Monthly Archives: July 2007

Historically, Turkish people have always been friendly to the United States, but this is no longer true. The latest Pew Research Institute figures indicate only 9% of Turkish people have friendly feelings toward America and 77% worry about a US military attack upon their nation. Ironically, only 6% worry about Iran which the United States continually claims is the regional bad guy.

The United States desperately needs a new president who can create a more positive attitude in the world and end the idea that America is militarily threatening other nations. Bush has been a complete failure in this respect.

President Bush claimed he had looked into the eyes of President Putin and discovered a man with whom he could work. Now, that man is furious at Bush for establishing anti-missile bases in eastern Europe and planning to dispatch American soldiers to man these installations. Putin announced Russia would increase its military and promised to enhance its spying activities in the west.

Some day, some one will figure out George Bush’s mind and uncover a reason why the United States requires missile bases in eastern Europe. Bush continually claims these bases are aimed at Iran or North Korea or some unknown Muslim nation. The bases have infuriated the Russian government and increased world tension. Another Bush diplomatic triumph!

The International Red Cross was ordered to leave Ethiopia within twelve days and cease its efforts to provide humanitarian relief to Somalian regions of the nation. The Ethiopian government which receives extensive support from the United States is engaged in conflict with people in these areas over issues of local autonomy. It is expected the expulsion of Red Cross workers will result in widespread famine in eastern Ethiopia.

The Bush administration is quick to condemn insurgents and terrorists for attacking civilians but it remains silent when its ally is involved in policies that will result in thousands of innocent people dying. It doesn’t make the six o’clock news when the Ethiopian government puts down those seeking local autonomy.

Khaled Amayreh, reporting from east Jerusalem found widespread cynicism concerning the Bush push for peace between Palestinians and Israel. Many Muslims believe the ultimate goal is for Palestinians to accept a reduced size independent nation in return for peace and some money. Hamas has been left out of negotiations even though a significant percentage of the Palestinian population regards them as supporting their goals for the future. As a Hamas spokesperson told Amayreh, “”only gullible people would give Bush the benefit of the doubt.”

The end result may well be creation of an independent Palestinian state, but what happens if once this entity comes into existence the population votes in a free election for Hamas? Has anyone in the Bush administration considered that possibility? I doubt it.