In one generation our world has shrunk immeasurably, yet it has also exploded unrecognizably. The Internet and the social media superimposed on it has claimed responsibility for igniting revolutions and/or demonstrations throughout Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Oman and Bahrain.
Overthrown governments in Tunisia and Egypt are a problem, however, revolutions in countries such as strategically critical Libya and Bahrain present a whole different set of even more troubling uncertainties. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates are implementing measures to snuff out those potential fires of unrest by “buying” segments of their populations before they get out of control.
Saudi Arabia increased salaries to public employees by 15% and made claims that it will improve education, infrastructure and healthcare through the trickling of $36 billion down through Saudi society – from the top. The Saudi pre-emptive strike is a short-term plug in a leaky dyke holding back unrest it doesn’t understand, and blames on foreign disruptive forces. It’s king and ruling family lack the capacity to ignite the entrepreneurial or creative innovation required to build a country for long term success.
Countries that are currently home to 2/3 of known crude reserves are now unstable, and have escalating conflicts that will further the bloodshed in the streets. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to foresee continuing rises in oil prices which will in turn feed the monster of inflation to affect prices of most products and foods around the world.
Through the sandstorms of all uprisings there are religious forces influencing the fighting, particularly Shiites colliding with Sunnis. We should be particularly concerned with evolving conflicts on the streets of Bahrain, where a Sunni king rules a 70% Shiite population. Bahrain is the banking capital of the Persian Gulf. The U.S. Fifth Fleet, which is responsible for the naval forces in the Persian Gulf and the whole regions, is based on the island. Bahrain’s strategic importance is immeasurable. Shiite Iran which has long funded and armed insurgencies occurring amongst its Muslim neighbors is just a stone’s throw across the pond, while Sunni Saudi Arabia is a walk across the 16 mile causeway, but Saudi Arabia’s Eastern province with a Shiite majority, holds critical oil production facilities.
There are parallels in perspectives that exist between the House of Saud and the Administration in the White House, and should either or both continue to proceed in denial, there are outcomes that will negatively impact the populations of the two countries.
Both the House of Saud and the Obama administration are attempting to purchase support of their respective populations. Such measures are very temporary, stopgap solutions rooted in ignorance. Both ignore reality. King Abdullah heaving bushels of dollars out his palace windows, briefly quieting the simmering discontent he doesn’t understand, and Obama’s stubborn refusal to listen to the message bellowed from America’s streets through the midterm election bullhorns, suggests confusion at the top in both countries.
The United States leadership is conflicted with choosing from a choice of objectives – championing America’s propensity to uphold principles of freedom and democracy, the leadership must also seek stability in the region. Those appear to be mutually exclusive missions for the Middle East. Any breakdown of decisive direction and action will provide Iranian leadership and opportunity to expand it footholds from which to spread its religious doctrine of hate and slaughter across the Middle East.
A majority of any population does not want handouts – this truism applies in America, and it applies in Saudi Arabia, as well as Bahrain. As we have witnessed, it also applies in the streets of Teheran. People seek safety, freedom, dignity, transparency, and justice, within which they can actuate the lives they pursue for themselves and their families. A transition to more open governance is inevitable. It will take decisive leadership from the West to ensure that such freedom is provided and maintained in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
We may soon reach a point when America will be forced to draw a line around Bahrain’s sands. American presence must not leave Bahrain’s shores, and Bahrain cannot fall to extremist interests. It certainly cannot be allowed to slide under an Iranian manipulated extremist thumb. Stability in these critical countries across the Middles East will have positive impact on the West, and the Obama White House will have to demonstrate some heretofore obscure measures of resolve.
A constituent of the vast baby boomer generation with a career which has been fortunate to know the ponderous corporate worlds, as well as the intimately pressurized, and invigorating entrepreneurial domains of high tech and venture capital, I have harvested my share of mistakes meandering through corridors of enterprise from Silicon Valley, to London and endless, colourful, sometimes praetorian points in between. The voyage has provided an abundance of fodder for a pen yielding to an inquisitive keyboard, a foraging mind, and a passionate spirit.
Whether political or business or social or economic or personal, is it not all political? It is a privilege to write, and an even greater privilege to be read by anyone, and sometimes with the wind at my back the writing may occasionally be legible. I do not write to invite scorn, nor to invite respect, but if I get really lucky the writing can stimulate thinking. I also write for the very selfish purpose of animating my own processes, and engaging the best of what life offers. Above all, whether biting fire or swatting shadows, I am grateful to be gifted the freedom to write and publish whatever flows down to the keyboard. To all those who enabled this freedom, and to all those standing guard to preserve it, I am indebted.
I dunno- Democrats are doing their best to make certain that this is not true….
Good post, BTW
There are many inherent issues within Islam that makes your true statement, a majority of any population does not want handouts, problematic.
Islam does not allow borrowing with interest.
Islam does not allow most women to enter the work force even if they will instead become destitute widows.
Islam requires prices be paid for a wife that most young men can never afford.
One of the results of all of this is that most Islamic countries are ruled by men who dole out rewards (daily needs plus a bit more) for friendship/alliance while punishing real and imagined ”enemies,” (scant daily supplies).
This has led to a huge migration of Muslims out of places where their leaders were unkind.
We see many marginalized Muslims have moved into Europe, Canada, Australia and the USA.
As you rightly point out, these people, oftentimes want to take care of themselves.
And when they can, they do.
But getting back to the Islamic countries with revolutions in them…..
What we are seeing on the streets will end up trading a Ford for a Chevy….no real difference except as to who is on the IN list and who is on the OUT list.
These rulers, whether the old ones or the new ones will enrich themselves at the expense of the rest of the people.
Thus the term, kleptocrat, was coined in relation to Muslim leaders.
Notice that, although there are a million Arab Muslim in Israel, they are NOT calling for a change in government?
Israel is already a democracy.
Israel already gives women the right to work.
Israel does not allow selling of wives for bride prices.
@DrJohn:
Yup. The left quarter, or there-about, of society does not understand the human spirit’s need for independence of thought and its need to self actualization. Yes, when you’re starving, you’re happy to get a free happy meal, but in the long-term of life, it works against the grain to live on other people’s money and largesse. Africa provides hundreds of millions of examples of that. Never ending handouts kill the spirit.
I’ve listened for decades to the abject stupidity that fills the ranks of socialist thinking, ever since my days at university. In the 80s I attempted to change the face of education in Africa by setting up test projects where we donated software and computers to a network of schools, that barely had access to electricity. The results were phenomenal. These kids, many of whom hadn’t even seen a TV, made a magical leap that evidenced a flowering of their minds and creativity. They took to the new learning tools readily and easily, leaving their teachers in the dust. This was one of the most satisfying projects I’ve ever supported.
Long term, the forces of misguided-ill-founded pandering and interference, and feeling sorry of them, etc., (along the lines of what we witness from egocentric goofs like Bono), killed the long-term success of our efforts. . . . There was more ego feeding PR mileage to be had in soliciting capital for “food” – stimulating-the-minds-be-damned.
The result has been devastating to most of the African continent. The abject stupidity that we find wandering the halls of the current Administration has much in common with idiots who have preserved or further perpetrated a suppression and destruction of Africa’s spirit.
@ Nan G,
Well said. My feeling is that we’re witnessing a significant shift in the Muslim world, energized by the newest technologies – the most significant of which has been the very compact cell phones which enable access to the Internet, not just to interactive messaging. The phenomenon of these new technologies, hardware and software, which have torn down the walls of isolation, are only about two years old. This is occurring primarily among the younger segments of the populations. Young Muslim women are also “finding their voices.”
It would be wrong IMHO to assume that oppressive religious fervor will win the day in the Middle East. The genie is out of the bottle.
I also think that the new technologies with upset the Iranian leadership applecart and we’ll see a revolution ignite on the streets of Teheran, which will throw out the thugs in charge. The Mullas are stashing their cash offshore just for that eventuality.
Leadership everywhere, has a tendency to take advantage of its power “situation.” Congress in Washington is a good example. Nevertheless, the Muslim world is passing through a paradigm shift from which there is no return. The process is going to be painful, and blood will flow, but it will bring about more transparent societies, more responsive to the demands of the broader populations.
JR, thank you for this contribution; you have a unique insight to this situation and it will be important if you keep us informed with your insight on these developments.
I am astounded that you actually tried my formula for educating Third World children and even more astounded that you had success with the enterprise. Could you imagine if you educated a group of ten thousand in countries like Libya and Egypt each year or produce a generation of educated children. Education, not the Socialist indoctrination programs that we have substituted for education.
@Skookum: #5,
Thanks for the note, thoughtful as always.
“I am astounded that you actually tried my formula for educating Third World children and even more astounded that you had success with the enterprise.”
In partnership with friends at a major personal computer company, I funded and established some microcosms of learning around the world, exploring the potential for implementing a quantum leap in the educational process. The existing 600 year old system was broken – could it be bypassed entirely using state of the art technology. Unequivocally the answer is YES, as you know. Teachers become “guides” in the process, but learning by rote takes a back seat.
Unfortunately, the system we have, supported and manipulated by unions, isn’t about to get bowled over by new concepts or technologies. Plus, as I noted above, there is a star powered machine that is also starcentric, which takes the oxygen out of the rooms of real understanding and progress.
Billions get raised for food. As you know, those billions don’t get there, and the donating public should do its own research on what really happens to the majority of that money, . . . sorry but I’ve done forensic audits on this crap, and it’s sickening. We’re just subjected to too many perfect photo-ops by the Hollywood trolls. While I’m on the subject, no one’s asking where all that cash is that was raised for Haiti, for example. What a mess.
Chinese Communist Party gets the sudden urge to announce measures to appease the billion.3 population it rules:
Chinese parliament opens with grand pledges
. . . . The fears of revolution are spreading.
JR, this is a dubious and ominous phrase that the Chinese leadership uses to reassure their people:
There is nothing like a promise of Orwellian and Stalinist or even Henry Ford type “Security” measures to make you feel safe and secure in the future.
Yes, we will now throw you down the outhouse hole and there will never be a chance of seeing daylight in the future, but we will raise your standard of living by 8%.
I don’t understand the situation: our president returned from China and was gushing like a schoolgirl with a crush on a football player over the infrastructure and general conditions under the Chinese Totalitarian Regime. Why does the leadership fear an uprising if the people have it so much better than us with their repressive regime?
Surely you have the answers JR! Unfortunately, I think the prez is trying to impress upon the American people the advantages of Totalitarian Authority so that he may advance his agenda without the impediments that are part of a republic like ours or does he really feel that a repressive regime is the way of the future and the only way for the state to acquire immense wealth and to provide fairly for all its people.
@ Skook,
Great observation on “public security.” That mantra, while it holds different meanings, instills in the people a sense that “big brother – the communist party” will keep them and the nation safe, while the state controlled and systemic corruption runs on unabated. It’s very effective.
“. . . or does he really feel that a repressive regime is the way of the future and the only way for the state to acquire immense wealth and to provide fairly for all its people.”
I have a feeling you’ve come close to it right there. Obama has spent his life and minimal experience seeking adulation where you could find it, and that was on the street, pretending that he would do something for a poor neighbourhood. His Chicago community was a stepping stone. He made promises, but there’s no evidence that he delivered, other than for himself, ie: Rezko etc. His home base should be angry, even disgusted, with him.
He’s a user, not a visionary, or a leader. So he has to lie, deceive, obfuscate while building himself a foundation of weak minded individuals, ie: the people currently occupying White House, cabinet positions, tzars, gofers, and glad-handers – gutless wonders all. He is a vacuum, who is ignorant on practically all subjects. He has invented an image, and the people around him are as insecure as he is. They just don’t have the grandiose tendencies of their leader.
He surrounded himself with individuals who could further his socialist tendencies. This is where an insecure ego can find succor, power and adulation. He must look longingly at the power that China’s Communist bureau holds over 1.3 billion people. All he cares about is what will be good for him. I don’t think he’s supportive of minorities of any colour, just like he’s long forgotten the little neighbourhood he made promises to as a community organizer but did nothing for. It amazes me for example, that the MSM ignored the fact that for a short 2 years in the Senate, he could only vote “present.” That is not a minor fact. It’s very telling, and what it says isn’t positive about this man’s intelligence.
Bottom line, IMHO, he doesn’t want anything for America. He just does not care. He wants adulation. He couldn’t care less what the “State” can provide any corner of the population, Asian, Latino, African American, or Anglo Saxon.
The whole ObamaCare fiasco, has nothing to do with helping “the little guy.” It’s his attempt to “buy” adulation from a segment of society he feels will continue to idolize him. He’s uninterested in anything other than retaining power, which means working on his reelection. He’ll lie his way to that reelection he craves so much.
As for Middle East unrest, or the economy, I am convinced he’s not intellectually stimulated by any of it because it’s over his head.
We should ask readers of F.A. who have had occasion to hire employees, if they would have hired someone like Obama for any job given his dearth of accomplishments and his mindset. The answer would be embarrassing given that half the voters supported him to fill the most important office in world. . . . . sighhhh
Solution: Education. That’s why we write, research, share.
As storm nears and temps rise, Obama hits golf course for first time this year
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/147655-obama-hits-golf-course-for-first-time-this-year
Libya: British Army ready for mission at 24 hours’ notice
British troops have been put on stand-by for deployment to Libya if the crisis in the country worsens.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8363012/Libya-British-Army-ready-for-mission-at-24-hours-notice.html
Not to worry…In the absence of Leadership, Someone stepped up…
@ Old Trooper 2, #10
Come on OT, are we to infer that you wouldn’t hire Mister-The-Great-I ?
I’ve noticed that there is a refrain beating the socialist drums out there that excuses and rationalizes all presentation of evidence that Obama is incompetent, . . . . “the problems facing the Nation that he has to deal with every day are monumental, and weren’t of his making.”
It’s repeated each day by a broad range of nutjob apologists from the MSM and the likes of late night clowns like Letterman. It’s tired and it’s tiring to listen to.
@ James Raider, What would I hire Him to do for Me? His skill set appears to be kinda limited in so many areas that I’d be hard put to give him “gainful employment”. He probably can’t ride a horse, his accounting methods are shoddy and I doubt that He could follow simple instructions on much. I don’t play golf or basketball for a living so there are his strong suits dismissed right there.
No Thanks. He’s not a keeper.
The U.S. should just stay out of the Middle East and Africa politics. What it should do is ban weapon sales through embargo to African and Middle East (including Israel which sells the technology to China) countries. It’s clear the weapons are being misused and also falling into the wrong hands.
As far as Libya goes, a no fly zone wouldn’t be as hard as liberals think it is. The Libyan government holds just a few airports now with many aircraft grounded. There are bombs specifically made to take out runways which would force the remaining aircraft to stay on the ground.
@ gregory_dittman, Although Quadafi has French Mirage Aircraft, his ground forces use Warsaw Pact type weaponry from Serbia. Busting up his airfields is within the possibilities as His aircraft that are operational are bombing Rebel held areas, not un limited to residential areas.
This Fight has gone on for 19 days. It was preventable earlier. The Brits are executing plans now. SAS and SBS are “boots on the ground”. In order for Humanitarian Aid Missions to have success, the hostilities must be halted. As that is not a US Priority after 19 days of mayhem, it is doubtful if the Fighting will cease. No Fly can be easily done but the Major Player at this point is the RAF, not US Carrier based Air that could be in use.
Libyan Forces Try to Stop Rebel Advance Toward Capital
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/06/libyan-forces-try-stop-rebel-advance-capital/
While Dithering and Consultation continues…so does the Mayhem and Murder
James Raider, thank you for helping the right way, by planting the seed of wonder,
to childrens tho awake their desire to learn, this you done a simple step to
forsee some day those youngs take the giant step to save their decadant COUNTRY
from leaders usurpater using their power for profiting and bullies their citizens
@ilovebeeswarzone:
Thanks for the kind note Bees. The answer to such problems seems to always rest in “education,” not of the Brainwashing kind, but of the kind that stimulates discovery, exploration, knowledge, understanding, innovation and creativity. Technology which provides powerful tools, plus some positive encouragement from enlightened teachers, can open the classroom to the world, preventing the stifling of the classroom we currently witness.
Unfortunately very few of our own classrooms are providing such environments. I’ve seen great, talented, positive, encouraging, and energetic teachers, get discouraged by union leadership more interested in status quo than real education. Unfortunately, we have all seen that education has been one of the first places getting the ax on spending which didn’t hurt unions, but hurt the kids.