NORTH KOREA.. THE BAD HAIRCUT KID ACTING UP AGAIN!

Now, I know when we all look at this kid running North Korea we can't help but think he needs a part in Hangover IV, but the fact of the matter is, he is more dangerous today than he has been in the past two years.

His actions in just the past year have many real experts on North Korea and the rest of the "get me on the air.. and I'll talk like I'm a Korean Expert"...."Experts.. more than puzzled.

Some say, " he is trying to break away from the restrictive history of his Grandfather and Father.

Some say, he is more delusional that his Grandfather or Father ever was.

He's trying to open North Korea up, but the old power elites won't let him, so he is having them killed off...to include family!

He is doing this and he is doing that... and it means this... or it might mean that...

Yep.....I'm with ya..... nobody seems to have a clue what this bad haircut kid is up to!

Military leaders who are, "close to him", removed... Denis Rodman???? No clue there....unless haircut boy has a secret fetish for real freaky folks....

So, lets stop trying to figure what makes him tick and let's look at what he can do if he wishes to.

Can he strike out on his own with little or no input from the Dragon?

Yes.

Can he work a deal with the Tsar to keep the pressure up  on the other side of the world as the West tries to calm the fears of Eastern Europe?

Yes.

Can he play Good Cop.....Bad Cop with the Dragon in a bid to derail the US's Pacific policy?

Yes.

What can he do tactically?

He can have one of the largest cities in the world in flames within minutes of ordering it to happen and he can accomplish this without using his nuclear weapons options.... a program everyone hopes they have some working understand of.

Of all the things we could talk about here, let me express the one issue that truly worries me about this kid.

Overreaction and a staff more scared of him than they are of telling him something he may not agree with.

A good friend of mine who is a retire FBI agent once told me, "When you are in the Mob and you walk into a room and there is plastic on the floor.....that's a bad sign"!

This is exactly how his "advisors" must feel right now.

Let's say Japan really does shoot down a test shot from North Korea; then what?

What does the mad little haircut boy do?

The good news is, even the new far more assertive Japanese government is too smart to tempt the kid this way; unless he pushes it too far.

Ok, look!

That fact of the matter is this.

At a time when most of the Western world is watching the new Russian Empire try to reemerge and at time when the Arab / Muslim / world seems to continue to slide into a sectarian war that could last for decades, it's important to remember the crazy little haircut boy who has the ability to send the Pacific into crisis.

Once again the lesson is there for all to see.

The world in the 21st Century moves faster, more violently and more uncontrollable than at any point in Human history.

Wars are not always the result of deep, complex planning processes developed by a major nation state.

The 21st century world could fall into crisis over  something as simple as an email!!!!

Think about it.

Don't believe it?

http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132913/japan-orders-army-to-strike-n-korea-missile-launches

QATAR PART OF UAE?  WELL... THERE IS A LITTLE HISTORY THERE.

Most know by now my interest in following what takes place with the GCC and those who interact with the organization.

It is also not new news the GCC has  recently struggled with it's image, more than usual, and large "cracks" in it's structure are now very visible.

Qatar's support, as insincere as I think it might be, for the Muslim Brotherhood, MB, seems to be the major point of contention, but I am still not sure that is real issue at hand.

Is Qatar more sympathetic, friendly, with Iran than Saudi would like them to be?

Yes.

In regards to the statement by General Khalfan; who is he and why would he make such a inflammatory comment?

"A top Dubai security official"?

Ok.... I don't know if I've ever met a Gulf State General who didn't present himself as a "top official...just about everyone over there that gets to wear "General", who is related to someone, is a "top official"!

Lets get past who he is and why he may be trying to have is fifteen minutes in the Sun,  but let's explore what he said and then more importantly, who had him say it?

Yes, it is true Qatar, at one point in time..... a very...very...short period of time...like days.... was part of a larger "territory"... a territory designed by Westerners and we all know how that ends up in the Middle East.

Yes, the story is General Khalfan is very anti MB... what Gulf State General is not?

Timing!

As is always the case in political event, timing is everything and if timing is everything, then who picked this point in time to have him make this statement?

Was it his idea?

If he is truly attempting to climb the status latter, an event that no Gulf State General overlooks or stops dreaming about, then it could have been his idea.

That's not my hunch here.

The relationship between the UAE and Saudi is a strong one and my bet is, this statement was well scripted by the General's leadership.

I'm not ruling out a "toot my own horn" here, but I would bet against it for one simple reason!

When someone over there does try to climb the latter too quickly, the rungs in the latter are cut even faster.

Nobody jumped up and said, " The General was way out of line and doesn't speak for the UAE"... at least not in public.....yet!

My theory is this statement was made to let Qatar know the threat of being abandon by the GCC is growing.

Who are Qatar's "real friends"?

The US with it's forward military footprint there?

Ask the Egyptian government if that really matters when it comes to your "friends" sticking with you!

It could be that Saudi, the Master of the GCC, learned a valuable lesson from the events in the Ukraine / Crimea.

Threaten to take back something that has some historical backing and then see how the rest of the region reacts!

The warning shot fired here was not at anyone but Qatar, but the history of "friends leaving with little notice is also part of the formulary!

Qatar's window to rejoin the fold of the GCC is closing and in reality, the relationship may never be the same.

What General Khalfan did was deliver a message and it's a message heard not only in Qatar, but in Iranian capital as well. 

You see; the real danger here is not a rouge Qatar, it's the Iranian's believing the GCC is ripe for the picking.

Saudi can ill afford to feel any more desperate over their standing in the region.

Qatar is hearing the famous, "ether you are with us or you are against us"!!!!

http://www.arabnews.com/news/549521

IRAN'S UN ENVOY??? IS THIS TOSSING THE BABY WITH THE BATHWATER?

First things first!

Is Hamid Aboutalebi and fanatical Muslim Fundamentalist?

Nope!

Is he most likely a practicing Muslim?

Yes!

Did he have a part in the American hostage crisis?

Yes; along with thousands of other young Iranian College Students!

Was Hamid Aboutalebi young and full of idealist College Student concepts?

Yep!

Side note.. Doesn't the US have a few folks in close to the current administration that fit the same mold?  I could name a few and so could most of you!

Now, I'm not traveling down the road of advocating lettting this guy into the US.

Yes, I am one of those who believes that actions early in one's life must have consequences, but I am also so one that believes we need to truly understand an event before we jump for the spot light called the new media.

If you ask the people who know President Rouhani, you would find he "trust" Aboutalebi and oh by the way... it's a truthful statement when someone says, " Ahmadienjad despised him".

So what is the real story here?

No one on the "don't let him in" side of the argument is saying he is a radical Muslim.

What they are upset about is his affiliation with those who stormed the US Embassy years ago.

Another side note: The initial movement to oust the Shaw was not a Radical / Fundamentalist act... The Fundamentalist kidnapped the revolution months after the storming of the Embassy took place.

Everyone accepts the fact the Iranian President doesn't do anything that could impact the relationship of the Iranian nation with the  rest of the world without permission!

So, a "moderate" President, picks a career politician, who he trust, to work with the UN.

It turns out that individual has some baggage that is still somewhat emotional with the US, although one could hardly tell given the media coverage of this story.

How quickly will the President be told by the real leadership of Iran to swap this individual out?

Well, that depends.... Does the real leadership in Iran really care?

As easy as this could be to fix, can it become a more important leverage point?

Can the US trade this guy for something weigh over his weight with the Iranian leadership?

Yep.

Simply put; I would not compromise on something larger than this one persons presences in the UN and find out after the fact the person never meant a thing to Iran's real leader.

Real short answer.... DON'T SCREW THIS UP!!!

My final, "side note".

Does anyone remember Jerry Adams?

I cold blooded Killer who was paraded around as a Irish Hero years latter.

Aboutalebi is no killer... but just another political moderate who use to be a youthful College Revolutionary dreamer.

http://backchannel.al-monitor.com/index.php/2014/04/8045/irans-un-envoy-pick-questioned-over-ties-to-hostage-crisis/

HAMAS, JORDAN AND BETTER "TIES"...YA ...RIGHT.   

When I read the attached article, I couldn't help but wonder what color the sky was in the Author's world?

The King of Jordan has about no intention what so ever of making any commitment that could strengthen The Muslim Brotherhood.

What is really going on here is more about Hamas getting ready to find a new home if Sisi and the Egyptian Army moves to neutralize Hamas' abilities in Gaza.

The concept of Jordan reaching out to Hamas is simply not plausible, even in a region of the world where double dealing and broken promises are an art form.

 Look, the facts are these!

Egypt has the Muslim Brotherhood on the ropes and Hamas is easily in Sis's gun sites.

Hamas has lost far more friends in the past two years than they care to admit, Syria.... Iran... Hezbollah.....if they ever really were "friends"..

Would a collapse of Hamas authority in Gaza cause concerns for the King of Jordan?

Yes.

Is the King willing to build a bridge to Hamas and risk any future dealings with Saudi and Sisi?

No!

Remember; Jordan is still in the conversation of becoming a member of the GCC and any "reaching out" to a group who supports the enemy of the Saudi government... the Muslim Brotherhood.....well... that is not smart politics.

Finally, it seems members of Hamas are the ones doing all the talking about working with Jordan.

When I see a story from the King's Staff on the subject, then I might begin to believe something is "up" and even then I would not submit it will end well for Hamas.

Hamas and Hezbollah are both set to have very bad years and lifelines to countries like Jordan may make great one day news stories, but I wouldn't place any bets.

           

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/jordan-hamas-palestine-relations-amman.html

PRESIDENT SULEIMAN AND HEZBOLLAH.. THE THRILL IS GONE!

Well, it's been coming for a while now, but it does appear it's official.

What could have once been described as a uneasy alliance between Hezbollah and President Suleiman now appears to be officially over.

Giving support to the concept of Hezbollah turning it's weapons over, ones they don't want the world to know they even have, to the Lebanese Military, a military that has been cooperative with them yet involved in a "working relationship with the West.....well... that is a bridge too far for the Persian Puppets.

It's been a classic example of Statesmanship, fence sitting that Mr. Suleiman has been executing, but as the old saying goes it became time to "fish or cut bait"!

Those who truly understand Lebanon, sense times are changing and the future of Lebanon cannot include an armed group of killers who have been actively engaged in a sectarian war.....a war that has seen Muslim's murdering Muslims... a war that has Arabs killing Arabs.

Hezbollah, like Hamas has not changed with the times and their leadership's desire to hold on to power and wealth has made them as transparent as any of the other ruthless leaders in the Middle East.

Suleiman knows all too well Hezbollah has no problem letting blood fill the streets of Lebanon's towns and cities if it means staying in control of what they desire more than anything else...power!

Does Suleiman and those around him who are beginning to see the light have future of holding hands with the opposition in Lebanon?

Probably not, but the difference is, the opposition  is not  willing to burn Lebanon to the ground to gain power!

Yes, the Sunni leaders in Lebanon are not without guilt, but the fact of the matter is they have far less blood on their hands than Hezbollah.

When Hezbollah first ventured into Syria, at the orders of the Persians, I said then it was the beginning of the end for them.

Hezbollah wakes up tomorrow morning, like every other morning in the past two years, realizing the people of Lebanon grow tired of their games and the will to support them is fleeing the country.

In the end, the only safe place for the leaders of Hezbollah may very well be Damascus and I have a feeling that is where they are already.

http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132501/hezbollah-snubs-lebanons-national-dialogue

 side note: My old friend and fellow blogger is telling me he has over thirty countries following him now!

Well.. He writes Comic Books and I write what needs to be said!! 

But, push my post around if you can... I would love to show him who gets more hits!!!

SNAPSHOT..... HEZBOLLAH....RUSSIA... SAUDI AND THE ARAB LEAGUE

I've not done one of these is months, but today is a good day to do one; SNAPSHOT.

(A quick look at several key topics that lead to a common "picture").

HEZBOLLAH:

It appears Nasrallah felt it was time to give one of his canned, "why are we here", speeches this week.

Why is Hezbollah in Syria?

Those that know the region, know the answer and it's an answer that really upsets those who support Hezbollah with their families blood..... by the way. Hezbollah doesn't need the money for the fighting in Syria, Assad and the Persians supply that part.. the cheap part of the process.

The young men of Hezbollah are in Syria because for two reasons.

1.  They fear the Sunni movement more than they fear an Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

2.  They given their orders by their Persian Masters and their Masters want them in Syria leading to Arabs killing Arabs!

Now, both of these points are more than hard sells for Mr. Nasrallah and a very evil government once lived by the premises of, " The greater the lie, the more often you have to tell it"!

The fact of the matter is, just as some of us predicted, Hezbollah ran to the glory of young men fighting in the streets of Syria only to realize there is no way out!!!!!

The other ugly fact that Mr. Nasrallah wants desperately to avoid is the reality that Lebanon is now in more danger than ever of becoming yet again a failed nation-state.

The chances of those who wish Lebanon to survive the event in Syria; those who wish to avoid shoving Lebanon into a sectarian war have been greatly diminished by the selfish actions of Mr. Nasrallah and his Persian Masters.

Finally, if there is one thing Hezbollah's leadership understands, it's the reality their Persian Masters also have a Master and that Grand Master's name is Putin!

What does the Tsar's complex game have planned for the Persians and how will the Puppets of Hezbollah be tasked?

Who knows...... they will just have to wait to see what the Persians are told to do.  

NEXT:

RUSSIA:

Well, that leads to the next interesting slice of the Snapshot!

In the past two days, a great deal has been made of the Tsar's 'reaching out" to the US.

Even this morning the Western Press is ripe with stories of "further diplomatic meetings"!

Well, as my Mother always said, "talk is cheap", and that is exactly how an X KGB Chief would see it!

"Talk", most likely a necessary round or phase of the Tsar's Master Plan; he can't let that public image get too far out of hand!

So, the obvious question remains, what's next?

What happens?

Is there another phase to the Tsar's Master plan?

Well, ask yourself this one simple question and I think you will begin to form your own answer.

Would Putin and Russia knowingly had their economic future jeopardized for the sake a physically taking control of a small slice of land....a slice of land the whole world knows they already control outright?

Does the Tsar fear the Russian version of a Arab Spring so much, that he has decided to launch his reinstatement of the Russian Empire with full force?

Most of us know, he has long dreamed of regaining Russian glory, but have the events of the past three years... have the growing protest in Moscow and the expanding Social Media concept driven his worries to the point of complete panic?

My guess is, unfortunately....yes!!!

Well, that should give everyone their answer!

This Crimea / Ukranian / event was not about the Crimean people longing to be part of Mother Russia.

This was not a single "blip" on the world's radar.

In my opinion, this was round one of a very paranoid, egomaniac's reaction to a threat he cannot live with.

NEXT!

SAUDI ARABIA:

Where is Saudi after this week of "talking" with the US?

Are the fears of abandonment gone?

Insert laughter here.

Will the central figure of the Gulf Region begin to calm down over it's future with the US?

No!

Like the Tsar, the Saudi leadership fears change.... change they cannot control and change that leads to future that may or may not involve them.

Who can help them prevent this change?

China.... India.... Russia... Israel......yes I said Israel!!!

Never...ever...forget...."The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend"!

If the West is no longer perceived as part of the process and the Gulf States have what others desperately need.. fuel..... then what new strategic alliances are in the making?

History has always shown us Alliances have three parts... beginnings.... Test...Breakup!

Here is another historical fact of Alliances; after they fall apart, the old members have very little say so on what the other member / members / do or who they form new Alliances with!

Here is my hint.... we nee to produce every ounce of energy in this country that we can and we need to reach out to Mexico like we never have before.

NEXT:

THE ARAB LEAGUE:

 Let's face the reality of the world as it stands today.

The Arab League is a complete waste of time!

No one pays attention to it, not even it's members.

It's like a dying country club in an area that at one time was the place to live, but is now rundown.

My prediction is that after new alliances are forged in the Arab world, a process that is taking place right now, the Arab League will be renamed and maybe even reenergized!

Until then, the organization is not even with mentioning or tracking.

The events surrounding the rifts in the GCC are going to change the course of the Arab world.

Simply put.. as the GCC moves, the rest will follow...

It's the same old story....follow the money!

SO THE TSAR CALLS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?

So, the Tsar called the President of the United States while the President was in Saudi Arabia?

Did anyone catch that point?

Why make that call now?

Why call him while he is discussing regional visions and alliances with an allie that is more than skeptical now?

Does anyone think the point was lost on the King or his staff?

I bet it was not lost at all!

In the eyes of an Arab leader, who would look like the person truly in charge?

The person visiting another country, a country the person is struggling with?

The person who made the call, knowing the location and topics the other side was involved in?

Am making something out of nothing?

I would like my friends in the Middle East to answer that question.

Gamesmanship..... an art form the Tsar has come to master....that is what I believe is taking place here!

Next question; did the Tsar simply make the phone call to make the President look weak in front of the Saudi King or did he make this stunt a "twofer"?

I would love to hear what the Tsar had to say and even more, I would love to know who got to listen in on both sides.

On one side is most likely  Ms Rice.... Please!!!!

On the other side.... well...who knows.... ask the Western intelligence agencies who is part of the Tsar's inner circle and see if they have a real clue!

Ok, on to what was said.

Does anyone really think the Tsar "reached out" to the President of the United States?

Really????

If the Tsar's perception of the President of the US is let's say, less than favorable, then what message was given?

"Here is what I'm going to do and here is why and I want to warn you about taking this too far... I want you to understand why I am doing what I am and that I will not change my mind"!

What if that was the message....more or less?

Early today a lot was said about the US President's comments about understanding what worries the Russian President!

Let me ask a simple question.

How does everyone think that somewhat sympathetic stance played in Eastern Europe?

What was the fly on the wall version from the leadership of Poland... Bulgaria ect...ect?

Is it possible the Tsar read and heard this stance and figured it was the right time to make the next move? 

Here is what I believe.

Whatever the purpose was behind the Tsar's phone call, we will see the results soon.

I am sure the Tsar was not feeling desperate or pressured to "reach out" to the US President.

If anyone thinks that could be the case, and most liberal media will, than they are simply hiding their heads in the sand...once again...