San Jose that the state hadn’t been properly anesthetizing condemned inmates who were being put to death.
The Republican governor’s new review plan calls for better screening and training of “execution team” members and requiring them to better familiarize themselves with the death drugs they administer.
U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel’s ruling is here.
Remember his victim, Terri Lynn Winchell?
Remember the MURDER? LOVE TRIANGLE GONE VICIOUS
Remember the NO JUSTICE INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT OF EXECUTION?
“I respect Judge Fogel’s decision,” Schwarzenegger said in Los Angeles on Monday. “(He) … has made it very clear we should make the system, we should make the procedure constitutional. So I instructed my office and my team to do that, to work hard on it. We had meetings on that issue and we are going to comply with the judge.”
In a prepared statement, the governor said his administration will “take immediate action to resolve court concerns which have cast legal doubt on California’s procedure for carrying out the death penalty.”
Good Call Governator.
Now, let’s get some justice for Terri Lynn Winchell.
However, stay tuned for the appeals of the revised protocol as soon as it is completed.
Previous:
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: Execution Postponed INDEFINITELY
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: Execution Tonight?
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: Execution Delayed by Doctor Walk Out
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: United States Supreme Court Refuses to Halt Morales Execution
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Denies Clemency Petition
Michael Angelo Moreno Watch: State Agrees to Place Anesthesia Expert in Death Chamber
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: Federal Judge May Delay Execution
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: Ventura County Judge Asks California Governor Schwarzenegger for Clemency
Michael Angelo Morales Watch: Kenneth Starr to Assist Death Row Clemency Bid
Technorati Tags: MichaelAngeloMorales,, ArnoldSchwarzenegger,, California,, KennethStarr,, TerriLynnWinchell,, LethalInjection
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Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani the Un-Nominated?
A recent poll of Republicans gave former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani an early lead for the presidential nomination over Sen. John McCain (Ariz.).
Washington Post: Giuliani’s Primary Hurdle
Polls Aside, Skeptics Say GOP Won’t Nominate a Social Liberal for President
His national poll numbers are a dream, he’s a major box office draw on the Republican Party circuit, and he goes by the shorthand title “America’s Mayor.” All of which has former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani convinced he just might become America’s president in 2008.
He is showing the early signs of a serious candidacy: Giuliani’s presidential exploratory committee throws its first major fundraiser in a hotel near Times Square on Tuesday evening, and he recently hired the political director of the Republican National Committee during 2006. A Washington Post-ABC News poll released last week found that Republicans give Giuliani an early lead over Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who is far ahead of the former mayor in organizing a national campaign.
And here comes the BUT – MONKEY.
But, Rudy cannot be nominated by the GOP?
BALLOCKS or BULL
Mayor Giuliani may be the ONLY GOP candidate that can beat likely Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton. And the Democrats know it.
But, back to the GOP primary season.
Despite that lead, conservative party strategists and activists in key primary states are skeptical and warn that the socially liberal Republican faces a difficult campaign. They question whether a Republican who has had one marriage end in annulment and another in divorce, and favors abortion rights, gun control and immigrant rights, has much retail appeal in the evangelical and deeply conservative reaches of the GOP.
“If the Republican Party wants to send the social conservatives home for good, all they have to do is nominate Rudy Giuliani,” said Rick Scarborough, a Southern Baptist minister and president of Vision America. “It’s an insult to the pro-Christian agenda. . . . He’s going to spend a lot of money finding he can’t get out of the Republican primaries.”
The Pro-Life Christians and Evangelicals are an important GOP constituency. However, social issues near and dear to their hearts will NOT be in play for 2008. National security, foreign policy and competency in administering the federal government will rule the 2008 election season.
Flap asks the Christian Right about where they were in the 2006 California Governor’s race?
Answer: NOT voting for Far-Left Democrat Phil Angelides. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a socially moderate Republican won this race easily.
The same will apply to the race between Giuliani and Hillary.
The Christian right will NOT support Hillary Clinton, a far left ideologue.
The GOP knows that the red state/blue state dichotomy does not portend well for the future GOP. California MUST be competitive. There are just too many people and electoral votes to abandon. Giuliani is the ONLY GOP candidate that can beat Hillary in California.
And what about John McCain?
Flap knows the 2008 Presidential race will be a hard campaign to beat Hillary Clinton and most probably the Barack Obama ticket. Flap, hereby, invokes the GOP Eleventh commandment, so aptly promulgated by President Ronald Reagan: “Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.”
Flap will contrast the issues and promote Flap’s candidate for President, Rudy Giuliani, but will from this point forward refrain from trash-talking Senator John McCain or Governor Mitt Romney.
Giuliani, 62, presents an unusual figure in recent political history. His coolness after the Sept. 11 attacks, and his eloquence about that loss, rendered him that rare mayor who could step onto the national political stage. He has a core of socially liberal positions — he also supports domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, although not marriage — but wraps it in a hide as tough as any conservative Republican.
He’s a crime fighter and a tax and welfare cutter. He campaigned for George W. Bush in 2000 and staked out unyielding positions on Iraq — he said recently that withdrawing soon from Iraq “would be a terrible mistake.” He also disputed the recent findings of the Iraq Study Group, the bipartisan commission of elder statesmen, that concluded that untangling the Israeli-Palestinian knot is central to achieving a broader Middle East peace.
Can “America’s Mayor”: be nominated by the GOP?
You bet
Let the campaign begin……
Previous:
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani to Be Keynote Speaker at California Republican Party Convention
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani Leads McCain and Hillary Clinton in 2008 Presidential Poll
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani Leads in Latest Fox News Poll
Rudy Giuliani Watch: California’s Model for 2008
Technorati Tags: RudyGiuliani, ArnoldSchwarzenegger, CaliforniaGOP, CaliforniaRepublicanParty
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Day By Day by Chris Muir December 19, 2006