It now looks as though force might be the eventual outcome of a long-winded worldwide dispute about Uranium Enrichment in Iran. Again, Iran is commenting that they believe that the United States is “illegally” trying to force them to suspend Uranium Enrichment. Iran’s Ambassador of the International Atomic Energy Agency said, “The United States and their allies want to oblige Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment in an illegal manner.” His comments directly correlate with the sentiments of prominent Iranian newspapers lately. The nation as a whole is refusing to submit to US and worldwide orders to suspend enrichment. Furthermore, by doing so they are denying the incentive package offered by the US and Europe. It was a comprehensive package of aid that would benefit Iran tremendously.
Looking at this scene playing out, I have to admit that it seems as though Iran is definitely pursuing nuclear weapons. They would not defy the United States as well as most of Europe in order to pursue nuclear energy as they claim. The benefits simply don’t outweigh the risks. No nation would take on an alliance of the most powerful economic and military nations in order to hope to merit from energy production. Therefore, that leaves the alternative which the President and European powers have come to – that Iran is likely pursuing nuclear weapons.
What do the readers make of this news that Iran is now refusing to agree to the demands of the United States and its European allies?

SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) — The sounds of children laughing fill the air as they run across the dusty soccer field. Despite the heat and dirt, parents and friends cheer and join in to play from time to time.

Started a year ago, the program gives Sather Air Base Airmen an outlet to help the local community as it tries to rebuild from the shadows of conflict. Not through military might or infrastructure, but by simply bridging cultural and economic gaps.

“The program builds a relationship with Iraqi families beyond war,” said Master Sgt. Crystal Amos, the program’s coordinator and liaison. “It shows we care about their needs on a personal level.”

This care is demonstrated through the many boxes full of items donated by Airmen. Soccer balls and stuffed animals to shoes and hygiene supplies, these are all collected and delivered to thankful parents and excited children, who range in ages from 3 to 13.

“I am thankful for America, and I am happy anytime you come here” said Iraqi Maj. Raheem, a father of twins who just received new stuffed animals.

Staff Sgt. Deric VanBree of the 447th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, was one of the 20-plus Airmen who volunteered their time with the Iraqi families.

The mission of the United States Army in Iraq is beginning to transform from a war-oriented approach to peace centered tactics. In recent months, the president as well as military leaders have placed more emphasis on finding peaceful negotiations of ceasefires with insurgents. These agreements have played a prominent role in the recent down trend of violence that the nation has been seeing. Originally the US troops were sent to function as an anti insurgent force whereas they are now functioning primarily as peacekeepers.
However this success in reducing violence is not necessarily a ticket out of Iraq. As of now, the US is functioning as the enforcer of cease-fire deals. If the United States were to vacate the nation, the progress would likely topple over and the nation would be left where they started. Vali Nasr of the council for foreign relations said, “My impression was that the success means that the US mission in Iraq has to evolve much more now from security, which we still have to be very vigilant with, to much more state-building.”
What do you make of Nasr’s statement about the current situation in Iraq? Is the United States next move to continue peacekeeping while also helping to build the state of Iraq? How would the United States go about doing this? The first think that comes to mind is to continue to assist with setting up a new and innovative government for the nation of Iraq. This must be a government that will not be stifled by the nation’s past history of violence and corruption. If a government can be established that operates on moral principals, the United States will be able to vacate Iraq once and for all.

President Bush is adamant that Iran disable their nuclear weapons program immediately whatever the costs. He has now stated that he is open to any path of negotiation with Iran but that he will utilize force if the nation will not cooperate. He said, “My first choice of course is to solve this diplomatically. All options are all the table, but the first choice is to solve this problem by working closely together.” He continued by discussing the European incentives and rewards that would be given to Iran if they cooperated with UN demands to disable their nuclear program. Also, the European Union has agreed to set harsh punishments on Iran by freezing financial assets through their banking system.
I must admit that lately it seems that talk of nuclear weapons has been prominent in this blog. However it is necessary to discuss these things because nothing is of greater relevance and concern to the nations of this world than their livelihood. In the event that a nuclear device was in the wrong hands, thousands of lives would pay the price.
Personally I believe that the right course is being taken in trying to diplomatically solve this issue. Force should only be utilized as a last resort. I believe that too many times in this world’s history, people have used force before pursuing diplomatic alternatives. Granted many conflicts come to a pinnacle and must be resolved using force but it is my opinion that route should be delayed if possible.

Nations are attempting to speed up energy aid to North Korea in an effort to get them to disable their nuclear plants as quickly as possible. Recently, diplomats from the United States, North and South Korea, China, Russia, and Japan met to discuss the energy aid and the dismemberment of North Korea’s nuclear facilities.
What exactly is this energy aid in question? North Korea is scheduled to receive 1 million tons of fuel oil to be used for energy. In return they will forfeit any continuance with their nuclear plants. This deal has been in the making since 2003. For years, the global community has feared nuclear action by North Korea. However with this new diplomatic plan for energy aid, it would appear that there is nothing to worry about for the time being. Yet one cannot help but wonder whether or not North Korea will attempt to pursue nuclear aspirations under the radar of the global community. There will undoubtedly be regular checks into the facilities of North Korea but I can’t help but worry that their motives might not remain pure for a terribly long time. What do you make of the current situation? Do you believe this plan for energy aid has significant staying power? Once the energy has been consumed, what is to stop North Korea from launching its nuclear program in hopes of producing weapons of mass destruction?

President Bush met with European leaders this Tuesday to discuss the ramifications for Iran if they continue to pursue their nuclear program. President Bush stated that a Nuclear Iran would be, “Incredibly dangerous for world peace”. Bush’s visit to Europe marks his final trip as President of the United States. He concluded his trip by saying that everyone should work together to stop Iran from creating nuclear weapons. President Bush has offered a new incentive for Iran if they cease uranium enrichment. The incentives consist of economic benefits for Iran. President Bush also commented that he agrees with Israel that action will be taken against Iran if they continue to pursue their nuclear program. On a similar note, the President of Iran has responded to Israel’s comments about nuclear disarmament by saying that they will punish Israel if they attack Iran for any reason. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeated his prediction that Israel would eventually be wiped off the map. Such an objective cannot bode well for Iran considering the strong alliance between the United States and Israel.
The European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana is currently preparing to travel to Tehran to discuss the new incentive program for Iran to halt Uranium Enrichment. Interestingly Bush stated that he would “leave behind a multilateral framework to work this issue.” Such an admission can only mean that Bush believes the issue will continue throughout the end of his presidency into the new Presidents term.

Russia has recently picked up new international contracts that will provide for 20 billion dollars worth of weapons exports over the next five to seven years. For 2008, Russia has orders totaling over six billion dollars in weapons exports. The weapons are being exported by Russia’s public arms agency Rosoboroexport. It is interesting that Russia has become such an integral component in the world munitions supply territory. It is undeniable that the United States is still manufacturing far more weapons than Russia. However it is worth pondering what implications might arise as a result of Russia being so involved in providing arms for other nations.
I would like to know what the readers of this blog feel about global weapons manufacturing. Perhaps I am being skeptical but if the Russians are producing billions of dollars in weapons for other nations, could they be producing dangerous weapons for themselves to utilize in the future? The cold war was not that long ago so all I am saying is that it is wearisome to hear that they are becoming such an integral component in weapons manufacturing. If you have thoughts of your own on global weapons manufacturing or Russian arms distribution, please feel free to let us know what you think. Perhaps I am off base with my linking commercial weapons productions to nuclear aspirations but one cannot be too careful in these uncertain times where weapons are capable of mass destruction. I believe that is why the United States and the UN spend so much time and money investigating nuclear and other potentially dangerous facilities throughout the globe. They are always investigating Arms facilities because if they were to leave one nation unchecked, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Becoming a Navy Pilot is something that is highly romanticized by movies and the like. It’s easy to understand why people would be drawn to such activity. Flying planes to and from Navy characters is a feat that is bound to get any person excited. However it is a good idea to examine whether you would like to be a Navy pilot or a regular pilot. Becoming a Navy Pilot is an excellent idea but it is not for those who are merely interested in flying in general. It takes someone who truly has a passion for the Navy and what the Navy stands for. If you are not sure about your desire to be part of the Navy but are considering becoming a Navy pilot, I would recommend that you do a little research on the subject first and foremost. Today I will attempt to lend my limited knowledge on the subject matter.
If you are interested in becoming a Navy pilot, you should first apply for the officer program you would like to attend. You must attend one of the following: Navy ROTC, The US Naval Academy, and Officer Candidate School. Also, you must be a college graduate in order to fly in the Navy. Once you graduate from one of the three specified schools above, you will be a member of the United States Navy. At this point, you will be able to request yours specific career path, which will be to become a Navy Pilot. You must first become a Naval officer to be a Navy Pilot. Keep in mind that competition is sometimes fierce with limited availability for new pilots. You will need to attend flight school in Pensacola. During your time there, you will learn basic flight training. At this point, you will have to decide whether you wish to fly jets, helicopters, or propeller aircrafts. Once you finish your flight training you will be all set to be a Navy Pilot.

MOSUL, Iraq – Finishing up the last leg of their USO comedy tour, comedians Dane Cook, Robert Kelly and Al Del Bene were greeted by a thunderous applause at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center on Forward Operating Base Marez, June 2. Having this be his first USO tour, Cook wanted to do something different. “We wanted to go where celebrities don’t normally go,” he said. “I wanted Soldiers to look forward to this show and know that we care about them. It’s just amazing to be part of something this enormous.” Performing nine shows in Kuwait and Iraq over the past week to standing room only crowds, the trio has been shaking hands since they got off the plane.

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