World Affairs

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

IMHO, we shouldn't even sell Mauser rifles to anyone who might shoot at us.

[airman15 4,111]

Even if we limited weapon sales to only those who don't participate in wars, it will cause complaints from others who also want the same kind of weapon. That is a big reason why we don't sell F-22's to anyone.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Even if we limited weapon sales to only those who don't participate in wars, it will cause complaints from others who also want the same kind of weapon. That is a big reason why we don't sell F-22's to anyone.

Why sell any weapons at all? It is just war-mongering.

[emperordaniel 1,281]

Even if we limited weapon sales to only those who don't participate in wars, it will cause complaints from others who also want the same kind of weapon. That is a big reason why we don't sell F-22's to anyone.

Why sell any weapons at all? It is just war-mongering.

I agree with you totally.

[Ocram's Razr 963]

I heard that the United States of America spent an inordinate amount on "weapons" then read on Scientific American that the majority of that money went to R&D, food and supplies for troops, and unarmed advanced machines, vehicles, and robots in addition to "bombs, guns, and missiles." Actual weaponry was actually a small percentage of the defense and war budget.

[Cobraroll 138]

The thing is, whenever there is conflict, or fear of conflict, somebody will sell somebody else a weapon. It's not like the US is the only weapon supplier out there handing out guns to everybody who wants to stirr the kettle so that even more people will buy their guns.

Also, a lot of weapon sales are two-way. I buy your weapons, and if you cut the price a little, you can buy my weapons a little cheaper. Norway is currently replacing its aging F-16s, and as we're heavily involved in the development of the F-35, we'll get them for a cheap price (last thing I remember to have heard was one third of what the US might have to pay). In turn, the US will get to buy some missiles from us. It's a complicated puzzle. It also pans out to "if you want the best, you have to make a few deals". One country simply can't research and build the best weapons in every weapon class. By all means, you've tried your best, but there are several projects in the pipeline out there that outmatches comparable stuff US factories are putting together. For instance, Israel is leading in drone technology, and if you want field artillery, go to Sweden.

I'm not saying that you can't - or shouldn't - try to stop weapon sales altogether. You've got stuff that works well for the tasks you're performing, and I'm sure you could rest a decade and still have the world's most advanced military (not to mention the technological upper hand in any conflict you're involved in). And if the poo hits the fan, half the world are your allies anyway. The other half doesn't want war either. The minuscule fraction of a percentage that actually want to bring you down aren't stopped by long-range bombers or super-accurate tanks anyway. Modern warfare is a game of intelligence, and would make one heck of a dull video game if recreated realistically (Mission complete: two weeks at the lookout post! New objective: two weeks at another lookout post!).

Last, if Iraq wants to defend themselves, it's only natural that they buy their equipment from their currently closest ally. If you say no, there's always comrade Russia to turn to, or perhaps Chinese or Indian companies would be interested in the sure-to-be multi-billion contract.

To end this with an analogy: "If your neighbour wants to carry a big stick, give him a stick you know well". You know the exact capabilities of the F-16, its strenghts and weaknesses, which parts are worn out fastest and which are the hardest to replace. I'm not sure if the same goes for the Russian or Chinese stealth fighters.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Yemen: Droning on and on.

At this rate, the Al Quaeda operatives will have to stop parading around. Really interesting that this technology has now come into its own.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Kenya/Somalia: Chasing terrorists. The Kenyans are obviously fed up with the kidnappings along their joint border. I think the kidnapping of two doctors from MSF was the final straw.

Is Somalia well enough organized to declare war on Kenya or vice versa? I doubt it.

We now have a boots on the ground situation where I think such an incursion is fully justified against this failed state.

[Cobraroll 138]

The thing with Somalia is that there's hardly a government to declare war there in the first place. Al-Shabaab is the only somewhat organized political organization there, save for the AU and UN troops who try to stabilize Mogadishu.

Kenya decided to give al-Shabaab a stern warning, like Ethiopia did a couple of years ago, but I doubt they will try to hold ground in Somalia once the mission is accomplished. They walk in, get their hostages, and walk back. If the situation commences, they might go in again. Meanwhile al-Shabaab threatens with terrorist attacks in Nairobi. Due to the organization and experience of the organization, I'd say that the Kenyans should take that threat seriously.

[Ocram's Razr 963]

Did Somiliadad declare independence? If not, the north part of Somalia is not as bad as the rest.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Here is a world-wide threat to corporations. If some friendly power created the original, some one has been exceedingly careless. The idea of an evanescent virus that is self-eliminating after it has accomplished its task is rather frightening.

[Sgt Pepper 864]

I hope this is the right place for this...

I was sitting in my 5th period class today, we had a substitute teacher who is aparently in military service stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana(I'm surprised he's not retired, he's really old) and he got a call on his blue-tooth head set thing from some military officials or something(forgive me I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to this stuff). After his call, he said that they were going to recall or send American Troops to Israel to help defend it from Iran, and mentioned something about nuclear weapons being aimed there or something. He said he was going to have to get on a plane and head over there or somewhere close... I'm quite worried about him, and the situation over there....

I tried Google to search for maybe something that came up for this but I didn't really get a successful search...are American Troops are really being sent back? Forgive my ignorance and teenage innocence.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

There is nothing in the media groups I usually access. This gentleman may have said more than he should. This could be a classified event.

[Sgt Pepper 864]

I was actually surprised what he was saying and that he was saying it to us...sadly not many of my fellow classmates cared to listen to him. Nike shoes or something was more important.

While he was on the phone, I couldn't help but listen, and since the class had to be quiet while he was on his phone(bluetooth thing in his ear). He was mentioning about bypassing an order and something about a type of plane(i think to pick him up). He also told us, after he was done, something about Obama making an order to no longer sell weapons to help defend Israel too, but that U.S. Soldiers still had to go defend Israel from Iran...

He didn't seem to know to much(or perhaps didn't want to tell us much), nor did it seem that he was trying to fill us in on everything though. He just gave the gist of that we are fighting for freedom...yada yada, and that there might be a conflict over there. He also said something like if a Nuclear warhead was to be used...that a lot of soldiers wouldn't be coming home and no more Israel. He basically also wanted us to acknowledge or be thankful for what U.S soldiers try to do so we could "talk and disrupt class" freely...as he put it.

I hope nothing happens, but I'm not sure what to say really after what he said.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Wonder if this is were/how rumours start?

[Sgt Pepper 864]

^ Most likely...

I don't want to stir up rumors, I just want to know if anyone else maybe heard something like that after what the teacher told me. I guess that is how rumors are started though.

He seemed serious enough. I'm posting this out of pure curiosity of what he said to the class.

  Edited October 21, 2011 by Sgt Pepper  

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Sultan dies of colon cancer. Succession now in some doubt.

This was probably a needless death. Wrong diet and no check ups.

[airman15 4,111]

Iraq: Iraqi's split over America's decision to start withdrawing all remaining forces.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Sultan dies of colon cancer. Succession now in some doubt.

This was probably a needless death. Wrong diet and no check ups.

Well he was over 80.

Isnt there a whole bunch of these princes scattered around the globe?

I mean the original king had 40 sons so there must be 100s of nephews and grandsons.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Sultan dies of colon cancer. Succession now in some doubt.

This was probably a needless death. Wrong diet and no check ups.

Well he was over 80.

Isnt there a whole bunch of these princes scattered around the globe?

I mean the original king had 40 sons so there must be 100s of nephews and grandsons.

You know, he didn't look a day over 60. Shows what a good photographer can do, or maybe ex-camel drivers just look good anyway. As far as the family goes, the King of Saudi Arabia controls the succession, so the mob of harem-sons only count if he wants them to.

Iraq: Well, it is time for them to grow up. Mammy want to get home.

[airman15 4,111]

As of 3 days ago, Muammar Gadaffi has been killed and the nation of Libya is still undergoing political reforms. As of today, the new prime minister Mahmoud Jibril claims Gadaffi should have been taken alive to answer to his 42 year regime.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

As of 3 days ago, Muammar Gadaffi has been killed and the nation of Libya is still undergoing political reforms. As of today, the new prime minister Mahmoud Jibril claims Gadaffi should have been taken alive to answer to his 42 year regime.

Hindsight is 20/20. Besides, it is politically correct for him to say this. He also said something about using the Sharia to base their constitution. This guy is a raving madman if he thinks he will be able to impose that on the Libyan people who have not had that kind of religious rule under Gadaffi. He can't expect his thoroughly modern people to step back 700 years. He should watch what he says in that armed camp. Besides, he is only the "transitional" boss.

  Edited October 24, 2011 by A Nonny Moose  

[Cobraroll 138]

Pepper, I think that most likely, your teacher either wanted to end the class early or needed an excuse to get away. Any operations concerning Israel/Iran would surely fall under NATO classification Secret or Cosmic Top Secret (which, by the way, is a legitimate classification). I don't think he'd be trusted by that kind of information over the phone, especially outside a military fora.

Also, Israel deson't border Iran, and the countries in between aren't too found of Iran. Sure, they might not like Israel either, but faced with the choice, they find Israel to be the better alternative (after all, they are just hell-bent on occupying the same land as somebody else, but aren't interested in devastating their neighbouring states or wage an agressive war on anybody that doesn't threaten them directly). So it's unlikely that any Iranian military would be given permission to move troops or planes over neighbouring territory. Either way, Iran doesn't possess nuclear weapons, or if they do, they haven't been tested. And building several of them and testing them out by using them against your enemy is a rather risky tactic, especially when said enemy does have well-working bombs and delivery systems already. I don't think Iran would wage war seeing as they would have very little to gain from it.

Also, Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril has resigned already, as the civil war is decleared to be over. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Tunisia, the first free election for a while was held quite peacefully this Sunday. The results will be released tomorrow. Anyone excited?

As the Islamists were heavily oppressed under the old regime, they might win more votes in this first election. "The enemy of my enemy", etc. Some might vote for them not because of their ideology, but because the old regime didn't like them. It will be interesting to see how the Arab Spring will pan out, first now in Tunisia. I think they will have the easiest job in the club.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Islamists in Tunisia are claiming victory, but the count is not complete. They are also willing to form coalitions, so the result might well bring a minority situation which will need agreements in order to rule.

The situation in Libya remains fluid. Possibilities of a Sharia-based system have been broached but Gadaffi never ran that way so the people will probably not stand for it.

[airman15 4,111]

It's happening in the United States: "Occupy Wall Street" supporters in Oakland, Ca break out in riots before dawn and Mayor of Oakland is in a bad position because of it

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Mobs are tinder boxes. It only takes a spark. This is why most municipalities are pussy footing.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

The insurgency is still at it. It is definitely time to pick up our ball and bat and come home.

[airman15 4,111]

Its now a matter of time. From what I have heard, the new governments of Egypt, Libya and Syria(?) will be following the same footsteps as Iran by turning into Islam fueled governments. If we don't pull out now, its just going to delay our time in the middle east and if another war breaks out elsewhere, we won't be able to have most of our fighting forces to help defend us.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Its now a matter of time. From what I have heard, the new governments of Egypt, Libya and Syria(?) will be following the same footsteps as Iran by turning into Islam fueled governments. If we don't pull out now, its just going to delay our time in the middle east and if another war breaks out elsewhere, we won't be able to have most of our fighting forces to help defend us.

I suggest you don't hear much. I know a couple of Egyptian ex-pats and they agree that Egypt will continue to be the same old guff managed by the Generals. Its been that way since they kicked out King Farouk. The so called leaders have been carefully selected front men for the military. There is also a vocal Christian minority in Egypt. The Generals are just playing it cool right now, promising elections, and so on. Its the "and so on" that will really count. It will be status quo ante.

Don't get too excited about Libya. Both our countries have vested interests in a non-sectarian government. There are lots of ways to run an Islamic country. Look at Turkey for an example. Turkey is a member of NATO.

Time will tell what happens in Libya, and since Gadaffi did not adhere much to Islamic law, the people there don't want to step back 800 years into a fundamentalist interpretation of Sharia. The whole place is armed, and if the interim government tried that, they would get there behinds shot off. I suspect the conservative Islamists are in the minority.

Nothing is going to happen in Syria. The popular movement will just die away. They will not get western support other than kind words.

Tunisia, on the other hand, is interesting because they just had their first ever in human memory real election. It appears that a moderate Islamist party won, but they still have to draw up a constitution, so there is a long way to go, as there is in Libya.

Yemen is the big danger. It is a nest of Al Qaida. If they boot the dictator, you can expect a kind of brutal rule like Afghanistan under the Taliban. By the way, Taliban means teachers. I wonder what they intended to teach other than Taliban members are more equal. They were romping around destroying historic Buddhist shrines that had been there for centuries because they contained statues of Buddha.

Afghanistan seems to want to become an uncontrollable feast of warring tribes. This is the norm for thousands of years, so let it be.

[Cobraroll 138]

^^On the bright side, though, where would war break out elsewhere? I guess India and Pakistan as always are one step from flying at each other, but neither of them are very interested in attacking the US. If North Korea suddenly were to attack the South, the latter would get the war ended before the US commanders could say 'Huh?'. And from experience, wars in Africa rarely threaten American soil to such degree that the armed forces have to interfere.

Also, just to throw that in, Islam is more than burning flags and beheading disbelievers. Yes, the authorities in Libya have said that they want to build the constitution on Sharia law, but the "chopping of hands" bit is just a tiny fraction of the law. And good luck trying to force Libyans into burqas after all those years under Gadhafi. Extreme Islam takes a while to form. Hatred for an ethnic group, for instance the West even longer (I mean, sure a lot of civilians died in NATO airstrikes, but Misrata was on the verge of genocide when NATO first interfered, and the late Muammar had the monopoly on opression and money siphoning in Libya, so they've got little to blame on us).

Long story short, I don't think the US has anything to fear at the moment. Concerning Afghanistan, it's about the same: Trust building takes lots and lots of time. When the first generation of educated women graduate, things will begin to change. However, that isn't done overnight. Afghanistan is a military bog of epic proportions, but generally, I think the situation is improving. Even the thickest of the Afghans must have realized that if the Westerners are there to take away the women and convert everyone to Christianity like the Taliban tells them, they do one hell of a bad job with it, seeing as there still are plenty of both women and muslims left in the country. Give it some time, people. The losses are tragic, but it's better than leaving Afghanistan as al-Qaeada's playground once again.

  Edited October 29, 2011 by Cobraroll