Category Archives: U.S.

International, U.S.

Iraqi PM wavers on claims that Iraq no loger needs U.S. forces

Iraqi Prime minster Nuri al-Maliki, made several statements in the recent past, saying Iraq does not need U.S. troops.  Now it seems Maliki is caving into demands from the Obama administration.

His latest statements are that Iraq does not need U.S. help for “internal” security, but help is still needed for training, weapons and financing.  “If we talk about the internal need, our security forces are capable now to maintain the situation. But regarding the external challenge, yes, the Iraqi military still needs weapons to defend its sovereignty, especially for the air force.”-Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki

Maliki also added that the Iraqi government must be unified in wanting the U.S. to stay: “No deal will happen unless there is a national unified stand. Otherwise everything will remain as it is and this pact will be terminated by the end of this year. A deal of any military cooperation with the United States, Britain, France or any other country will not happen unless everyone agrees.”

International, U.S.

Professor who wanted Bush Jr impeached now demands the same for Obama, but it will fail because it’s faulty

Remember the U.S. professor that wanted Bush Jr impeached?  Probably not. Now Professor Francis Boyle wants Obama impeached.  It’s basically for the same reason, war mongering and war crimes and failing to get congressional approval.

The problem is that the calls for impeaching Obama are faulty, because they claim Obama violated the U.S. Constitution by not getting the permission of Congress.  Reality check here, the President of the U.S. does NOT need the consent of Congress to send in military forces; it’s called the War Powers Act!

In my college days I was amazed how many Political Science students were ignorant of this fact (including graduate students).  The War Powers Act (aka War Powers Resolution of 1973) gives the President authority to sends troops anywhere in the world WITHOUT concessional consent.  The President simply has to make periodic progress reports to Congress, to avoid being impeached.

The Act was created after President Johnson (also a Democrat) failed to get congressional approval for going to war in Vietnam, but sent U.S. troops in anyway.  President Johnson increased U.S. forces in Vietnam, WITHOUT a congressional declaration of war.  That’s right, the ten years we were in Vietnam, it was never an officially, congressionally declared war!  By the way, check the history of war carried out by the U.S., you could be surprised how many were never congressionally declared.

Many sources, on the internet (Even the information on WikiPedia is faulty), and college professors, incorrectly state that the War Powers Act prevents the President from sending troops to war.  No it does not!  It prevents the DECLARATION of war without the consent of Congress.  It is legalese that actually makes it easier for the President to send troops into COMBAT.

Here’s the basic rules of the War Powers Act: President notifies Congress within 48 hours of military action (at this point Congress has no say).  After 60 days the President makes a progress report to Congress.  If Congress doesn’t agree with the President, they can try to hold a vote to order troops out.  If there is no resistance from Congress, the President is simply required to make periodic progress reports.

Another misunderstanding is the belief that Congress needs to “approve” the military action.  Historically, as long as Congress does not “oppose” the military action, then the president is off the hook.  Not ‘opposing’ the action is not the same as ‘approving’ the action.

Historically, Congress going against the President is a rare occasion.  It happened under President Clinton, after the fiasco in Somalia.  It’s funny that right wingers accuse Clinton of being weak, but it was actually the Congress that used the War powers Act to override Clinton and pull out the troops.

Bottom line; the President actually has 60 days to do what ever in regards to military action anywhere in the world.  Then the President must convince Congress that the action is justified, or at least prevent members of Congress from opposing it.  Historically Congress doesn’t counter the President.

If you’re looking to impeach the President, stop trying to use the War powers Act, it actually supports the President.

 

International, U.S.

Russia issues more warnings against NATO, over Libya, willing to officially oppose UNSCR 1973

“If a resolution leads to a further escalation of a civil war by any means, including outside intervention, we will not be able to support this.”-Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister

Russia is demanding that military strikes stop, and that peace talks begin following a ceasefire.  Russian officials indicate that they will move from a neutral stance on UNSCR 1973 (Russia abstained from voting on it), to officially opposing it, if NATO doesn’t back off.

International, U.S.

Here we go, Obama’s anti-Syria speech (rewritten anti-Libya speech), now sanctions against Syria, get ready

After President Obama’s anti-Syrian speech, that was so similar to his anti-Libyan speech that it had to be a rewrite, he now is calling for sanctions.  I told you…

White House spokesman Jay Carney said on Monday, April 25, the U.S. is pursuing a range of possible options, including targeted sanctions, such as freezing assets held by senior Syrian leaders.  Can you say “cookie cutter” war policy?

International, Opinion, U.S.

Italy will now bomb Libya, the order came from Obama, more lies

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced that Italy will now take part in air strikes against Libya.  He says the order came from U.S. President Obama.

Italy previously said it would not join bombing raids, because of its “friendly” relationship with its former colony.  But Obama, in a phone call, convinced Berlusconi to take military action.  What was that Obama said about this NOT being a U.S. led operation?

International, Technology, U.S.

Iran loves classic U.S. made cars, who doesn’t?

Iran will be hosting its second classic car show.  The show will open April 28, in Tehran.

It’s not that big, only about 80 classic cars, but for the second effort by Iranian car collectors, it’s good enough.  “Most of the cars are being displayed for the first time. Some have never even been used before.”-Fariborz Ensafi, Touring and Automobile Club

Private collectors will show off German, French and, of course, American automobiles.  Motorcycles and bicycles will also be on display.  The show will run until May 2.

Fukushima, U.S.

U.S. nuke plant shut down because of failed electronics, another nuke plant down because of grass

Last week reactor 1 of Plant Vogtle nuclear plant, near Waynesboro, Georgia, shut down, on 20 April 2011, without explanation.  Company officials say they are replacing a breaker and other electronic equipment.  They don’t know why the equipment failed.

In Delaware, on 21 April 2011, the Salem 1 nuclear reactor was shut down because of grass.  The Salem plant is along the Delaware river, and plants periodically grow over the water intakes of the nuke plant.  Salem 1 had to be shut down because the plant growth was blocking cooling water from coming into the reactor.  Officials say it’s back on line now.

Surprisingly, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says unexpected shutdowns of nuclear reactors happen every year.

 

International, U.S.

Iraqi religious leader issues warning for U.S., if it doesn’t leave as planned

“Americans occupied our country and started corruption in here and ruined whatever was left by Saddam, therefore after 7 years and based on the security agreement (between Iraq and the U.S.), all the U.S. forces should leave Iraq at the end of 2011.  The extended mission of the infidel occupiers in Iraq even for one single day after the mentioned date (as cited in the security agreement) is haram (religiously forbidden).”-Senior Iraqi Shiite Grand Ayatollah Kazzem al-Hosseini al-Haeri