On Tuesday when the troop pullback was conducted in Iraq, I couldn’t help but feel some elation. We have lost over 4000 soldiers lives to this war. It has been a financial drain on our country and on thousands of US families. While I am happy that our role will be declining, I am still weary of what is to become of Iraq. Can the fledgling democracy make it on their own. True, the United States soldiers will still occupy bases in Iraq for the time being. It is also true that US soldiers will continue to drive through cities to make routine patrols. However all of that is likely coming to an end, soon. Where does that leave the nation of Iraq? It will undoubtedly leave it in a vast state of turmoil. Once the US presence is gone for good, the nation will come under vicious attack from militants.

This brings me to ask a question – could the inevitable instability be avoided even if we occupied the region another 10 years? Won’t unrest be prominent whenever the United States fully evacuates? If that is the case then it is better that we are getting out sooner rather than later. However if that is not the case, if additional time in the region would secure a better future for the Iraqi people, would it be worth it to stay? If it would be for the best, I would advocate troops staying in Iraq for additional time. But honestly, who can say. Only time will tell what will happen to this nation.

On Tuesday Obama commented on the withdrawal of troops from Iraq calling it an important milestone. He went on to assert that tough times were not over for the region. Obama clarified that there will still be issues of power and rebellions yet to come.

He stated, “Today, American troops have transferred control of all Iraqi cities and towns to Iraq’s government and security forces. The Iraqi people are rightfully treating this day as a cause for celebration. This an important step forward, as a sovereign and united Iraq continues to take control of its own destiny.”

Unfortunately it is likely that the region will continue to experience car bombings and other attacks which will leave it in a perpetual state of turmoil for years to come. Typically such a vast change as democracy is not received lightly. It usually takes years and decades for nations to make the transition towards democracy. The United  States had many bloody battles before it became a united, free democratic country. It is likely that many more lives will be lost in Iraq. However the end reward will be great. People will be given power and will live free from the oppression which has always been native to the region. It is truly a happy time for the people of Iraq because they can now begin to feel independence.

Obama ended his speech on a positive note stating, “I am confident that those forces will fail. Today’s transition is further proof that those who have tried to pull Iraq into the abyss of disunion and civil war are on the wrong side of history.”

Rumors are fluttering around that the United States and Japan had an agreement during the Cold War which allowed nuke armed US ships to occupy Japanese waters and make port calls in an effort to attain strategic advantage over Russia. A foreign ministry official commented on the issue stating, “Such speculation has gone on for decades, but the government of Japan has said there is no such secret agreement.” A paper called the Mainichi Shimbun national daily printed a document which allegedly illustrates the agreement between the United States and Japan.

Historians agree that such an agreement between the US and Japan would be plausible because of the United States vast influence on Japan. Since our attack with the atomic bomb, Japan has been forced to cooperate with our requests. Therefore, from a Japanese standpoint, such an agreement is in no way inconceivable.

From an American standpoint the agreement is likely as well. The US has a history of networking and using ties in order to gain strategic military positioning.

So why is this such a big deal? In 1968 Japan developed a policy which stipulated that they would not build, house, or allow any nuclear weapons in their territories. If they were letting US vessels with nukes into their ports and waters, they would be violating this policy to which they had proclaimed allegiance. 

For the international community to see Japan violating this agreement would tarnish their reputation. That is why Japan is so adamantly denying that they ever allowed US ships into their ports.

I honestly cannot say whether or not it has happened. There is a document which was published in the paper which would suggest that this agreement did take place. However it is not a foolproof case.

South Korea recently announced that it would be further developing its national defense in order to be protected from attacks from North Korea. Among other developments are plans to have missiles which could hit North Koreas missile sites, alleviating threats from North Korea. It is obvious that South Korea is growing increasingly concerned that they will be the target of an attack from the North. The President of South Korea, Lee Myung-bak stated, “We will never tolerate a nuclear-armed North Korea.” This is an interesting comment giving the present situation. North Korea is very close to developing a functional nuclear arsenal. What will South Korea do then? Will they attack the north launching a war between the two nations? I hope that someone will do something soon, as the window of opportunity is rapidly depleting. The longer we wait the closer North Korea comes to having functional nuclear weapons. When that happens it will be too late. We will only have the option of bargaining at that point because no one will want to attack an unstable nation with nuclear weapons. This situation alarms me more and more every day.

What should be done about this situation? Do you believe anyone will try to stop North Korea by force? Would that be a good idea? If they are not yet nuclear capable, wouldn’t now be the best time for an attack?

Cyber attacks are becoming a growing concern for almost every nation. Both Russia and the United States have faced increased attacks lately and are having difficulty deciding on a course of action to combat and prevent these attacks. In an article from the NY times, officials from both the US as well as Russia commented that Cyberspace will continue to grow as a setting for warfare. Both nations believe t hat in the future these issues will be more important than ever, as countries continually rely more on computer networks every year.

Obama is scheduled to visit Russia within the next couple of weeks. It is believed that the US and Russia will try to develop a defensive plan when they meet next in Russia.

Why is it so important to develop this plan? First of all, if someone can hack our networks, they will gain valuable intelligence which they can use for military and economic benefit. If a countries government leaks intelligence it is only a matter of time before repercussions will occur. Additionally, if someone can hack US governmental systems, that means they can attack the systems with malicious software. Such attacks could set US governmental programs back by months meaning additional costs and loss of progress. In the future we will continue to rely on computers and computer networks more heavily. That is why we must continue to devote personnel and funding to the protection of our delicate networks.  

Could a joint effort between Russia and the US to prevent cyber attacks be profitable? Personally I don’t believe both nations would be comfortable having the other in a position to see delicate information. I believe that the talks between the US and Russia will simply focus on finding a generic solution to this problem which each nation can then pursue individually.

Yesterday I discussed some of the dilemmas implicit with a US draft in the event of a wartime emergency. Today I wanted to highlight the Israeli stance on the issue. Every young person is forced to serve in the military for a duration of at least 3 years before they can go on to living normal civilian lives. This is constant, whether or not the country is in a time of war. Obviously Israel is in much more constant turmoil necessitating more soldiers on call at a moments notice. However it is still an idea worth considering. Could the United States ever have use for such a program? Personally I think that we would have too many officers serving if we forced every young person, male and female, to serve for 3 years. Our taxes would likely go up to support the salaries of these officers. However I can see how such a program might benefit the young people of America. So many young people lack self control and discipline. Could a small stint in the US Military help to cure some of our disillusioned American youth? Or would such a situation cause more problems than it is worth? My personal opinion is that it is an interesting and intriguing idea, but that it would never work. There are simply too many obstacles to overcome, and not a great enough need for more soldiers.

While the plausibility for a US draft any time within the next decade is limited, it is still a fun topic to debate. During the past few years, I was honestly concerned that the US Military would start forcing men to serve via a draft. Typically I am opposed to military drafts because you are grabbing people to fight for your country who do not want to be there. Men and women who enlist on their own feel a duty and calling to the military which will help them serve with honor and success. However men who are forced to serve often do so in a mediocre manner. Additionally, forcing men to be drafted can often times be seen as a violation of personal rights. I believe that if the draft were reinstated any time in the next decade, there would be mass riots. People would likely rebel and the nation would be torn.
Conversely, what if we went to war and we needed more soldiers to ensure that a battle was won which would afford America further protections from enemies and ensure freedom? At that point is it acceptable to institute a draft? Is it ok to force some men to die so that others would live free? I honestly want your feedback on these questions. No one in my family has been drafted so I can’t say what it must have felt like. If any of you were drafted, please let me know what you felt and if you are in favor of the draft.

Next Tuesday the United States troops are set to pull out of the main cities of Iraq waiting in bases in case Iraqi troops need assistance. It is the first major step in the withdrawal effort. The troops will only come back to the cities if they receive a request for help from Iraqi forces.

US soldiers and vehicles will routinely patrol the region for an undisclosed amount of time.

While this is all good news, I am still somewhat concerned about the Iraqi military’s ability to fight against insurgents. It is suspected that once the US troops fully withdrawal that there will be a barrage of attacks in Iraq. What will happen at that point, will the United States be forced to send aid? Can the Iraqi police handle militias and rebels?

I have to admit that I am somewhat uncertain about our withdrawal. I recognize that it eventually needs to be done but I fear that in withdrawing too soon, we will leave the country to be devoured by miscreants.
The Iraqi Minister Jawad al-Bolani voiced his confidence about the US pullout stating, “The security forces have the capability to face these challenges.”
Do you believe that the Iraqi police can handle what lies ahead? Are we doing the right thing in pulling out now? Is there a better way to handle this situation?

The US and Kyrgyzstan made an agreement on Tuesday which allowed for the US to transport supplies to Afghanistan via Kyrgyzstan. The agreement came after the government of Kyrgyzstan had closed the US air base in Kyrgyzstan. Ian Kelly of the State Department stated, “We’re happy about the agreement.” Originally the Manas airbase was ordered to be closed by the Kyrgyzstan government. Such an order would have placed a damper on the US effort to fight terrorism. The primary purpose of the Manas air base has been to transport supplies to troops in Afghanistan. Without that supply station, the troops would be incapable of occupying Afghanistan.
It is speculated that the United States is now paying up to three times as much for the airbase rent. Ian Kelly denied such claims stating that he does not have the financial information yet. However I would be willing to bet that the United States is paying a pretty penny for this base. Kyrgyzstan knew how important the base was to our operations in Afghanistan and they leveraged that. In all honesty I think it is ok even if we are paying three times as much, this is an essential base to have. Granted the timing is not perfect, with the recession and all. However it is still positive news in the war against terror.
Originally the base cost 17.4 million dollars per year to rent. Now the base will cost as much as 60 million per year to rent. Was there anything else we could do?

Rumors are fluttering about that North Korea will fire a missile at the United States within the coming months as a result of the sanctions from the UN. On Monday Obama commented on the issue stating that he is “fully prepared” to defend against any threats from North Korea. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently stated that security has been vamped up in Hawaii for the 4th of July since North Korea could potentially attack then.
The same day as Obama’s speech, North Korea stated that they are a “proud nuclear power.” The nation reiterated that if attacked, they would fight back.
In an interview with CBS Obama stated, “I don’t want to speculate on hypotheticals.” He continued, “but I do want to give assurances to the American people that the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted in terms of what might happen.”
Additionally the military is watching a North Korean vessel which is believed to be transporting missiles, an article banned for import or export into North Korea by the United Nations.

Do you believe that the United States is prepared to defend against North Korea? My personal opinion is that Obama is not simply blowing smoke. Rather, our military is ready. We have the best intelligence and defense program in the world. Since we are on alert that there could be an attack, I don’t believe North Korea would be foolish enough to try anything. Most of all I believe in our military leaders and their ability to protect us.