Brief History - Illegal Iraq War 2003

ILLEGAL IRAQ WAR 2003 Jean B Lynch Book:  "France in Focus:  Immigration Policies, Foreign Policy & US Relations" Summary [all info contained is from above book online preview] Jean B Lynch Book:  France in Focus:  Immigration Policies, Foreign Policy & US Relations Info is from above source, but some of my own words in here (rather than direct extracts).   Lynch informs us that in the 1990s French govt began distancing from US policy in Iraq, when US & British capitalist serving governments began using military force on Iraq state (Saddam Hussein govt) to force compliance with 1991 Gulf War settlement. France and other governments sought to lift international sanctions on Iraq, due to the 'deterioration of living conditions' imposed on the Iraqi inhabitants.   Comment:  judging from the above interview of Madeleine Albright in 60 Minutes (an insert / not from book), the US-led economic sanctions were more than a 'deterioration' in conditions:  the sanctions were lethal. Jean B Lynch reports that the Clinton administration and the Bush administration were strongly opposed to lifting of international sanctions. 2002 France eventual backed US goal to reinstate UN weapons inspections and UN Resolution 1441 mandated Iraqi compliance with weapons inspections. By early 2003, the Bush administration was making allegations of Iraq concealing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in 'material breach' of UN Resolution 1441, Lynch reports, giving the US (and their British capitalist allies) the 'justification' to use military force. Meanwhile, the French government and the Germans argued that Iraq was not in 'material breach' of UN Resolution 1441. French preferred an inspections regime, which they saw as sufficient to 'constrain' the Saddam Hussein government.  But, privately, some French officials were backing the US-Anglo capitalist pretext that Iraq was concealing WMD, Lynch indicates (minus the bit about US-Anglo capitalists). US-French discord re Iraq early 2003.  US admin called for regime change in Iraq, going beyond the UN Resolution 1441. Judging by the Lynch reference to democracy etc:  the US administration used the 'spreading democracy' pretext, which the Americans used in a series of hostile attacks on Middle Eastern states. France and other governments, Lynch indicates, objected to these added regime change objectives, on the basis that 'sustainable reforms' could not be imposed by the west on Iraq and in other states. US admin then had NATO provide Turkey with what it referred to as 'defensive systems' (but, I'm guessing these are really offensive equipment of war) and pulled US Balkan forces, replacing them with NATO member forces, freeing the US forces for conflict with Iraq. The following objected in NAC (North Atlantic Council), which is described by Lynch as NATO's supreme political body: France Germany Belgium on the basis that granting the request (to militarise Turkey?) would: de facto acknowledge Iraq had impeded UN weapons inspections (which was not proven) AND THAT IT WOULD BE PRETEXT FOR WAR according to Lynch. Outcome:  German and Belgian governments relent; France defers the aid to Turkey decision to another NATO body in which France is not a member, which results (late Feb 2003) in a decision to provide 'defensive assistance' (comment:  ie military capabilities) to Turkey, according to Lynch. The consequence was US criticism of France (and several other allies), who deemed (comment:  what is ostensibly) the anti-war France and Germany as the 'old Europe' and the pro-war Europe as 'new' Europe (Sec. of Defence Donald Rumsfeld), according to Lynch. Germany & France refuse to back US admin draft UN resolution authorising military force against Iraq.  France and Russia each hold a veto and threaten to use same if draft resolution submitted, Lynch reports. March 2003, Bush admin (comment:  backed by its British capitalist illegal Iraq war co-conspirators, under Labour PM Tony Blair), decide to go to war in Iraq without passing of the proposed UN resolution.  Opposed to this were:  France, Germany, Turkey (indirectly). The war hawks were:  Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain. April 2003 Iraq was [comment:  illegally] invaded by US and British forces. US, who illegally invaded and pillaged Iraq, sought almost complete forgiveness of Iraq foreign debt.  Two principal governments to whom Iraq was indebted to were:  France and Germany. Germany wrote off 80% of Iraq foreign debt, in excess of the 50% write-off that France had backed, due to Iraq's enormous potential for wealth from petroleum resources (and that other, poorer, nations would have benefited more from debt reduction), Lynch reports. As at the publication of the John B. Lynch book, the following was owed to capitalist Western states by Iraq: - USA, $2 billion - Germany, $2.4 billion - France, $3 billion French refused to take part in the US-led multinational occupation forces in Iraq as France did not approve of the basis on which the US launched war on Iraq from and did not wish to be associated with the occupation of Iraq; however, it France offered to train Iraqi police in France, according to Jean B. Lynch. http://www.abebooks.fr/France-Focus-Immigration-Policies-Foreign-Policy/1345667841/bd COMMENT Anyone who believes that the capitalists of (occupied) Germany and of France were seriously opposed to illegal invasion and war on Iraq is a moron. The bet is that this was just for show, so as not to alienate their large Muslim populations and their various Arab trading partners and weapons customers or their strong unions and leftist 'peacenik' voters (but the Gulf Arab Wahhabi pals would have been good for an Iraqi invasion, so it certainly wouldn't have upset them). French, German and US capitalists were owed billions by Iraq (in that order).  So French and German capitalists would have more interest in Iraq and more reason to want control of Iraq, or at the very least, interests in common with the US. Turkey would have also been protesting for show. Turkey is going fundamentalist/Wahhabi and it would have been opposed to the secular socialist Iraq government, is my guess. Plus, it's in the Gulf Oil Wahhabi camp that wants to bring down Syria and would be therefore opposed to Iran (and associated), so an attack on Iraq would have probably been fine with Turkey (must do some more reading ... I'm really slack). " ... Iraq was a resource grab targeting Iraq’s oil, as well as a money making exercise for mercenary companies, arms manufacturers, mega-corporations like Halliburton and its subsidiaries, and the banking cartels, Syria is different. Syria produces oil, yes, but nowhere near the scale that Iraq does. Syria’s closeness with Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah will obviously stand out as a reason why the US, Israel, the EU, and the GCC want Assad’s government gone. But factoring in the Ba’ath Party’s three objectives of secularism, socialism, and pan-Arab unification, we see more ideological reasons, as well as the motivation for the militias operating under the Al Qaeda and Muslim Brotherhood umbrellas." Jason Langley The forgiveness of national debt is something I don't fully understand, but I expect it is for an interest in the resources in the country, which they will exploit in future. Why were the Italy, Spain and Poland capitalist representing governments so keen on an Iraq invasion?  The Italian and Spanish capitalist are imperialists from way back, but how does cucked Poland fit into this, I wonder?  Poland's been a poodle from way back in history, so maybe it's just more of the same poodling for capitalism? Why are the Belgians backing the US?  Whatever happened to 'neutral' little Belgium?   Belgium needs some street rioting ... LOL "Belgian Congo is often cited as one of the most brutal and exploitative colonial regimes in modern history" (Study.com).  Belgum maintained x3 colonies:  Belgian Congo (DR Congo), Ruanda-Urundi & some portion of China.  Of the Belgian empire, about 98% was just one colony:  the Congo.  Considered as personal property of King Leopold II.  Belgian colonisation supported by Western countries as Belgium was seen as a 'useful buffer' between colonial powers in Africa [wikipedia].  Congo yielded:  ivory, rubber.  Belgium appears to have had extensive attempts to colonise (or uninitiated plans to colonise) various locations across Africa, South America, Central America, Caribbbean, North America, Asia, Oceania and even in Europe. All this colonialism and capitalism primarily benefits the capitalist elites, while the European masses get ripped off ... and flooded with invaders from capitalist colonial outposts.  Not much of a deal for the European working class.

Poland - Civil War Shaping Up?

ꕤ Article SOURCE as marked Poland Slovakia Defence Minister Martin Glváč asked Polish counterpart to “immediately refrain from non-standard actions” at counter-intel centre re:  overnight law enforcement raid re  replacement of head w/out consultation re: controversial appointment  of Colonel Robert Bala as acting chief of NATO’s CEK [CEK - unaccredited] CEK counterintelligence centre is an international initiative of both Polish and Slovak forces. http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/234917,Polish-Defence-Ministry-responds-to-Slovak-lette Poland Counterintelligence Center of Excellence (COE) --> raided overnight by law enforcement - 18 Dec. 2015 COE international military orgs train "leaders and specialist" from NATO member & partner countries. COE are coordinated by US-based Allied Command Transformation. Poland COE staffed and funded in conjunction with Slovakia since 2014 / task Ukraine intel gathering & interl terrorism. http://sputniknews.com/military/20151218/1031994986/nato-poland-counterintelligence-unaccredited.html Poland New right-wing govt moves to take control of counterintel centre in attempt to consolidate grip on power. Raid + replaced head. Polish military police overnight raided. -->  sounds like director, Col Krzysztof Dusza was replaced unwillingly Poland is hosting NATO summit in Warsaw, in abt. 6mths http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/18/polish-military-police-raid-nato-centre-warsaw Poland new media law conservative govt = more scope to control state-run TV + radio --> govt engaged in institution take-overs Newly elected Law & Justice party (PiS) (conservative / right-wing) absolute majority in parliament / EU & other interference 'pushback' http://www.politico.eu/article/poland-crisis-constitution-kaczynski-duda/ Poland (2nd time in Dec 2015) 1000s street protest governing Law & Justice (PiS) re assault on law & state institutions Smaller demonstrations in 21 cities all over world, incl protests at Polish embassies in Berlin, London + New York. #Poland protests organised by: Committee for Defence of Democracy (KOD) --> set up by main opposition parties supporters #Poland protests reportedly attracted mostly: --> layers of the urban liberal intelligentsia + --> upper middle class PiS govt has: disempowered Constitutional Court gained control of intelligence services threatened to gag media + cultural institutions PiS cleared way for senior public service positions to be selected on political grounds. Poland right-wing coup d’état causing tensions with Germany. --> constitutional crisis could escalate into a “civil war” Poland - impoverished wages / youth employment at 25% --> tensions high increasing divisions w/in bourgeoisie + lack of support w/in upper-middle class for the govt  --> working class may intervene. Poland -- conservative govt take-over. -- civil war / working class revolt in the making? https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/12/22/pola-d22.html ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Law and Justice party (PiS) leader: Jarosław Kaczyński Poland: European Union's 6th largest state Polish President: Andrezj Duda Constitutional Tribunal: assesses constitutionality of bills passed by parliament New bill: 15-member constitution tribunal must reach two-thirds majority to block legislation *raised from simple majority *curbs tribunal's judicial oversight *simultaneously, PiS stacking tribunal with party loyalists Lech Wałęsa: PiS “acting against democracy” Mateusz Kijowski Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD) organiser of protests claims constitutional bill: signals “end of democracy in Poland” PiS see constitutional tribunal as political organ of former ruling party: Civic Platform & aid to continued plunder of Poland by ex-communists New legislation re constitution --> pre-emptive move to avoid PiS agenda being blocked (eg ... cash payouts to parents) *PiS says constitutional court (political organ) of former ruling party:  does not want ordinary Poles to get anything PiS says: post-communist Poland appropriated from onset by cliques of unpatriotic & amoral cynics who sold country to highest bidder & placed friends in key institutions to ensure lion's share of spoils from Poland's economic transformation were shared among privileged elite PiS seeks to wrest state control back from those forces Pis says those protesting in streets do so b/c of loss of privileges PiS moves: PiS law - Media Appointment: enabling treasury minister to directly appoint the heads of Poland’s state-owned TV & radio stations instead of the National Broadcasting Commission PiS law - Public Servant Dismissal: enabling easy dismissal of civil service officials PiS bills - Increased Powers Law Enforcement & Inel: police & intelligence services increased surveillance powers on citizens feared use of increased powers to: monitor “unfriendly” journalists & NGOs --- PiS portrayed as pro “illiberal” democracy Opinion author Adekoya recommends: 1. fierce resistance from Poles. 2. intensified pressure from Brussels. 3. intensified pressure from Washington. According to Adekoya (journalist), European Union 'allowing' Orban to get away with 'rubbishing liberal democracy' set a dangerous precedent [From my perspective, the EU and the US have absolutely no right to interfere with national matters & it is not their place to 'allow' or to 'disallow' anything in foreign, sovereign territory] Adekoya (journalist) states: "Europe must not let that happen." "Polish citizens see tangible benefits from EU membership ..." [So this is what the problem is: keeping Poland in the EU and pushing the neocon & US empire agenda. LOL.] Comment:  bring me a sick bucket, someone: " ... exclusive club dubbed “the west” with the connotation that brings of development and advanced societies." LOL ... if Washington & Brussels don't strong-arm Poland, Adekoya (journalist) tells us PiS will: "... continue to dismantle liberal democracy in Poland one parliamentary bill at a time" Comment:  solidarity with PiS!!!!!!!!!!!! SOURCE http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/31/poland-leader-jaroslaw-kaczynski The Guardian 'Opinion' journalist: Remi Adekoya Remi Adekoya b. & raised Nigeria (son of Nigerian father & Polish mother) conducting PhD research on ethnic identity in Nigerian politics fmr political editor Warsaw Business Journal has written for other Polish newspapers commentaries cited by: --> Washington Post --> Foreign Policy --> Stratfor (private US intelligence contractor) ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- COMMENT Wow, that was some exciting news. Not sure how seriously to take this. If Germany's unhappy, if protests are well organised and across the world, and if the European Commission etc are interfering and are unhappy about developments, I get the feeling that the current government of Poland might be the good guys.  lol Don't know anything about them.  Might have to do some reading. At this stage, I'm going to guess that it's the bourgeoisie that's scaremongering re 'revolution', in an effort to discredit and undermine the current government. PiS sounds boring: Poland Law & Justice Party Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc (PiS) f. 2001 by the brothers: Lech Kaczynski Jaroslaw Kaczynski ideology combination of conservatism + social & national solidarity leader:  Jarosław Kaczyński for 2 consecutive terms (2007-2015) Law & Justice = largest opposition force in parliament PiS won 2015 parliamentary elections = has largest caucus in history of Third Republic belongs to 'European Conservatives & Reformists Group' in European Parliament PiS inter'l org: Alliance of European Conservatives & Reformists https://archive.is/9P0uJ Slavic - 'justice' words: spravedlivost' (Russian) pravosudiye (Russian) pravda (Serbian) ꕤ

Poland - New Appointments & Coal Miners Strike

POLAND New Appointments #Poland - Grzegorz Schetyna appointed Foreign Min. / Radoslaw Sikorski candidate for speaker of the lower house - http://goo.gl/9ymZvr - hahahahaa .. Pres Komorowski favours 'continuity' of Radek ... Too bad. Suck it Radek!! President Komorowski has officially sworn in the new cabinet under Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz - http://goo.gl/9ymZvr Prime Minister Kopacz is to seek a vote of confidence in the new government in parliament on 1 October. Spot of Anti-Russian Propaganda 69th session of the #UN General Assembly / #Poland wants limit to #Russia's UN veto / http://goo.gl/ljl3p0  / Pres Bronislaw Komorowski Next to impossible: two-thirds of the General Assembly and the consent of all five permanent Security Council members. >> So it's an anti-Russian smear for the press? Massive US Arms Deal US sells mid-range missiles to #Poland - 40 SAMs AGM 158-missiles, low radar profile/1,000lb warhead/ http://goo.gl/ZdnrCj  43 miles "pounds €390 million package incls. upgrades to Poland's 48 F-16 jets" /Valery Heletey = Defence Minister / excuse Russian 'aggression' Spot of Trade Union Bother - Coal Mines  #Poland - Trade unions strike Warsaw 1 Oct - http://goo.gl/6GMGlE  - 4 biggest mines low revenue - want clear stance coal mining sector - Coal provides #Poland will over 55 percent of its primary energy consumption. >> #environment #energy >> 4 biggest running @ loss = state owned .. one sold off to Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa - A privatisation lobby?? - JSW - holding company / US$ 1.78 billion revenue/ looks like it might also be state owned?? - http://www.jsw.pl/en/about-us/about-jsw/ … NO, JWS = private: >> x2 = state owned / x2 = private coys: Jastrzębska SW SA & Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka SA. #Business - Coal - #Poland 2012-2013, market conditions worsened 4 largest players/cheap imports applied downward pressure on coal prices coal seams in Poland too deep to mine cost effectively / http://goo.gl/5e4n1A  / By 2030 will be10-15 working mines in Poland >> x2 State + x2 private coys = the 4 mining = account for about 92% of all coal mining in Poland. #Business - Slump in coal prices has hit New Hope Corp’s annual profit, which dropped 21.2 per cent to $58.4 million. [wikinvest] >> Noooo! Price slump!! -- Check out the PROFITS, will ya?!!! That's an obscene amount of money!! - Slump my ass. > So business whines when they're not making an even more obscene amount of money? No economic 'downturn'. Just GREED. #Business /coal slump / imports by China (1/4 of global trade in coal) fell for 2nd mnth - 6yr low - 1. slowed eco. 2. hydropower /reuters Fears #China policies 2 restrict imports - chill on industry - http://goo.gl/nv8Yc6  - uncertainty Hey, China did ban imports of poorer quality thermal coal & it sent WAVES .. it was ahead of UN Climate Change talks / SMH -- Hey, China did ban imports of poorer quality thermal coal & it sent WAVES .. it was ahead of UN Climate Change talks / SMH - China 2 get points for above ... but real reason is it is bailing out its local miners & pwer generators / eco slowing ------------------------------------------ COMMENT Above's probably not easy to follow. Not sure I'm in the mood to summarise.  Been a long day and I'm a bit perlexed about something, so I'm not much in the mood for going back to my 'coal study'. Should also point out that some of this stuff with the coal sounds familiar to me, so I might have covered the coal information before. Anyway, new appointments in government.  Tusk has gone to European Commission, looks like Radek's been demoted and there could be a touch of tension between the Prime Minister and the President -- either that or they often contradict in public.  Hey, maybe that's Europeans -- perhaps they like to talk. Not looking good for the coal miners.  Yes, there's a slowing of the market because a big hunk of the world's coal market is imported by China, which is having an economic downturn and looking to support its own coal industry.  Furthermore, Poland's coal mines have a limited life span because it becomes too expensive to extract (at some point, I don't recall & couldn't be stuffed looking up .. even if at the top of this page :)). From my perspective, there's plenty of profit to be made and the very nature of capitalism, which demands greater and greater profits, is obscene.  Basically, they're not making as much as they'd like to -- ie whatever it was 6 years ago (or more than that).  So what?  They're making plenty. The coal miners are working to survive. No idea about Polish coal mines in question that are presumably running unprofitably.  Odds are, their idea of unprofitable is the same:  just making less profit than they'd like to. The 4 big coal mines produce virtually all of the coal and two are state owned and two have been privatised. The first thought I had is that someone's got the miners to agitate so that it becomes too much to handle and the mines get privatised.  But I'm always looking for some negative angle and haven't read up any further on the reasons there's industrial action. So that's today's look at Poland covered, I guess.

Politics, History - Russia & Neighbours

RUSSIA Last minutes of False Dmitriy >> 1606 >> Shot dead, displayed, cremated & shot from a cannon towards #Poland. pic.twitter.com/ol3ASiGrBx >FALSE DMITRIY of canon to #Poland fame "... rumours that Dmitriy was an illegitimate son of the Polish king, Stefan Batory " Countess Elizabeth Báthory d.1614 > serial killer, 640 victims - held at Čachtice Castle (Slovakia), built 1200s pic.twitter.com/d8IE6DaXfM  >> Her mother, Elizabeth, cousin of Hungarian Stefan Báthory, King of Polish-Lithuanian_C/wealth & Duke of Transylvania. "Defence Mins of Poland, Lithuania & #Ukraine before signing agreement on creating the joint Brigade" >> Is so False Dmitriy 1600s is spooky COMMENT Seriously, some things never change!

Poland's Radek Sikorski - Crimea & Ukraine

Sikorski: If Poland is hawkish on Ukraine, is Russia a dove? Published: 12/09/2014 - 08:34 | Updated: 12/09/2014 - 09:11 SPECIAL REPORT: If the EU had reacted more strongly to Russia's annexation of Crimea and adopted sanction more quickly, as Poland advocated, the currrent conflict in Donetsk, Ukraine, would not have happened, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told EurActiv in an exclusive interview. At the age 18, Radosław (Radek) Sikorski chaired the student strike committee in Bydgoszcz in 1981. In June 1981 he travelled to the UK to study English. After martial law was declared in Poland in December 1981, he was granted political asylum in Britain. He studied at Oxford. In the mid-1980s, he worked as a freelance journalist for publications such as The Spectator and The Observer. He returned to Poland in August 1989 and since 2007 has served as deputy minister of defence, deputy minister of foreign affairs, minister of defence and foreign minister in Donald Tusk’s cabinet. He spoke to EurActiv’s Georgi Gotev and EurActiv Poland’s Krzysztof Kokoszczyński. Poland is one of the counties shaping EU foreign policy during the Ukrainian crisis. How can that influence be maintained and expanded into other areas of common policy? When we called for a united European energy policy or solidarity in response to Russian trade barriers we were often called “Russia-phobes”. Now, after president Putin broke a whole series of international agreements, Europe is starting to understand the value of solidarity and standing together. Not only against Russia. Better coordination among European countries translates into better security and economic position in the long run for all of us.  [comment 2016:  Oh, yeah.  Is that why Europe has been invaded by over 1 million Arabs and Africans (conservative estimates), while the European Union has stood by and watched with 'Welcome' signs .... ?   Is that why Europe is meddling in the Middle East?  Is Europe destroying countries to steal resources?  LOL ] But our analysis and ideas have been valuable and not only in case of Ukraine. Since it joined the EU, Poland has been actively shaping the European Union’s internal and external policy. We undertook several initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU Common European Security and Defence Policy and the Eastern European neighbourhood. Most recently, Poland, together with Sweden and the UK, was among those EU countries that initiated and drove the establishment of the European Union Advisory Mission to Security Sector Reform in Ukraine.  [Comment 2016:  these would be the evil governments then: Britain, Sweden & Poland - No doubt anti-Russian, pro-neocon and keen on intrigue and military actions.] The conflict in Ukraine has reinvigorated NATO, to a certain extent at least. In this new security environment do you foresee any developments in EU security policy or would that area of policy take now a definite back seat to arrangements through NATO? The Ukraine-Russia conflict has reinvigorated both NATO and the EU. Obviously there are areas one of the latter is more competent than the other. Mutual compatibility between their actions must be assured.  [comment 2016:  What?  Are you kidding?  All the EU did was punish European farmers with sanctions?  Tip out another load of rotten tomatoes in high street, Europe.  ] How would you respond to those in the EU who criticise Poland's position on Ukraine as too hawkish? If Poland is a “hawk”, than how are we to describe Russia? A “dove” of peace? As a neighbour of Russia, we wanted to be a partner with her as much as it is possible. We managed to establish cross-border movement with the Kaliningrad Region. Tens of thousands of Russian citizens may visit Poland without any bureaucratic formalities and trade started to flourish.  [comment 2016:  Russia might do better to partner with a snake than partner with Poland's politicians. ] However, when Russia decided to take over Crimea and to directly engage militarily in the territory of its neighbour, we had to clearly communicate to Moscow that it has to stop.   [comment  2016:  Crimea voted to return to the bosom of Mother Russia.  Return Kosovo to Serbia, you EU creeps.  ] Possibly, if the EU's reaction to the Crimea annexation had been vigorous enough and we had pushed forward for more decisive, immediate sanctions, then [the conflict in] Donetsk would not have happened. Poland aspires to become a regional leader in Central and Eastern Europe. What, in your view as foreign minister, is the current role of Poland in the region? It seems Poland is not – at least not yet – able to truly coordinate policy with the Baltic and other post-communist countries? Most of the time, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, for example, cannot be seen as “followers” of Polish policy...? Countries freely shape their policies – in line with democratic procedures, international commitments and according to their interests. The efforts of our four countries, all with similar backgrounds in terms of recent history, have made possible the creation of the Visegrad Group. It turned out to be an effective and flexible instrument of developing policies in the region. This does not mean however that we must always be unanimous and speak in one voice. Differences in the perception of interests which are at stake, specific circumstances, as well as traditions and the potential of the individual countries come into play.  [comment 2016:  Visegrad Group sounds like bad news.  Run.  ] Are you optimistic that the EU is warming up to the idea of putting in place a more coherent energy policy? How would you describe the Polish role in this endeavor? Recent developments in the East proved that EU needs to urgently push forward some of the key aspects of the energy agenda. The main challenge shall be to continue a consequent market integration based on common rules enshrined in the third energy package. Europe needs a well interconnected network of energy infrastructure and more efficient security of supply mechanisms. No member state shall be left alone in case of supply disruptions. Poland has always been a major proponent of the creation of the Energy Union which Prime Minister Tusk has called for on several occasions. We have the know-how about how the things work in the East and we know the major issues that restrict the development of the internal market in our region. Poland is one of the larger member states of the EU but she also enjoys warm relations with the US. The relations between Brussels and Washington can be sometimes tense – as was the case with PRISM and wiretapping of the senior politicians in the EU. How can Poland balance its relationship with the US with its responsibilities as a member state of the EU? And what can Poland do to defuse tensions between both sides of the Atlantic? And what about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)?  [comment 2016:  LOL ... Yes, we know what kind of 'warm relations' Poland shares with the US, thanks to the leaked Radek tape.  ] Transatlantic cooperation and close ties between Europe and the US are the foundation of our common prosperity and security. We have to work on it regardless of some tensions which are unavoidable when we face so many complex challenges. Our good relations with US are an asset. There is no doubt Poland will be championing a “team spirit” among both the EU and US.  [comment 2016:  this guy sounds like a shill for US-Anglo capitalism.] Polish foreign policy is based on the principles and values we share on both sides of Atlantic. In the present security situation, we understand much better that the transatlantic community requires our engagement in any sphere – security, economy, democracy building. In this regard the TTIP may be a significant factor of Europe’s energy independence.  [comment 2016:  another creepy capitalist serving politician.] What does Donald Tusk’s appointment mean for Poland? The decision of EU leaders to elect Prime Minister Tusk to become next European Council President is a great achievement. It is undoubtedly the prime minister’s personal success but equally a success of Poland. We take this decision as both a signal of appreciation of the policies Poland has pursued over ten years of its EU membership and a sign that the distinctions between “old” and “new” member states are rapidly crumbling. On the 10th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the EU, a Pole will lead the institution which sets the priorities of Europe.  [comment:  Poland has been shilling for US-Anglo capitalism for a decade & this is its reward for being a lapdog.  Not much of an achievement, really, is it?  LOL  ] http://www.euractiv.com/sections/poland-ambitious-achievers/sikorski-if-poland-hawkish-ukraine-russia-dove-308392  COMMENT Noticed this has just had a bit of attention. This is from ages ago when I didn't know what was really going on. Not sure that my grasp of politics is greatly improved since, but I do know that Radek's 'sage' advice is wholly unimpressive and Euroactive onanists ought to be be ashamed of themselves.  LOL What a bunch of ass-kissers.  ;) [NOTE:  I've had to reformat this, as my earlier posts weren't formatted in a manner to allow for subsequent template alterations. ]

Donald Tusk - Poland's EU Council President

Polish Prime Minister Tusk to become new EU Council president By Christoph Dreier 4 September 2014 Last Saturday, representatives of European Union (EU) governments agreed to appoint Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as the new EU Council president. The appointment of the nationalist, neo-liberal politician confirms the EU’s transformation into an aggressive military alliance. As Council president, Tusk will be responsible for organising EU summits to determine EU policy and adopt key decisions. He will also lead the meetings of euro group heads of government, although Poland is not part of the currency union. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/09/04/tusk-a04.html

Tusk appointment.

Sounds like an ass-kisser.

And he's no 'neo-liberal' or whatever he's supposed to be.

The party in its original form sounded pretty right wing to me.  Then merged.

Supposed to be some kind of socialist, but doesn't sound too socialist to me.

Crippling the working classes with austerity.

Check out the article.

In Brief

Got the worst pain -- ever.  Out of nowhere.  Think it's my stomach, but it's quite high up under my rib cage.  Hope I'm not having a heart attack.  If there's no further posts, I'm dead.  LOL Novorossiya are steaming-rolling head, judging by the reports.  But we'll see. Can't sit still.  Sort of squirming in my seat, huffing & puffing to take the edge off whatever's wrong. Hoping couple of pain killers kick in and take the edge off this soon. Poland/Tusk is lobbying for the NATO-Ukraine incursion.  Guessing Tusk is either (a) ultra conservative or (b) from the US/NGO 'sausage factory'. Same old anti Russian articles around the traps.  Get ridiculously worked up about it, like I'm taking it personally or something.  Too bad I don't have a chilled, sarcastic take on it like some of the Twitter dudes do -- they're so funny.  Anyway, it's not like the Russians care.  Rogozin, Putin and Lavrov have all been going about their business -- and working the Russian crowds.  Lavrov seems to have a few fans.  Take it he's a popular figure.  Getting worked up about the bad press Russia gets is rather embarrassing:  nobody's worried and tomorrow's another news day.  That's just how it works -- there's a 'villain' who gets a daily beat-up and Russia is that 'villain'. Anyway, there's no holding back the tidal wave of nasty, underhand poison-pen persuasion pieces from assorted lobbyists. Someone pointed out that the propaganda's dished out in a stop-start fashion and it's true.  Every so often there's a crescendo of official 'condemning' statements, combined with an avalanche of press vilification ... followed by a lull. Not sure how it works.  I've only started to watch politics.  Never had an interest before.  Might have already mentioned, Italy's Federica Mogherini's been appointed the UN High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Policy of the Economic Union, which I'm quite pleased about.  Better than Bildt and Tusk.  And better looking. Unfortunately, Tusk's got himself the President of the European Council job, but in a toss up between creepy Carl Bildt or Tusk being appointed, Tusk suddenly shines. LOL Tusk/Poland and the Baltic states sound like they've joined forces to bitch about the Mogherini appointment.  It was reported that they weren't pleased with her appointment because she's too 'close' and too 'soft' on Russia, or something like that.  Everyone's whispering about the lack of experience, as well.  But it's probably not a real job, so who cares.  She's kinda hot in a milfy way, so what's the problem?  And it's not like Ashton's some Wonder Woman:  those nuclear talks are ongoing. The EU alliances and back-room lobbying probably matter far more than the actual positions.  But that's just a guess. Speaking of Ashton, she met with the Iranian foreign minister (I think it was) for another round of EU nuclear talks. Russia's up for another round of sanctions from the US puppets and Australia's Prime Minister also joined in bleating about sanctions to be taken against Russia. What is utterly appalling is that NO SANCTIONS are to be taken against the US puppet government in Ukraine and that all these representatives of 'truth', 'justice', 'peace', 'democracy' - and other fanciful crap we're supposed to believe - meekly adopt US policy and support the shelling of civilians by the Ukraine government.  Not a word of condemnation.  So what does that tell you? New Zealand has its own suppression order and spy scandal, under the John Key government.  Also, his Justice Minister resigned over some very unsavoury allegations.  But that's not all, folks ... NZ's law prohibits spying on citizens of NZ, but that hasn't stopped the government spying -- AND they've executed illegal warrants (re Kim Dotcom raid) AND they've refused to answer questions about funding from their US equivalent, so there's obviously some murky stuff going on in NZ government and intelligence -- and it has USA and NSA fingerprints all over it.  Hollywood's a player in this as well ... but I'm not entirely clear on the ins and outs of the Dotcom scandal, because I've been flitting from one thing to another that happens to take my interest. Facebook are censoring the Novorossiya supporters' posts by the look of things.  I've hooked them up with a Ukraine article that appears to indicate that the Ukraine government is having social media stuff censored.  Translation kind of garbled, but I think that's the gist of it -- and if that's the case, it's outrageous.  But I don't know who to complain to. "Facebook removed our post about the abominable declarations of neonazi Battalion Azov leader, Andriy Biletsky,..." >> Porkkky has done a deal w/ -- blocking social media for Ukraine government - http://www.president.gov.ua/news/31108.html  Anyway, that's some of the stuff that caught my attention.  Disappointed that I don't cover more ground.  No idea what's happening in France, apart from new cabinet having been formed after the economy minister bitched about not-so-socialist policy. The Labor government in Australia has sprung to mind, but they're not socialists, although they're supposed to be the 'left'.  Not sure what they are.  Sound like they're just another bunch of conservatives -- or they're happy to make the sift wherever necessary (if it means gaining power).   Worse, they appear to be US-Israel dominated.  Check out the WikiLeaks cable regarding Julia Gillard's determined climb to the top ... over Rudd's 'dead' body, so to speak.    ---------------------------------------------  PS Geez, it's annoying pressing 'publish' and finding typos. What's with the 'drafting blindness', I wonder?  As in, why are typos easier to see once you've published?  A rather boring post, as well.   Sounds like it's been written by a robot.  Don't see that improving any time soon.  Boring writing comes naturally.    :) If I've repeated any info, my apologies.  I've not been focused on the blog, so I'm just rambling.

Quickie Round-up

Been slack maintaining entries. Twitter is a much faster medium with a sense of immediacy.  Quite addictive.  Been like a heroin junkie on twitter lately. Twitter more suited to churning information, which I'm doing right now. Blogger's a snail in comparison but it's a wonderful medium for more involved discussion of information. So what's been happening: Middle East Iraq Kurds (with help of US bombing) have taken x3 Iraq towns.  Trouble up north.  From map someone sent me on Twitter the other day, they've to a long way to go.  The map was dotted with towns that Islamic State had taken. Iran Diplomatic meeting with Saudi Arabia. These two are competitors rather than allies, I understand. Iran is alleging industrial sabotage and claims to have apprehended x4 spies, who are being interrogated. Story of a shot down Israeli drone spying on nuclear is in the news, but I haven't checked it out yet.  How slack is that? From recollection, Fars News mentioned Iran has one of the world's largest gas resources.  A few countries are clamouring for business, by the sound of it. Iran will meet UN's Catherine Ashton on Sept 1 (from recollection) to further discuss the nuclear energy matter -- which has been an ongoing discussion for ages now b/c the west (and probably other interests) are trying to block Iran's bid for nuclear enrichment.  West fear of nuclear power / weapons potential, so want Iran to SCALE DOWN -- which is the OPPOSITE of what they want. Iran's been subject to sanctions.  If I understand correctly, it is not permitted to use/trade in US dollars (which is international currency), is not permitted to do electronic transfers and it would most likely be subject to trade restrictions (specifics of which I don't recall, if I've come across that in my travels).  Anyway, the US can make that kind of blockage when it comes to currency and trade because it has big representation (voting rights when it comes to IMF and is influential re WTO and actually controls the international currency and impacts international economy through its Federal Reserve).  So US tends to have an upper hand. But that may alter in the future b/c the Chinese economy is not that far off the US economy - 16 point something percent of global GDP versus US 19 point something.  However, at this point, US has the voting rights and representation advantage because China has a meagre representation compared to the US. Saudi Arabia Chopped off something like 19 heads since Aug. 4th.  Yet it is on the UN Human Rights Council. Saudi Arabia very close US ally and appears to be a close business partner.  Shell (while foreign owned / non-US 'owned') has an arm with it's head office based in Texas and it's HUGE. Saudi Arabia happens to be a 50% partner in projects. Saudi Arabia is hosting a 'Friends of Syria' pow-wow.  But it is actually friends of the Syrian *opposition*.  So it's kind of like a false advertising title, no? Attendees: Turkey, US, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt & Jordan. So that pretty much tells you who's with the US (who's against Syria -- well, against the current rulers, I gather) and it gives you a peak into part of the dynamics of control of this part of the world. Interesting that Italy's in the mix.  Wonder why Italy's involved.  Know it's EU/NATO involved ... what has it got to do with the Middle East? All of them:  imperialists.  History of imperialism.  And current imperialism in the form of big money corporations.  But Italy's broke, I think.  So what's it doing? Italy's maybe some kind of pawn?  Probably the immigration pawn.  Everyone's jumping 'ship' from North Africa and entering Europe through Italy (as well as Spain, I believe).  So maybe their role is something to do with immigration due to wars? Nope.  Syria is next to Israel.  The immigration is launching itself from Libya, where there's a people smuggling trade going on, I think.  It was referred to as 'human trafficking' but I'd say they mean 'people smuggling'.  Don't know for sure yet. Syria Assad government is probably struggling.  There's the US and everybody else against that government.  The west their M/E allies have tried to unseat him by supplying rebel militias with weapons and thus encouraging the bid to topple the Assad government. The opposition, I believe, is assorted militias rather than one political/military body attacking the government. Syria has asserted that there will be no air bombing in its territory without its prior consent -- ie re the bombing of Islamic State militias the US intends to do in Iraq (which it wants to extend or may wish to extend to Syria, where they are also dominant (I believe). The laugh is, US probably funded and armed these people in the first place.  I'm not entirely clear on that but it looks like they might have. In my travels, it was asserted that Assad is playing the rebel militias off against each other.  I don't know that.  That was just someone's opinion.  Not clear to me how this could be an advantage to him - ie this backing of rebels who are fighting his troops.  Doesn't make sense to me. Israel Bombing of Gaza resumed.  Something like 360 bombs dropped by Israel and deaths over 100 Palestinians since 19th, I believe. Stray mortars from Syria have landed Golan Heights.  Prior Syrian territory claimed by Israel during Six Day War 1967.  Now Israeli controlled.  Too rushed to double-check at the moment.  Anyway, deemed strays. Lebanon Massive strike of electric energy company.  Company not profitable.  Power blackouts.  Something like 2,000 workers are contract workers.  They want full-time employment.  Problem of state subsidy, lack profitability plus claims that workers clock on but don't perform -- ie take off.  Anyway, looks like worker are burning stuff outside the premises and blocking management from entering. Libya Tripoli taken over by rebel forces.  Finally got the airport.  Burned. Italy MASSIVE monthly spending on patrols: #EU - Italy picks up 3,500 refugees at sea this weekend!.. spends 9.5 mil euros ($13 mil) PER MONTH air/sea patrols>http://goo.gl/xCuNuw #Italy rescue 70,000 North African refugees since start Oct 2013 patrols> Libya launching point. 'Human trafficking'> http://goo.gl/E9QBhs Spain Doing it hard.  Unemployment at 25%.  Farmers cracking the shits over the EU sanctions (really US-EU-NATO when you consider the dynamics).  Costing them big time not being able to supply Russia. Poland Someone enterprising found a partial way around sanctions.  Investment in Belarus + intensive preservation + Belarus (& ors) being in 'Customs Union' (Eurasian), means side-stepping (to some degree) the anti-Russian sanctions and being able to unload produce to Russia. France Ooh, la la.  Big problems.  Government dissolution.  Economic minister badmouthed France policy and Hollande called for dissolution and new cabinet.  Eco min not happy that spending cuts are to finance tax cuts for corporations in bid to increase employment.  Eco minister pissed at tight fisted Germany not stimulating economy, I think. Eurozone Things are crap.  Economy stalling.  Will probably resort to QE. #EU - sounds like Eurozone *deflation* .. 'ailing bloc'... ECB quantitative easing? >>  http://goo.gl/Sw0JvX Described as a 'last resort' measure.  But this has been done before.   New to watching politics and economics, so I'm not up on exactly what it is apart from buying up 'assets' (in form of bonds, I think). UK, Japan and one other has done this before. Serbia Big problem with hazardous industrial waste -- accumulated, historic also.  Contamination fears. Elections in Republic of Serbia - part of B/H.  Serbia says will not interfere. Former diplomat to Turkey (and expert on Islamic affairs) claims neighbouring Turkey has an expansionist agenda. Two dairy companies will supply Russia, as Serbia will not bow to the EU anti-Russian sanctions.  Serbia is in negotiations to join EU and is not fully fledged member, so can do what it wants, I suppose. And that's the end of the round up because I could go on forever and not cover everything that's going on right now.  And while I'm summarising I'm hanging to check on latest news I'm missing out on! There's so much happening!!!

Above is just a quickie (and not necessarily complete) round-up from memory of last day or so events/news.

Excuse typos.  In hurry.