Blogging the democratic revolution
If you’re watching that Venezuela/Colombia impasse, they say they’ve got it all solved. Laughable. But I think they need things from each other so this will do for as long as it lasts. Unfortunately, it’s going to be hard. Colombia absolutely must win its narcotrafficante war – its population is radicalized to do it – meaning, nothing matters to them more than this. These are people who braved terrorist bullets like Iraqis to put their president in power. And how they love him! He’s got a 77% and climbing popularity rating. Yes they’re radicalized and they full well will not…
This essay, ‘A Political Earthquake In Venezuela,’ by Michael Rowan, is tremendous.
Miguel puts the chavista raid on fearless journalist Patricia Poleo in context, outlining all the angles and showing what is at stake. I did some research on Poleo, and realized I’d read about her before – and I was extremely impressed – she’s the one who got proof of secret Cuban troops in her country, going to the airport against dictator Chavez’s diktat, and bringing back conclusive proof to Venezuela’s citizens that hardened Cuban communist agents were invading their country. You can see why the Thug of Miraflores considers her an enemy. She’s brave as hell. Here’s a photo of…
The elections in Iraq are due to be held on Sunday — or late night Saturday if you’re State side. This is looking to be the event of the century, even though it has just barely started. I have neglected to post much about Iraq in the past week, on the run up, because I myself have been reading extensively about the situation. However, during Saturday, I will dedicate all of my blogging time to Iraq. I’m going to do news and blog roundups, post commentary, the whole nine yards. This is a huge deal, and I cannot stress that…
This article from AZ Central details, albeit at times somewhat wrongly or speculatively, that no matter the results of the election, they are scared of the consequences. Apparently, the Shiite majority that is going to arise in Iraq will create problems for just about everybody, despite some benefits. Here is the introduction: DAMASCUS, Syria – With suspicion, uncertainty and dread, governments across the Middle East are waiting for Sunday’s landmark parliamentary election in Iraq. To many, the vote is a deeply worrisome exercise that could produce one of a handful of bad options. Shiite Muslim alliances from Iraq’s majority sect…
I just found this great blog called Stop Censoring Us, only to find out it is done by Hossein Derakhshan, creator of Editor: Myself and Blogs by Iranians. He definitely keep himself busy, so make sure to check out his blogs and support him.
Andrew Sullivan has some preliminary thoughts about standards for the elections in Iraq: Here are my criteria: over 50 percent turnout among the Shia and Kurds, and over 30 percent turnout for the Sunnis. No massive disruption of voting places; no theft of ballots. Fewer than 500 murdered. Any other suggestions for relevant criteria? My question is: If these people are killed, will they be considered grave voters and have their ballots disqualified? I jest. But I would like to know more about the ballot counting and verification process for the Iraq election if anyone has the information.
Nathan posts about the “not-so-veiled threats against NGOs” in Uzbekistan. I guess that is because they do engage in some pro-democracy, er, activities; but I’m obviously against blocking them out for that very reason. But it always makes me come to the conclusion that doing this will only further speed up the current regime’s downfall. Also posted is an interview with “President” Askar Akayev of Kyrgyzstan
Andy has also posted his weekly Russia news update. I love things like this. But I find it interesting how authoritarian governments handle welfare. He is giving out 20% pay increases to troops and adding to pensions because of the recent protests. How is this even economically feasible for Russia? I guess he’s just delaying his own gravedigging.
Andy just posted some really good commentary about the European Union’s desire to promote stability in Russia over democracy. Here is part of it: The EU fears this day because, unlike revolutions in Ukraine or Georgia, the instability that comes with any regime transition may not be so easily contained in Russia. Russia is simply too large. The EU also knows that those currently in the Kremlin have no powerful outsiders to back them up in a crisis. Leonid Kuchma, the outgoing Ukrainian President, at least has the security of knowing that his powerful protectors in Russia will (probably) not…
Discoshaman has posted his Ukraine update for 01/29. Looks like Yulia has good odds of being confirmed!
Neeka totally dessimates this article by the Financial Times about Ukraine and weariness for investment.
John at Crossroads Arabia posts an interesting editorial with some interesting commentary about how Hamas, while sponsoring terrorism, is also one of Gaza’s biggest sponsors of social caretaking. I’ve never heard of this, but it could definitely be due to the western media not presenting the information. Either way, it will take some research on my part. Here is what he excerpted: While the overwhelming victory of Hamas candidates in the Gaza local elections may have disappointed Mahmoud Abbas, it must not be taken as a vote overturning his triumph in the election for the Palestinian leadership or his efforts…
David McDuff has an awesome series of posts called Going Back: 1, 2, 3, 4. It is incredibly interesting… he details his family’s experience, and his own, with the Soviet Union. It’s like reading a good book, check it out.
The school hijack that took place this past September in Beslan was helped out by government officials! Alexander Torshin, the head of the commission investigating the fatal hostage taking, told Russian media that two accomplices already have been detained, three are being sought and authorities are preparing the legal work to detain two more. Torshin said the suspects included officials ranking “higher than major.” Another Senator who is a member of the commission, Vladimir Kulakov, added that the people who aided the terrorists are not only in Beslan but “at the federal level” and “these people are still at their…
The unprintable cartoon directed at Condi Rice, in Spanish. Feel free to not open it, it is filthy and disgusting.
An outspoken reporter in Venezuela has just had her home raided by dictator Chavez’s communist goons. This brave woman, Patricia Poleo, has been instrumental in exposing government involvement in the carbomb murder of Venezuelan prosecutor Danilo Anderson. She has the goods on them. And now the communist barbarians are moving in on her. This is very bad news and worse is going to follow. SOUND THE ALARM! VCrisis has the first report and now a string of updates – Scott and Thomas also have items. If you can read Spanish, here is some of Patricia Poleo’s most powerful published work.
Taking FDR’s first 100 days as a model, the Kyiv Post outlines five areas where Viktor Yushchenko’s attention should focused. I summarize the editorial here.
This item on Larry Summers, Condi Rice, Hugo Chavez, and Venezuela, outlining a string of media double standards about sexism is getting a high hit count at American Thinker.
Thank you brave Vaclav Havel! Christian Science Monitor has a story worth reading, it shows just how much tyrannical Castro has cost Cuba in lost growth over these years. They do a superb job.
Ever wondered how the Chavez regime works? A glimpse at the huge power voids in the prosecutorial system and the attorney general’s’ inability to understand what his job is is contributing to the chaotic maelstrom in Venezuela. The government seems obsessed with accusing one another. See a new item (it’s a real good explanatory read) at Devil’s Excrement for details.
Dan McMinn has posted an article that has Tymoshenko detailing her agenda as prime minister.
Alek Boyd at VCrisis has a good take about Venezuela’s new spate of ignorant political hacks who have their hands on what eventually ends up as one-sixth of America’s oil. They are rapidly making a hash of things.
That would be the EU, easily and cheaply allowing itself to be bought off by Castro’s thugs, who, in exchange for a few political prisoners, now have full diplomatic relations with the EU. Castro’s now free to beat about the country now. Val at Babalu tells you all you need to know….