Libya

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Joe Pongo

What a most terrible situation the West has created, by attacks on Libya. No one can predict the aftermath, after what we have done in Iraq, and our failing attempts in Afghanistan. The great American failures in Vietnam & Somalia. I have ceased to watch our over excited and much biased Media; they appear to be more blood thirsty than many Despot Leaders. I never dreamed that so many thousands of experts/specialists/analysts existed? Why have these brilliant people not stopped these things happening?

I previously looked upon Black Adder Bush and Baldrick Blair as being comparable to Hitler and Stalin; I now associate Black Adder Obama and Baldrick Cameron as true successors (aided by Napolean Sarkosy).

With the abstentions against military actions by Russia and China (two very powerful countries) and up and coming Brazil and India, are new Global Divisions happening in the 21st Century?

a. Russia and China forming a political “Iron Curtain” around themselves, allied economically with Brazil and India?

b. Arab & Muslim Countries creating an enormous “Oil Baron” State, capable of holding the World to ransom?

c. War mongering Western Powers attempting to police the World?

d. African Countries left to look after themselves, after being dissipated, then given their Independence by their European masters?

What, really is the Agenda concerning current events in the Middle East?

Is Iran pulling the strings in Bahrein, using Shia problems as their reason to take over Arabian Gulf control?
Has American pressured the Saudis to send in their Troops?

Was Egypt and Tunisia a “dummy run” (engineered by America) prior to activating the acquiescent Libyan population? Main reason, BP’s £15 billion investments in Libya, or does the West intend putting Troops permanently on the ground to stem the growth of Al Qaeda in North Africa?

Is Yemen being dominated by Al Qaeda groups, to secure a Base for future Islamic operations?

So many questions, but unfortunately Western Politicians fail to ever tell the truth.

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Middle East & Europe

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Joe Pongo

Further to my article of 4 February 2011, things have progressed much, much faster than I then envisaged.

I did not expect such speedy dealings in Libya or Bahrain. I expected Egypt to erupt eventually followed by Yemen, possibly Iraq, Jordan & Syria.

Iran, presumably with help from the new temporary Egyptian Military control, has truly “put the cat amongst the pigeons” with it’s small Frigate and Supply Ship having been given access to the Suez Canal.
Is the Israeli & Egyptian “Cordiality” now over ?
Will these two ships escort Liberty Ships to Palestine ?
Will there be gunships in battle in the Med, or maybe aeroplanes ?
Is Iran to carry on supporting of the Shias in Bahrain ?

Libya, with such a small population, and large land area, may suffer immensely when/if Gaddafi is removed; similar to Iraq after the execution of Saddam Hussain. No known leaders will fill Gaddafi’s boots; his Henchmen round the World are shunning him. His great friend Blair seems to be keeping out of the way during these most disturbing times. Who will be taking control of Libya’s Oil & Security – Europe or America ? Possibly China, they have a great foothold in Africa ?

Now there is turmoil throughout the Middle East, the “Revolution/Civil War/Political Overturns” have truly started. Over the last three weeks I have listened to & read hundreds of “Middle East Experts & Specialists”, coming out of the woodwork, with numerous views and answers to all of the problems – where were they in the last few years with their advice & guidance ???

The Middle East has not developed in any way similar to the Western World. Corruption, Dictatorship, Unemployment & Poverty have been their unfortunate ways of life. Who will lead these Countries after the fall of their Governments ? The most worrying concern must be the domination of Islamic Fundamentalists to take over control, they are on the sidelines just waiting.

Or a much more worrying concern – mass Political Asylum migration into Europe (particularly Britain), in the millions, not hundreds of thousands as at the present time !

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Middle East

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Joe Pongo

Was the January 2011 “Jasmine Revolution” in Tunisia the commencement of a Great Arabic Uprising ? I think & hope not. If there are to major changes in Leadership in the Arab Sates, it must be a very, very gradual process.

TUNISIAN unrest is still ongoing, though much moderated since the departure of Ben Ali. When a new Government is established, after expected elections this year, it will have an extremely difficult task in controlling Corruption, Employment and escalating Cost of Living. Possibility that this Secular State could succumb to radical Islam.

EGYPTIAN riots are just starting. When they are rid of Hosni Mubarak, who will establish themselves as the new Leader of this 80 million plus Nation ? Who has the character and experience ? An Islamic domination will certainly affect it’s relationship with Israel; this could well commence a strong and dangerous situation if Egypt and Iran collaborated. Friday 4 February may be a turning point for this Country.

IRAQ has been totally dissolved as a functioning Secular State, due to the coalition’s 1983 invasion. The demise of Saddam Hussein was possibly necessary. What has now happened to their Education System, Utilities & Security ? What is their future – separate Shia, Sunni & Kurd areas with their local Governments ? Who really knows ?

AFGHANISTAN will be a Taliban controlled Islamic State. Hopefully Government corruption will be erased.

I would envisage that SAUDI ARABIA, LIBYA, MOROCCO, SYRIA and others will remain as they are for a few more years. Poverty in JORDAN may create active unrest, and YEMEN may have serious immediate Islamic unrests. IRAN appears to be ready for some serious changes.

I feel that Religious activists are not the major problems in the Middle East – Poverty, Corruption, Brutality of Authorities, Unemployment – but there is a small percentage of EXTREMELY rich Hierarchy in these Countries.

For various reasons, most of these Countries have importance to the West; Oil etc. If Governments change, there will have to be decisions concerning monetary aid – the West can no longer afford it.

One of the Middle East Countries that I have personal knowledge of, is the SULTANATE OF OMAN. To me it is a Flagship for other Countries in the Region – I cannot think of any problems arousing out of Oman in recent decades.

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VAT Increase 2011

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Joe Pongo

Happy New Year !

Well advertised VAT increase, fully expected, not necessary acceptable and much Hype from the Labour Party and the Media.

Extra money is most certainly needed, by any Government, during this World wide fiscal crisis. BUT, is this really the most practical way ahead for us ? I can envisage some rising unemployment figures for Industry, particularly with those relying on Road Transport, with the high cost of Fuel and the Knock on Effect. Householders alone are struggling with Utilities costs.

Who knows the answers ? I do not. I DO know that we have been badly served by the previous Government, and it appears so by the current mix/match. We can not exist in this modern World with us getting into deeper and deeper messes. We need a Government formed, as soon as practical, NOT controlled by selfish, egotistical, greedy parasites. We have relied on Private School and Oxbridge Graduates to under govern us for too long; too much statistics and no action, ie, proudly announce drop in Jobseekers Allowance but forget to publicise increases in those transferring to Invalidity Benefits and those Retiring. A new Government composed of one third successful Industry individuals, one third ex Emergency Services personnel (Military, NHS, Police, Fire Services etc) and the remaining third from various sources (University, Civil Service) to do the paperwork and statistics.

Extra money into the system with the VAT increase – but how many Billions would we save with :

Withdrawing from the EU with the exorbitant amount of money we subscribe, as well as returning EU Nationals to Europe, and decreasing OUR unemployment.

Immediate deportation of failed Asylum Seekers (saves Millions in Benefits) and any Foreign Nationals convicted of various crimes.

Make Prisons a place of Punishment, possibly no Parole for certain crimes. Decrease the Prisons Budget by 75% and cease multi choice meals and provide porridge, cereals, bread and some meat and veg. Much better than many survive on the outside. Greatly reduce amenities, particularly TVs etc. Increase Prison space with closed down Forces camps. Make it a place no-one wants to go to.

NHS service for Foreigners to be billed to their Embassies.

Until we withdraw from the EU, make EU funds available to pay Benefits of all EU migrants in Britain.

And the list could go on and on – but how many Billions would it save ???

I have no Fascist, Nazi, Communistic leanings whatsoever, but I do talk to people and the above suggestions have been discussed with many. What really are the practical and workable answers; I know increasing VAT is NOT one of them ?

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England and World Cup Bid

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Joe Pongo

England failed, and according to the Media, one of the main reasons was bad preparation for the Bid, over the previous two years, and pressure by the Russians. The injection of an excellent Ambassador in Prince William, could have succeeded; an ideal choice.

I have my own views on why we failed. As a Native English Anglo Saxon, I am proud to be British/English; I am sorry that we were unsuccessful, but, as a “man on the street” I sense some of the “possible” causes for our defeat.

FIFA Bid Committee consists of 22 human beings, with their own personal thoughts and opinions.

I feel that our Media, which discredits our Country on anything they can legally/illegally acquire, and the current Wikapedia leaks, have knocked us down many notches below the other bidding Countries. Our handling of our sudden terrible weather conditions, affecting National/International travelling, seemed to have such bad planning (if any).

Violent student riots, strikes/planned strikes by various organisations, particularly BA, Fire & Rail Services etc, does project a dismal image to the World (well publicised to the World by our Media). We appear to have inept, greedy and untruthful Politicians; we “had” a Legal System that was the envy of the World – but look at it now – victims guilty and perpetrators defence being they had bad childhoods, a lot of us did.

Own own National Soccer Team managed by a Foreigner, a Premier League, much of it owned by Foreigners and many of the Star Players from other Countries (what is wrong with up and coming British talent?).

The “Great” no longer applies to Britain, we have become a Nation of the past, we are no longer a Power on the World Stage; this saddens me. The only support and respect we get from Foreign countries is that we will take all of their rejects, by the hundreds of thousands, and accommodate and feed them; that helps their economy.

I am not putting us down, just thinking why did FIFA not want us as the Host?. We do many good things as a Country, including sending Aid to other Countries. I am sure there were several other points used against England, and also several good factors concerning us. I do not think that we will ever regain World respect, especially with type of Politicians we saddle ourselves with. Long Live the Queen.

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North & South Korea

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Joe Pongo

Now is the time, to scour our Media, and see and hear the thousands of “Experts/Specialists” on this subject, who have all of the answers. Why have they not come forward before with their solutions? Probably because they have never been there.

I am not old enough to have any sensible recollection of the Korean War. I did learn, at School, that Korea was one Country, until the end of World War II. They then divided into a Communist North and a Non-Communist South. In 1950 the North invaded the South; a UN Security Force, led by the USA, supported South Korea. Communist China supported the North. The war carried on until 1953, when a Ceasefire was agreed; The border between North and South remained the same.

The South Korean Republic has prospered economically since 1953, importing and exporting, it is a technical developing Country. It has TV, Radio, Railways, Highways, Airports etc, making it one of that areas most progressive Countries. Performing better than some of our Western Civilised Nations. With a population similar to Britain, but it’s Military Forces possibly 1,000,000 plus. Religion is mainly divided between Buddhists and Christians, English is taught in schools. It is governed by a President, Prime Minister and a Cabinet.

North Korea has not prospered since the divide. It relies heavily on food and medical aid; state owned facilities are mainly heavy industry & military focused, economic conditions are stagnant. Malnutrition rates are amongst the highest in the World, arable land is scarce. Bad management, poor maintenance and aging equipment everywhere, has reduced this Country into the state that it is in. An authoritarian socialist state, with a one-man dictatorship. Government controlled Religious groups of Buddhists and Confucianists, and a few Christians, do exist. It’s may be half of Britain population, but has Military Forces of 3,000,000 plus.

What is happening now with the North firing on one of the South’s islands?

Is it a rogue General flexing his muscles, waiting to take over the Dictatorship from an aging Leader.
Is the Dictator flexing his own muscles, wanting to dominate the South and ensnare it’s prosperity for the benefit of his own people?
Or is it the standard conspiracy theory, that the CIA has engineered it to enhance the USA’s supply of munitions for a possible war?
Who knows?

What is the answer? I feel that China & Russia, the immediate neighbours of North Korea, should immediately step up peace-keeping negotiations with both North & South. USA (and Britain) should NOT get involved at this stage; I really think we have enough on our plates!

It appears to be building up to a very serious situation

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Al Qaeda & Army Chief’s Assessment

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Joe Pongo

I am certainly no “expert” whatsoever on Al Qaeda, Taliban, Afghanistan etc; but I have observed, in the Media over latter years, that our Country has thousands of these “specialists”, generally located in an armchair or TV studio.

At last we are hearing from a most credible professional, General Sir David Richards. I am sure that many of us agree with him, and we have had similar thoughts ourselves post the Afghanistan & Iraq invasions. Unfortunately his statements have been overshadowed by more Media attractive items in the last days; Royals Marriage, South African carjack of a “British” couple, Compensation to Guantanamo Bay inmates, Student Riots, Release of British couple from Somali Pirates. I feel General Richards statement to be extremely important to the future stability of Britain.

We must do something constructive, but what? Possibilities :

Our Troops should be withdrawn from Afghanistan ASAP – no more sacrifices from our most brave and loyal Military. They and their families have suffered far, far too much, for an Invasion that should now be over. Our existence in Afghan must be encouraging Muslims throughout the World to become Activists, as Iraq did. The reasons for being there have changed many times over the last nine years; we have truly ended up being one of Al Qaeda’s best Recruiting Agent.

If drugs are one of the main reasons (inducing Russia’s offer of an alliance) there must be a situation where the Poppy growing could be controlled by the World Health Organisation, for world-wide medical use.

Nearby countries such as China, India or Russia could invest in the huge Mineral wealth in Afghanistan and bring some prosperity to this poverty stricken and corrupt country.

A United Nations Peace Keeping force of Muslims could commence Border Patrols, “ring fencing” Afghanistan against neighbouring countries.

I spent a number of years living and working with Muslims. I found the greatest majority of them were very humane and interesting people, who had to live within Sharia Laws. They could trace their civilisation back for thousands of years, in good detail. They had their faults as we all have. Religious & violent Activists were never respected by the average Muslim, but often feared. The most apt comparison could be as how the Nazis were seen by the majority of Germans, feared and obeyed.

Al Qaeda is now active in too many countries, and attempting to control them is becoming much more difficult than expected. If our Military were based in Britain, we could at least utilise them in Border Control and bring in much more aggressive anti Terrorist Laws immediately. Our inept, weak Politicians
should “roll over” and give our Military, Intelligence and Police Chiefs more control concerning our threat from terrorists. It was, after all, our Politicians who helped to create this most evil Al Qaeda situation.

We should listen to General Richards, and get the Islamic Communities in Britain to support their new adopted country with determination. My thoughts only, and much room for more ideas. What is the answer ?

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Russia Nato Afghanistan

Posted on November 4, 2010 by Joe Pongo

Having been born in the 1940s, and educated in the 1950s, I was brought up to believe Russians were big, had bulging eyes and carried Hammers & Sickles. I eventually realised that this was American anti Communism and Germany anti Russian propaganda, post World War II. I also thought Germans had square heads! Much of the anti Communism was pursued by the USA and Britain.

Having met a number of Russians, over the years, I am no longer so wary of them. I am for, the possible intention of Russia being part of NATO. Meetings this month will commence to prepare us for this.

The starting benefits should be the safer route for supplies, to Coalition Troops in Afghanistan, than the current transit through Pakistan (possibly through Latvia, Russia, Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan).

Russia withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989; they had more than a 100,000 Troops committed there and suffered about 15,000 deaths. They have a very good knowledge of the pitfalls.

Russia has sold Helicopters to Poland, and these should shortly be deployed to Afghanistan. Russia did have a robust helicopter force in Afghanistan during the 1980s, but American provided Stinger Missiles assisted the Mujaheddin in shooting a number down. The Russian defeat in Afghanistan did help in the collapse of Communism in Russia. This joint co-operation must enhance the sale of the Russian Mi-17 helicopters to NATO members; an excellent commercial move. It is also the intention for the Russians to train Afghanistan pilots; it is already training Afghanistan Officers.

The Russians naturally will expect to be an equal member of NATO, including :

No interference of their activities in Georgia, South Ossetia & Abkhazia.

Agreeable sort out of American Missile placements in Europe.

Possible more realistic reasons :

Russia has hundreds of thousands of Drug Addicts, with hundreds of drug related deaths each week;
co-operation will help to control the huge amount of drugs originating from Afghanistan.

Islamic Terrorism – joint efforts to control this terrible & developing situation, not just in Afghanistan, but in a number of Countries. Russia and Europe will be combining to “Ring Fence” this Fundamentalist area.

All my thoughts and opinions, BUT, if Afghanistan is ever brought into the 21st Century, WHO in future will control the vast mineral assets in the mountains there. Russia, USA or the neighbouring Chinese???

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Entente Frugal

Posted on November 4, 2010 by Joe Pongo

The proposed sharing of Nuclear Secrets and Military Forces between Britain & France has surprised many, on both sides of the Channel. We ceased “warring” with each other 200 years ago; we fought side by side during the two World Wars, we are neighbours, the sea being our borders. Our languages differ, but both sides seem to cope with each other – TV series “Allo, ‘Allo an ideal example.

I have my own opinions on this merger; I hope it is successful, but :

The sharing of Intelligence with the USA, will it be greatly reduced?

Will Britain and France become the dominant power in Europe, will Germany “link up” with us and create control of/break away from the EU ? Will it cease the “Nazi style” dominance of EU over it’s members?

Will this Alliance enforce strong Borders and create “Ring Fencing” of Immigration into both Countries; particularly with reference to Muslim Fanatics and certain Eastern Europeans?

Will France withdraw from the Euro?

Will a European Army be an intention?

What assistance will there be to each other, in the case of either of us having Armed Conflicts in other parts of the World?

Falklands war in 1982 proved we needed Harrier type aircraft, now being scrapped. Both Navy’s aircraft carriers, how will they really inter act? Who will actually make decisions; the showings of our dysfunctional Governments over the years, make us very much criticised by other influential Countries.

Joint development of Nuclear Submarines; what sort of power will we become? How will the USA and the World react?

Many more questions I am sure. Personally I can not see our own Politicians being dominant, or in control of situations. Invasions of Iraq & Afghanistan, and the loss of lives and serious injuries to our Brave Troops saddens me. All under the directions of our Politicians.

Is this Entente Right or is it Wrong? I am still proud to be British.

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WikiLeaks & Iraq

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Joe Pongo

Very distressing reading over the last few days. The terrible actions in Iraq, taken by all types of Security personnel, particularly in dealing with Civilians. None of us expect that confrontations of Military/Militant personnel with each other, are ever occasioned in a humane or fair manner. If these leaks are even 25% true, what are we heading into in this manner of “Policing the World” ?

Having been born in the 1940s, I was educated in the 1950s, with particular revulsion towards the ideals of Nazis, Fascists, Communists and other “Dominant Governments”. I was educated to believe Democracy was the way ahead for the whole World. I was never steered towards any bias of Religious Groups (Jews, Muslims, Hindu etc).

I worked for fifteen years in the Middle East; I appreciated the harsh lifestyle of numerous people. I saw the future of Iraq, a Secular Country (unfortunately ruled by a cruel Dictator), as being progressive compared to some Middle East countries. My interpretation of the downfall of Iraq, indicated some of the following reasons for the invasion:

Shah of Persia deposed and Ayatollah installed.

Failure by American Special Forces to rescue USA Embassy staff.

Western supported invasion of Iran by Iraq, to ensure Iran did not become too powerful a Moslem State. Lasted eight years with no defined end product.

Iraq remains secular and invades Kuwait.

Coalition Forces (CFs) force Iraqis out of Kuwait, President Bush Senior does not press CFs to drive into Iraq and depose of Saddam Hussein.

Post 9/11 invasion of Afghanistan.

Confidence now for invasion of Iraq; justification was the supposed Weapons of Mass Destruction, held by Iraq. (Never proven).

Probable true reasons for invasion by CFs :

Bush Junior to depose Saddam Hussein, which Bush Senior did not carry out in 1991.

To “Ring-Fence” power seeking Iran, CFs now having Military Bases in Iraq & Afghanistan.

OIL – to fill America’s depleting Reservoirs.

Invasions and ongoing Wars create great profits for Construction and Munitions industries.

I am sure much can be added to this list.

I have now seen a Dictatorship, which had some progression possibilities, demolished into a very disturbed and Religious State. A Country of Anarchists of several different persuasions with a dysfunctional and corrupt Government. A recruiting Base for Muslim Militants from throughout the World. The deaths and injuries to tens of thousands of Civilians, with hundreds of thousands of grieving relatives.

Our own brave, brave Troops killed and injured. RIP our poor dead heroes, support our injured and their relatives, as best we can.

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