Thoughts on the Middle East

I've brought this up before; i will bring it up again - it's a pretty screwed up situation in the Middle East. Diplomacy is not working; action has been taken - without any follow-through. Result? Blame on the US, blame on the governments, blame on the terrorists, need I say more? What is to be done? The fact is peace will not be handed out on a silver platter, and so?

Thoughts on the European Union

Politics have always been an interesting topic of discussion, particularly so when it comes to the European Union. France, with all its recent buzz and hoohah over Monsieur Sarkozy and Mademoiselle Bruni; Italy, with the status quo barely disturbed after Prime Minister Prodi was forced to step down; Nowadays, the spotlight is on the newest debate in town - Serbia versus Kosovo. Should Kosovo, with a 90 percent ethnic majority of Albanians, simultaneously being the religious heartland of Serbia, be allowed to stand free as an independent nation? I wouldnt comment at this point, though this dispute on sovereignty has set the stage for something much bigger. Russia has said that Kosovo's declaration of independence violates a 1999 U.N. resolution and that recognising it will open a "Pandora's Box" of separatism. Moreover, Russia has given its word that Kosovo will never be allowed in the U.N. Currently, the U.N. itself is split in two, with the UK, the US, France and Germany for Kosovo independence, against Russia, China and some other Balkan states. No one knows for sure whether Kosovo will have a fairy tale ending; Serb protests in Belgrade are underway as I write.

Thoughts about King Arthur

A knight is sworn to valor.

His heart knows only virtue.

His blade defends the helpless.

His might upholds the weak.

His word speaks only truth.

His wrath undoes the wicked.

Thoughts About the War On Terror

Well, Bush has said that Iran is "today the world's leading sponsor state of terror". The truth is disputable, but the blame is not entirely on Iran. Extremism combined with fear is the key suspect here. Nonetheless, America should take a stronger stand in terms of its Middle Eastern approach. For one, the general opinion is that the Iraq War was a mistake. However, who will we rely on to affect democracy upon the world if not the very representative of it - the United States of America? The threat of terror is very real, particularly where governance is weak, and the people's minds are weaker. We do not require complex figures and charts to know that those who are in poverty, those who are in pain, in suffering, are more prone to violence and more inclined to believe in those who bring about change by causing pain and suffering to others. We are indeed very lucky that President Bush is not one who falters when public opinion is against his better judgement. Otherwise, we wouldn't have to wait for impending apocalypse via global warming.

Thoughts about the Middle East

President Bush has done what he does best - leaving his mark on history - on his recent visit to the Middle East. Well, the conflict between Palestine and Israel seems all but solved. What's a conflict of interest if both sides don't share opposing opinions of each other. There's no perfect solution for anything; it's more a matter of how to compromise in such a way that both sides benefit as much as possible. I doubt that Iran will become another Iraq, but that the problem will persist as long as Mr Bush cannot garner the support of both parties involved to arrive at a consensus. Besides, there is a difference between Islam and radical Islam. Violence may not be the best solution, but when diplomacy fails - it gets the job done.

Thoughts on the Trail

The election race seems far from over as New Hampshire prove to be pro-Obama. I believe that its a concoction of luck and tact that has catapulted Mr. Obama into a double-digit lead amidst a great surge of momentum after the Iowa caucuses. Personally, I believe that Mr. Obama has set a promising direction - for his campaign, and for America.

Nevertheless, its refreshing to think that the Bush regime will be a fact of the past in a year, marking a new chapter for America. Taking into account all the negative criticism directed at the Bush administration during the past 8 years, I feel that it would be unfair to say that Bush policies were all screw-ups. Now that's something worth reminiscing once the dust has settled, and calm and rationality return. One things for sure amidst all that uncertainty - the status quo has finally shifted in favor of much-needed change.

Republican crossfire aside, i think that Mr. Obama is right about complacency - "I know we had a nice boost over the last couple of days, but elections are funny things. You actually have to wait until people have voted and counted the votes before you know what is happening."

Double-digits may prove to be enough to secure the victory, or it may not. Hope and love may be the heart-swaying emotions of the day, but let's not forget how the Constitution was founded. Patriotism. In my opinion, the competition is really stepping up their game and unveiling a strong hand. I quote VOA once again - "I have so many opportunities from this country," said Hillary Clinton. "I just don't want to see us fall backwards. This is very personal for me. It is not just political, it is not just public. I see what is happening and we have to reverse it. Some people think elections are a game. They think it is like who is up or who is down. It is about our country. It is about our kids' futures and it is really about all of us together." Now that's fighting spirit.

Let's hope that same passionate democracy prevails in Kenya and Georgia.

Thoughts About Life

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Coach Carter