Congress and the President

Let’s see what has been happening with Congress and the President lately.

On October 28, 2011 it was reported that Medicare premiums are to rise less than expected for next year. And, Congress failed to pass the Jobs Act portion to improve infrastructure along with the portion to hire teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement.

Too often a shortage of necessary drugs and/or antibiotics has been reported. Months ago there were reports saying that some of the chemicals for Leukemia and cancer medicine come from other countries (putting us in their hands) and some manufacturers couldn’t keep up with demand, had production problems or chose not to make generic drugs that are less profitable. There is a shortage of 209 critical drugs on the FDA list; the number has tripled in the last 5 years. This shortage is forcing some hospitals to buy their drugs from profiteers charging 650% over the normal price and hire a full time pharmacist solely to track (maintain a daily inventory of) the drugs; this takes away from the patients. The shortage is accredited with 15 deaths. The medical community thought the government should stockpile critical drugs and give incentives to manufacturers; I don’t think either of these options is good. I think slightly raising the price of the generics and low or no cost loans to resolve production problems would be better. Congress proposed a requirement for drug companies to notify the medical community if they foresee a problem/shortage. According to ABC News, at least this would give the medical community a heads up and allow them to purchase more drugs from oversees and see if they’re safe prior to widespread use. On October 31^st, the President announced he was signing an Executive Order directing the FDA to expand on how it reports drug shortages, to speed up drug reviews and to work closely with the Justice Department to monitor price gouging in an effort to help reduce and prevent drug shortages.

On November 1^st, Good Morning America reported that the Congressional ‘Super Committee’ is striking out in its efforts to come up with budget savings by November 23^rd. On November 2^nd, it was announced that a group of Senators will unveil a proposal to overhaul the USPS; a date for them to reveal their proposal was not given.

On November 4^th, the Senate rejected the $60 billion Jobs Act portion for construction and this lack of progress shows on November 7^th as 62% of Americans disapproved of the President’s handling of the economy. On November 12^th, the President is hosting an economic summit in Hawaii with Asia-Pacific leaders; on November 13^th, he announces a new Pacific Free Trade Agreement and Canada and Mexico are interested in joining.

On November 10^th, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics - 12.1% of the military is unemployed (national average 9%) and 20,000 are homeless. A program, Joining Forces, sponsored by First Lady Michelle Obama and the Vice President’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, has gotten American corporations to pledge to hire 100,000 veterans by 2014. On November 11^th, the Senate passes a portion of the Jobs Act bill that gives companies tax credits for hiring veterans. This is the only portion of the Jobs Act that has made progress.

It was reported on November 11^th, that a Senate Committee repealed the law defining marriage as between a man and a woman. And on November 15^th, it was reported that the House and Senate negotiators agreed on cuts to NASA and community development programs; just as NASA is looking for its next astronaut class.

On November 18^th, it was reported that the President is encouraged by a democratic reform movement by Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, will be the first US Secretary to visit the country in 50 years. Congress again approved a bill to avert a government shutdown – nice of them to do it quietly this time but I don’t like this scare every couple of months.

I think the President has been doing some hustling to improve the economy. Congress seems to be stopping improvements and/or not taking positive steps to pass a bill for him to sign. On November 1, 2011, I heard Tom Brokaw say that baby boomers promised a change and then decided they like all the toys. We’re on a different playing field now and we haven’t learned the lessons of other countries; we need to compromise.  

So-called Energy Failures

Reminder, the Republicans stopped the smog rule from being passed as it tried to put more regulation and oversight on businesses that do not want to pay for the increased cost associated with reducing global warming (shows a lack of consideration for the people and our environment). Because of this attitude, per Wikipedia, the US is far behind everyone except Afghanistan, Andorra and South Sudan. (Yes, we are even behind Somalia when it comes to reducing dangerous gases into the atmosphere.) So, let’s talk about the so-called energy failures that have been in the news the past few months.

We have plenty of sun in the US however it’s being said that solar is unlikely to contribute much (to our clean energy efforts) without a technological break-through that makes it price competitive to wind. I need to say that not all areas of the US are conducive to wind technology. Actually, I don’t think that any area can be fully supplied by a single energy source but that’s beside the point. Solyndra (a solar panel company) that received over $535 million in loan guarantees from the government (plus money from private investors) went bankrupt and didn’t even have money for employee severance pay. Republicans are saying they were leery from the beginning as Solyndra was shelved by the Bush administration and put on the fast track just 6 days after Obama took office. They’re saying the business plan was flawed from the beginning. When I first heard this story, the company said that despite strong growth it just couldn’t compete with Chinese companies making the same product at a much lower cost. This made no sense to me until I heard that it was costing Solyndra $6 to make the solar panels they were selling for $3. I don’t know if Solyndra started small to assess its competition or not. I do know that one of Solyndra’s principal backers was George Kaiser, an Oklahoma billionaire and one of Obama’s big fundraisers. I would think a backer would be more aware than the government about the stability of a company; after all they’re in the business of making money. The only time backers wouldn’t want to make money is if they needed a write-off. Now, if the Republicans truly don’t want the taxpayers holding the bag, then they should use this as an opportunity to stop bankruptcy or at a minimum change the way we look at things. A backer could be just as accountable as the company, like co-signing a loan and cover the company’s loses. This situation is also a reason why CEOs and board members should be limited in the money paid; better yet, no profit no pay for these folks as they obviously weren’t fulfilling their job commitment. I do think we should get rid of bankruptcy laws but I don’t think people shouldn’t be paid (just not outrageously).

On October 21, 2011 it was reported that the Obama administration in 2009 loaned more than $500 million to Fisker Automotive to make electric cars in the US. However, Henrik Fisker, CEO and European auto designer, said no US manufacturer would do it so the government gave approval for the production of the vehicles, Karma, to be made overseas. So far the loan made 500 jobs in Finland. Fisker says the plan is to make a compact version of the car in the plant in Delaware which should create 1,000s of jobs next year. On October 25^th, ABC News reported that California auto company Tesla Motors, making all electric cars, also received $500 million and is in the red. Tesla’s VP, Diarmuid O’Connell says they will lose money in the foreseeable near future but they will make a profit. The Department of Energy is saying that taxpayer money has already created design and engineering jobs in the US and will ultimately create 2,500 more jobs. I am not surprised to hear that a US gas dependent auto company didn’t want to assist Fisker. All companies start in the red (land, manufacturing plants, utilities, personnel and more) because they don’t have a product as soon as the doors open. The reports on the auto companies were too soon and gave the American people a false sense of wasted money during hard times.

It’s said that all these green start-ups are risky by nature and nothing is guaranteed. True but consider the alternatives. We can do like the Chinese government and pay the people little (putting more people into poverty) or we can step up as a government. It was reported that in 2010 China invested $54.4 billion in clean energy products while the US spent $34 billion. The people just like its legislators need to think long-term. Clean energy vehicles will be necessary to reduce our share of the world’s pollutants and ultimately will reduce the cost of transportation. Additionally, clean energy will reduce the cost of our utility bills. The US is supposed to be a world leader. Many other countries are supporting green projects. We look foolish giving billions in tax credits to those that destroy the air while not supporting those that can help reduce global warming. 

Energy

The June 20, 2011 issue of Time magazine reported that more than 30 years ago President Jimmy Carter pledged that the US would derive 20% of its energy needs from solar power by the end of the century. That pledge lasted as long as oil was scarce and prices were high, then it evaporated when OPEC lifted its embargo and began resupplying the US with oil from the Middle East. Currently, only 11% of our energy is generated by green/renewable sources; wind 2.4%, hydro 7% and solar 1.6% (other countries are also use geothermal and biomass). We need green/renewable energy to get away from our dependence on oil. Of the 85 million barrels of oil produced around the world every day, 21 million are burned here in the US. This means that our 4.43% of the world’s population is using 25% of the world’s oil. And, I do wonder if all the drilling in the earth is causing so many earthquakes.

The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer identifies the greenhouse gases and other gases that are the basis for the UN action plan for fighting climate change. The UN’s Kyoto Protocol which was initially adopted in 1997 identifies the level of emissions to be reduced by 2012 (original date was 2005). As of September 2011, 191 countries have signed and ratified the protocol. The only remaining signatory not to have ratified the protocol is the US. As there is no good data prior to 1990, the Kyoto Protocol uses the 1990 emission levels as the basis for asking countries to reduce their collective greenhouse gases; the emission limits do not include those caused by international aviation and shipping. On November 4^th, it was reported that global output of heat trapping carbon-dioxide jumped to record levels. Per Wikipedia 37 countries have been asked to reduce their emissions by 5.2% while the US has been asked to reduce its emissions by 7%. This implies that the US is polluting the air more than other countries. I agree with the UN and believe that our smog rules should be consistent with our population, vehicle exhaust, manufacturing and other businesses (such as cattle) that send pollutants into the atmosphere. While some countries have committed to reductions above and beyond that which has been requested, the US has done very little. In an effort to join the UN’s fight for climate change and recession, President Obama’s goal is that 80% of our energy comes from clean sources by 2035. Unfortunately the program that awards grants for renewable energy is to be terminated by the end of 2012 unless an extension is approved. Our failure to comply with the UN protocol is due to fossil-fuel industries lobbying Congress to block legislation that would impose federal standards for renewable energy and thus diminish their special status. The oil industry receives $5.5 billion in tax breaks each year and discounted royalty payments as a result of $200 million in lobbying and political contributions. With the support of the news media, the Republicans want you to believe that the energy investments weren’t worth the risk. I beg to differ.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of wind in the US and in the past 4 years, it has become the leading source of new electrical power in the US, exceeding coal and nuclear combined. Hydropower is not expected to move because it requires construction of hugely expensive mega-dams with questionable environmental impacts. The world’s biggest producer of wind power, Spain’s Iberdrola Renovables, was given $1 billion in US grants. Today, some 150 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona sits the state’s first commercial-scale wind farm. The company has also brought 1,043 megawatts of new wind capacity to Washington, Oregon and Texas – enough to power nearly 700,000 households. Iberdrola’s next big installation is the Blue Creek Wind Farm in western Ohio which is supposed to come on line soon. It will produce enough electricity to power some 200,000 households. Iberdrola intends to continue working in the US at least until the end of 2012 by which time it’s expected to have invested $6 billion. One year of the annual tax breaks given to the oil industry would have paid for about 1 million households to use clean energy.

We know that there are deadly coal mine accidents. Think about Japan’s recent nuclear power plant disasters and the California gas line explosions. Replacing deadly sources with safe alternatives is what we should be doing. Instead of Republicans supporting the continued use of fuels that are destroying our planet, I say they should be convincing oil conglomerates to invest in clean energy if they want to continue with their riches. It’s time that they quit trading off of the American people for their friends and supporters.

Global Warming

Global warming causes climate change which brings about extreme weather. We’ve definitely seen severe snow storms, flooding, tornadoes, heat waves and fires in 20ll. And a judge, I don’t know how or why, agrees with government scientists that global warming is destroying the polar bear. People say they want to reduce global warming. However, they don’t seem to realize that when the bible said to go forth and multiply it was at a time when there was limited population on earth. Earth’s population has exploded; in year 1 = 200 million, 1800 = 1 billion, 1960 = 3 billion and on October 31, 2011 the 7 billionth person was born. Underdeveloped countries without the resources to sustain a population are having the highest birth rates (Niger is the highest with 7.2, the US is 2.1). But, we all should have the good sense to know that too many people are the cause of global warming, pollution, overfishing of our waterways, high unemployment, and other social issues resulting in pride and lust generated by extreme competition. It was good to hear Al Gore saying what I’ve said all along, it’s too many people on the planet that causes global warming. Even if it’s because of a bad economy I was happy to hear that Americans for the past 3 years have not increased births. Humankind cannot continue to increase the population while technology reduces opportunities. It was recently reported that Latinos have surpassed Blacks as the largest minority and kids under the age of 18 make up 24% of our population; seniors over 65 = 13%. By 2050 the minorities will be the majority and seniors will be 20% of the population. These actions make me believe that we are determined to destroy what has been given to us. We need change to fix the economy not add more people. Kaiser Permanente’s insemination of the Octomom was ridiculous. Here’s a woman who already had 6 children and lived with her parents. As far as I’m concerned, Kaiser failed in Planned Parenthood, Family Therapy and good old fashioned sense when it came to this insemination.

Because of global warming plants and animals are migrating away from their normal habitats. Some of this could be okay while the rest could be deadly. For example, the Asian Tiger Mosquito, native to the tropics of Southeast Asia, have landed in the US southeast and California; they bite during the day and are deadly. Starbucks Jim Hanna said because of global climate change, bad weather (severe rains or long droughts) and insect infestations are ruining our supply of coffee beans. He told the Guardian newspaper that if things stay the way they are, the coffee bean will be gone within 30 years. Another report says that Africa may end up too hot for cocoa which will eliminate chocolate. Dr. Clifford Bassett of Allergy and Asthma Care of NY says that due to the wet weather and global warming that causes more pollen, the pollen is more powerful and may be stronger and more plentiful. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found the ragweed season to be longer. No one is asking you to give up beef or milk and I don’t think we’ll be getting rid of all the swamp land even though they put gas into the air (I learned these affect the planet years ago with one of the kid’s school project). But we can control the cutting of the rain forest, planting of new trees, exhaust from factories and vehicles and the population causing the increased usage. There are those that don’t agree with scientists, judges and other people in the know (Republican Rick Perry says he doesn’t believe that it’s man made). The skeptics of global warming are saying that the warnings are brewing unnecessary concerns. However, on October 31, 2011 a physicist, and long-time skeptic of global warming, is now agreeing that it’s real.

Earlier this year, the Republicans slammed a strict smog rule saying it would kill jobs (the President dropped it). I do agree with Al Gore in that the lack of more stringent regulations will result in increased medical bills for seniors with lung disease, more children developing asthma, and the continued degradation of our air quality. But, I still thought it was okay with the new smog rule being temporarily dropped so we could get our economy back on track and look at what others are doing before implementing new rules. I’ve since had the opportunity to look at what others are doing and how well we do our part in deterring global warming. I’ve found that we’re not keeping up our end of the bargain. The bottom line is that Republicans are being hypocrites: corporations are sitting on trillions of dollars and have done very little to add jobs and they’re yelling about medical costs, both Medicare and Medicaid, and don’t want to implement practices on business that would reduce health costs as they would also reduce business profits. But the clincher is that the Republicans don’t want to spend money when it comes to the smog regulations because it hinders the continued greed of their fossil-fuel (oil) industry cohorts. 

Other Foreign Events

A team of international mediators led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan lobbied the Basque separatist militant group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) to put down its arms. After more than 40 years trying to shoot and bomb its way into an independent state out of Spain and southwestern France, ETA announced on October 20, 2011 a definitive cessation of its armed activity and said it now backs only peaceful means for achieving its goal. On November 11^th, the Basque newspaper Gara, quoted two unnamed ETA members as saying that the group is prepared for the first time to negotiate over its arsenal. The members asserted that ETA has not renounced its goal of an independent Basque state; the people of the Basque region have the right to decide between independence and remaining part of Spain and it is now up to pro-independence parties to pick up where the ETA left off. The Spanish constitution has no clause that would allow the Basque country to break away and form a sovereign country. General elections are scheduled for Nov. 20 and many saw this as a way to plug a pro-Basque independence coalition, Amaiur - that is fielding candidates. Ramon Jauregui, outgoing Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s chief of staff, said disarming would be a “definitive verification” that ETA has renounced violence, but said the action was clearly aimed at reaping an “electoral premium” for Amaiur. The conservative Popular Party, expected to win the elections, has ruled out any negotiations with the ETA.

A 32 year old Norwegian farmer and veteran with grievances against the government became part of an anti-Muslim group. He bombed Oslo and 2 hours later went on a shooting spree dressed as a policeman; the incidents (Utoya Youth Camp and bombing) totaled at least 76 dead. He may be charged with acts against humanity which has a maximum 30 years sentence and they’re questioning whether or not he is sane. I believe the penalty should equal at least one year for each person killed and in my opinion, anyone that plans an act is not insane but sane as it takes calculated thought to make plans.

A Dutch citizen was charged with helping to ship aircraft parts from the US to Iran. Canadians rioted in Vancouver because their hockey team lost the Stanley Cup. A 50 year old Australian businessman, Paul Douglas Peters, was responsible for placing a fake bomb collar on William Pulver’s teenage daughter; it was a failed extortion plot. There’s talk about a tunnel from Russia to Alaska and I do wonder what the Russian and North Korean talks were about since North Korea is not an ally of the US.

Because of the austerity plan implemented a couple of years ago, the United Kingdom this year had outbursts over tax and tuition increases. They also had riots with people as young as 9 years old destroying property and setting fires. The Greeks and Italians have also rioted because of tax increases and decreased benefits. My problem with riots is that it hurts your neighbors. The government is already hurting you, your family, friends and neighbors and you should not add to the frustration. If you have a beef with the government take it to them via the news media, demonstrations or the courts. This is what the world-wide Occupy movements are all about. And, on October 19^th, the UK police moved in, burning down the barricades, to evict some 400 Travelers of Irish Extraction from a campsite that has been subject to a decade-long legal battle. 

On October 15^th, the President sent about 100 troops to Uganda. Per Time magazine, the troops are noncombat military advisers to aid Uganda in its fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a notorious rebel group. The LRA’s messianic leader, Joseph Kony, is wanted for crimes against humanity, including the raping, mutilating, killing and kidnapping of thousands of civilians.

It appears the world has been and is still going mad. I really wish that everyone would put their beliefs aside and realize that our individual truths are not as important as people. We do not have to agree with one another to live side by side and attain world peace.  

European Crisis

October 6^th, in President Obama’s speech, he said - In regard to the world crisis, everyone has gotten cautious in their spending. America has over the last 20 years been the engine to economic growth. We were the purchasers of last resort and when the Europeans got in trouble they could always sell to the US. Because of our problems, Europe can’t export its way out of its problem so they need to find another way. The President said he promotes a more balanced economic growth world-wide. We can’t just buy, we also need to export. 

Athens, Greece had riots over budget cuts and increased taxes. Much of Greece’s debt is financed by 3 major French banks that spread the risk to US financial institutions by selling insurance for billions of dollars (this is part of our connection to other countries). Greece started a snowball effect in Europe. Five banks from around the world, including our Federal Reserve, pumped money into European banks in hopes of calming global fears; soon after Eurozone added $1.39 trillion in funds. On October 27^th, European leaders came up with a plan to end Greece’s crisis by writing off 50% of Greece’s debt. As a result of the European’s action US stocks rose 339.51 points but this was immediately undone by the Greek Prime Minister (PM) saying he wanted the Greek people to vote on the bailout and US stocks dropped snapping a 5 week winning streak. Initially, Slovakia blocked the expansion of the Euro bailout and Standard & Poor (downgraded the US) began lowering the ratings for several countries; causing problems for many (Portugal and Ireland are seeking bailouts). The European Union (EU) used almost $8 million to bail out a large Irish insurance company and the owner has since filed for bankruptcy for $2.8 million in personal loans to Ireland’s biggest bank. On November 4, 2011 the Greek PM dropped his plan to have people vote on bailout. The Greek parliament questioned his confidence level and although he survived the vote he decided to step down; a new PM was appointed on November 10^th.  

The United Kingdom a couple of years ago implemented an austerity plan that progressively increases taxes and cuts benefits. When they increased college tuition costs (with the increase they’re far below US costs), the British protested. France in helping Greece will probably have to implement a plan like the United Kingdom’s in order to save itself. On November 7^th, we find out that Italy’s government bonds sky rocketed sending their economy into crisis and the US Dow made its largest drop in 7 weeks (3.2%). Let’s talk about the Italian people. They’re forbidden to work more than 48 hours a week, are entitled to 4 – 6 weeks paid vacation, take 6 months for maternity leave and retire with a full state pension after 35 years on the job or at age 56 (non state workers retire at 65). Italy is one of the world’s 10 largest economies (Greece is not). Italy sees $2 trillion in economic activity (Greece - $305 billion) and is the 3^rd biggest bond market in the world. European investors will most likely come to US Banks which will drive interest rates lower. With the world economy shaking our banks won’t want to take any risks and it’ll be harder to get a loan. With the ups and downs in Europe, our market reacts; the average 401K lost $4000 in one day. On November 10^th, it was reported that Italy is $2.5 trillion in debt and will need to borrow $408 billion to pay the interest on its debt and keep the country afloat (they’re looking at allowing advertising on national monuments). Italy’s PM will step down on the condition that Italy agrees with the European demands for more austerity. Former EU commissioner Mario Monti is likely to replace him and he has been working on a plan for 4 months. On November 10^th, following intervention by the European Central Bank, Italy’s bonds lowered. In light of Europe’s progress and an unexpected drop in US unemployment claims, US stocks go up again; after the rollercoaster ride, the November 11^th rally put the market up 1.4% for the week. It’s being said that when Greece shook we felt tremors but if Italy falls it’ll be seismic as Italy is too big for a bailout. Italy’s austerity plan includes increasing the retirement age, privatizing state-owned companies, sale of state-owned properties, liberalization of certain professions and investment in infrastructure. On November 11^th, Italy’s PM stepped down after Parliament voted to initiate a tough austerity plan; Italians celebrated the end of Berlusconi’s reign.

It’s no wonder that Europeans are generally happier than Americans; they work less, retire earlier and their retirement is more than some of our people’s working wage. I was ready to be upset with the European governments’ austerity plans until I learned that along with better benefits most European countries have a lower percentage of people living in poverty than the US. I now know that for years the European governments gave generously to the people and now they want to take it back. I’m not agreeing with their approach but I don’t think it’s fair that others continue to suffer because of their lackadaisical (relaxed) lifestyles.   

Let’s hope the European crisis is over. Jonathan Swift said that – All government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery. I know governments can’t please everyone so they’ll never get total consent but they need to start targeting the rich minority and close the gap between the rich and the not so well off. On November 9^th it was reported that 61% of Americans felt this way and I’d bet the Europeans do too. 

Iran & Al Qaeda Influence

We need to watch Egypt as we could have a situation like Iran. Egyptians denounced President Hosni Mubarak and in February 2011 he resigned, ending his 30 year rule. However, because the US was friendly with Mubarak the Egyptian people do not trust us. Our troubles with Iran began when the US helped the Shah of Iran regain his power in 1953. Since 1979, when the Shah’s government was overthrown, Iran has been struggling against the western powers and continues to be a threat to world peace. To get hostages back in the 1980s, Reagan sold weapons to Iran with the profits going to Nicaragua; this is not the way we deal with such situations today.  

Iran invaded Lebanon in June 2011 and brought down its government. It has a strong influence in Syria and on October 24, 2011 the US withdrew the ambassador as anti-government protesters were killed. Also on October 24th, Gadhafi’s surviving son, on Syrian TV, promised to avenge his father’s and brother’s deaths. On October 29^th, it was reported that Syrian troops shelled protesters. On November 4^th, it was reported that the Syrian peace talks broke down and on November 12^th, it was reported that the Arab League is holding an emergency meeting regarding Syria’s 8 month brutal crackdown on its anti-government protesters; UN estimates 3,500 killed.

On October 11^th, ABC News reported that the Iranian government was trying to hire a hit man (an Iranian American from Corpus Christi, Texas) for $1.5 million. In Mexico, in August 2011, the hit man thought he was working with the Mexican cartel when he was taped; giving the FBI information on the planting of bombs in a Washington DC restaurant to kill the Ambassador from Saudi Arabia (it would have killed hundreds). The call giving the go ahead (project code name Chevrolet) was taped on October 6^th. This attempt as well as future attempts to bomb the Saudi and Israel embassies here in the US were thwarted. The Americans are saying the most damaging evidence is the $100,000 that was wired from Iran to an undercover FBI agent’s account as a deposit for the bombing. The US will go ahead with economic sanctions, diplomatic efforts to further isolate Iran, and spread the information to the world including Saudi and Muslim countries. The Iranians deny this occurred and call it a hoax to deter the media from the Wall Street protesters; the protesters are still in the news and their support is growing. I do wonder if the timing of this incident had anything to do with the release of the 2 students on September 21^st. Back in 2009 3 students were imprisoned for spying; they were each released with the payment of $500,000 for a total of $1.5 million; I don’t believe this a coincidence. Per the October 31^st issue of Time magazine Ayatullah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned the US against a response to the alleged plot saying ‘any unsuitable act, whether political or security, will meet a resolute response from the Iranian nation.’ On November 8^th, it was reported that a UN report came out saying that Iran has been secretly making a nuclear bomb for almost the last decade. Because oil distribution would be disrupted the price of oil goes up. On November 11^th, it was reported that the US is to sell bunker-busting bombs to the United Arab Emirates in an effort to counter Iran. The President is seeking common ground regarding Iran from Russia and China.

On October 21, 2011 it was reported that the Iraq war (March 19, 2003 with a surge in 2007) was over. There are about 39,000 troops currently left and we’ll be pulling them all out by the end of December; let’s hope they all come back safe. It’s being said that a shaky democracy is what we leave behind after spending more than $700 billion (more than 1 million troops served, 4,482 died and 32,213 were wounded). Contractors and Marines at the Embassy are staying. Although Saddam Hussein is gone, the violence has not ended. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the US military role after the New Year will be discussed with Iraq. He says we’re prepared to meet their training needs and exercises with them (Iraq asked for 5,000 troops) but they must guarantee immunity for our troops. Iran is trying to control Iraq thus getting control of the northern countries in the Middle East. I believe that Iraq will require our continued support to prevent the extremists from gaining control of the area. On November 1^st, I heard Condoleezza Rice say what I feel, Al Qaeda may not have been in Iraq when the war on terrorism started but going there was crucial in preventing a security threat to the region.  

Earlier this year UN offices in Nigeria were attacked, a bomb exploded outside the High Court in New Delhi, India killing at least 10 people and although it was a good month for killing Al Qaeda leaders, on October 23^rd the US warned Americans in or traveling to Kenya about a terrorist threat by a Somalia group linked to Al Qaeda and on October 31^st an American was identified as the bomber who attacked African troops in Somalia. The Islamist militants that control much of southern Somalia are lead by Al-Shabab who is accused of staging raids in Kenya and abducting tourists. In 2007 Ethiopia had an ill-fated intervention to stop Al-Shabab and now the Kenyans are trying.  

On October 28^th, it was reported that the US Embassy in Bosnia was attacked by an Islamic militant and on November 11, 2011 it was reported that Turkish forces shot a ferry hijacker and rescued 18 hostages.