The Eagle's Nest Blog

Challenges that Face the United States!

I regret that the Victory Sign campaign and my very sick Labrador Retriever "Bear" has kept me to busy to write on world events. America was told after the fall of the Soviet Union that we no longer faced nuclear or military danger. The "Peace Dividend" resulted in more government spending on social programs to enslave voters to government handouts while cutting our military forces by nearly two thirds to pay for those programs.

Along comes 9-11 and our world changed because of global and state sponsored terrorism. Although we still have a 2 million man military (Active, Guard & Reserve) we find we only have 10 Active Army divisions. Fighting a two front war in Iraq and Afghanistan has left us with virtually the same combat troops revolving into and out of these theaters with only a year back home before redeploying somewhere.

To prove what a turbulent and violent world we still live in we have seen a political leader assassinated in Pakistan and its President resignation, Iran attempting to develop nuclear weapons while unleashing surrogate armies like Hezbolla against free nations, and Russia attacking its neighbor Georgia while bulling Eastern Europe and the Ukraine over oil and natural gas. 

Now America is deciding on who will be our next President and leader of the "Free World." This is not the time to choose a naive and untested politician who speaks in sound bites that have no substance or true understanding of the evil that confronts this world. For the sake of our national security we better go with an experience candidate, John McCain!

Is Time Running Out for Iran?

Is time running out to peaceably deal with Iran on their nuclear program? I've written before that many in the intelligence business openly feel that Israel is preparing to strike Iran's nuclear and long range missile sites. That possibility was confirmed by Barack Obama after his meeting in Israel two weeks ago when he reported back to Democrats in the Senate that Israel will strike Iran if sanctions don't work.

The New York Times reports the latest chest thumping by Iran (here), where they continue to threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz and attack shipping in the Persian Gulf. Time does appear to be running out since Iran last Saturday rejected the latest offer of incentives to end their nuclear enrichment program by the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany and Great Britain.

When dealing with religious and political fanatics, sanctions don't always work. They didn't work with Iraq or with North Korea. Unlike the situation leading to North Korea developing a nuclear bomb, there is another suspected nuclear armed country (Israel) who will take action on their own if the civilized world doesn't have the backbone to do it. As I have stated before, the Jewish nation will not risk the near annihilation it experienced in the 1930's & 40's at the hand of Hitler's Germany. They will strike first to eliminate this threat liked they did against Iraq's nuclear plant in the 1980's.

Again, this puts the US is in a no win situation. We will get blamed and our interests will be attack regardless of our involvement once the attack takes place. Iran will unleash Hezbollah and Shia extremists throughout the Middle East and the world. Many Persian Gulf nations will denounce Israel publicly, but applaud their actions privately because they also fear a nuclear armed Iran. Once again, I predict that Israel will take action shortly after their September elections and before the US elections in November. Unfortunately, I don't see this being resolved diplomatically.

If this isn't reason to hold on to our petroleum reserves and not to release part of it as Barack Obama has asked for, I don't know what is!

Israel Will Not Go Quietly This Time!

Israel is convinced that Iran is on the verge of a "major breakthrough" (here) on it's quest to develop a nuclear weapon. With the decision of the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to not run in the Israeli elections in September, the situation appears to be at a point of action for the Israel government. There is a good chance that the new Israeli Prime Minister will be less likely to continue the hide and seek game of diplomacy that Iraq has been playing with the United Nations and European leaders.

Israel has openly tested their military's ability to make long tactical strikes. Israel also has every reason to be skeptical of a change of government in the United States in November. Many in the intelligence business are becoming more convinced that Israel will strike militarily at Iran's nuclear and long range missile facilities before the US elections on November 4, 2008. This would force both Barack Obama and John McCain to side with Israel or risk losing the US Jewish vote.

The Jewish people will not go quietly into the night as they did in the 1930's and 1940's.

Is Barack Obama This Centuries Neville Chamberlain?

After listening to Barack Obama's news conference from Jordan today I must ask the question: Is Barack Obama this Centuries Neville Chamberlain? Complete with two hundred adoring journalists in tow, he has demonstrated his complete lack of national security and military tactical judgment about the "surge," about our troops and our enemies in the region much like Chamberlain in 1940.

What an insult to the brave men and women, their families and our country to state that the "surge" has worked but he would still oppose it today. The sacrifices made by these soldiers and their families demand an immediate apology. With his statement, how can any general in the field feel comfortable about this mans ability to process real world problems?

In my opinion, Obama does not want victory in Iraq or the War on Terror. He has opposed the war simply for the purpose of using it as a campaign issue against George Bush and now John McCain. Unlike John McCain, who has stated many times he would rather lose the election then lose the war, Obama simply wants to win the election.

The flawed judgment of Obama, his arrogance and his radical left wing voting record should warn every American as to the real person behind the mask that is Barack Obama. Peel back the mask and you have an individual who is incapable of free thinking or communicating without a teleprompter. What is at stake for the world and the USA is far too important then what this snake oil salesman is peddling with the help of the main stream media!

Obama to Eliminate the World's Nuclear Weapons?

I've seen some snake oil salesmen in my day, but the latest from Barack Obama has me stymied. Are there any educated, racial, thoughtful people out there that really believe that Barack Obama can eliminate the world of nuclear weapons?

I realize that there are many people who have bought into the "Change" bull feathers that Obama has been preaching, but lets get real now. This national security and foreign policy rookie wants everyone to believe that he possesses the charm and persuasiveness necessary to get Russia, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Britain and Israel to give up their nuclear arsenal. Oh, and he can convince Iran and Syria to not develop these weapons either.

The height of naivety by this rank amateur has no bounds. How can rational people believe him? There are nations in this world that want to destroy western civilization as we know it. If they can't develop nuclear weapons, they will develop biological or chemical weapons. America needs a seasoned leader who understands that diplomacy only works when it is a two way street.

All the naive good intentions in the world will not work with these despots. Look how Kim Jong-Il played Bill Clinton for a chump by obtaining a nuclear reactor that helped him develop a nuclear bomb.

In Indiana today, Obama reverted back to the Bill Clinton position that the War on Terror is really a law enforcement matter requiring new bureaucracies for intelligence gathering and law enforcement infrastructure to stop terrorists. That concept gave us Al Qaeda and September 11, 2001 if my memory serves me correct.

If this is Barack Obama's idea of national security and foreign policy, he may just receive a very cold reception from the leaders in the Middle East who have the wolves at their door steps. It just might be time for Obama to be optioned to the minor leagues to gain more experience to the real ways of world reality. Rookies!

Barack Obama's "Plan for Defeat in Iraq!"

In today's New York Time's (here) Barack Obama enlightens us with an OP - ED piece called "My Plan for Iraq." I suspect that his friends at MoveOn.org & Code Pink took Barack to the wood shed for a spanking after he stated he was going to wait until he met with the general's on the ground before finalizing his plan for Iraq. So today he unveiled his "Plan."

After reading it, I believe it is more of a "Plan for Defeat & Disaster!" I agree that I'm not Harvard educated, but I have fought in three wars starting in Vietnam in 1970 - 71, Desert Storm 1990 -91 and Operation Iraqi Freedom 2005. I think my life experiences have given me some insight into the nature of geo-political conflicts. More importantly, as a student of history, I believe Obama's plan will result in even worse death and destruction then the three million slaughtered in Southeast Asia after the Democrats forced America to cut and run from Vietnam in 1975.

As Obama has pointed out, he has been against the Iraq war from the start. Yet he has continued to vote to fund the war while he has been in the US Senate. Some would say that it is not an example of a principled stand on Obama's part. Now, when it appears that we have turned a major corner in Iraq with the success of the "surge" and we are preparing to make a major reduction of combat troops from Iraq, Obama wants to give the Army a new Iraq mission: "end this war." That should give those Iraqi's who have supported our coalition a really warm and fuzzy feeling about waking up one morning and finding they are alone against Al Qaeda, Syria, and Iran. If you really want to see this region in flames and civil war, Obama's plan is the recipe for just that catastrophe.

Obama shows his lack of military experience when he says he would have all combat brigades out of Iraq in 16 months after becoming president. The fact is combat brigades only make up 1/2 of our troops in Iraq. The rest are made up of training teams and logistical support necessary to assist the Iraqi government and their young military forces. Where are we going to reposition to be available if the Iraqi government needs our help again?

He said he would pursue a new strategy in Afghanistan by inserting two combat brigade (about 10,000 troops) there. Remember, Obama earlier this year said he would cross the border of Afghanistan to attack Al Qaeda in Pakistan. I'm not sure the Pakistan government would be too happy about that happening. The cold hard military facts are that Afghanistan couldn't be controlled by the British Empire or the Soviet Union. The best we can do is fight a counter-insurgency (special operations style) war and buy time for the Afghan government and army to build up and defend themselves. Isn't that how we have been winning in Iraq with the change of tactics called "the surge?"

Regrettably, Obama's OP - ED is terrible short on real solutions or practical ideas. I'm beginning to think that his military adviser Retired General Wesley Clark wrote it for him. Yes, we know that the intelligence for the war was flawed, so was the intel on December 7, 1941, we get it! This is just another example of Barack Obama's naivety and inexperience. The idea that he can just sit down and sing "kumbiya" and governments like Syria and Iran will play nice and open their wallets to rebuild Iraq is just plain gibberish.

We all want the war to end, especially those of us who have fought it and lost friends in the process. But don't snatch defeat from the jaws of victory just because you are beholding to radical groups that opposed this war to get out your vote.

It is obvious that Barack Obama has no national defense expertise nor does he understand what is at stake here for the world and the United States. We can't abandon our allies and we definitely shouldn't put ourselves into a position that might require us to go back into Iraq and pay for the same real-estate twice. Obama would have been far better off waiting until he spoke to the general's on the ground before announcing it is time to quit and retreat.

The Upcoming War with Iran

Sadly, there is no way to avoid a war with Iran. Every diplomatic effort has failed to stop Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. However, the United States will not be the aggressor in this war. Here is how I see it unfolding.

Iran's leadership has stated that as a national policy they want to destroy Israel. Much like the 1930's the free world has dismissed those comments as only saber rattling. Unfortunately they said the same thing about Hitler and it cost 60 million lives in World War II, including 6 million Jews. This time one nation is taken the rhetoric of Iran seriously, Israel.

I believe as many do that Israel will launch a preemptive strike at Iran, possible before our November elections to attempt to destroy as much of Iran's nuclear facilities, long range missile capability, and lone oil refinery. Iran will claim that Israel acted with the help of the USA. Iran will counter with missile strikes against Israel targeting populated areas and Israel's nuclear power station. Some of these missiles may have chemical warheads. Iran will also unleash their surrogate army's of Hezbollah and Hamas to attack the Israel borders with short range missiles and armed fighters. More then likely these organizations will also begin targeting US interests, escalating the conflict. Iran will also have their surrogate Shiite Madi Army in Iraq launch attacks against the US military forces there.

Iran will, as they have threatened, attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Nearly one half of all the worlds oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. This action will likely be seen as an act of war since the Strait of Hormuz is considered international waters.

As you can see, America will be forced to defend our interests one way or another. Israel will not be able to fly 100 aircraft the 900 miles necessary to attack Iran without over flying Iraq with US knowledge and approval. Could Israel be successful in destroying Iran's nuclear program? No, but they could set Iran's nuclear program back another five or ten years with the hope that the Iranian people overthrow their oppressive leaders. Frankly, I don't see the Iranian people capable of overthrowing their government since all the guns are in the hands of the Iranian military who answers to the religious leadership.

Why attack before the US elections? That would force Obama and McCain both to side with Israel for the sake of the US Jewish vote. Why not a joint US and Israel attack on Iran? The US Congress would never accept it, nor would they keep an attack secret. That would require the Bush Administration to launch the attack without the approval of Congress. I don't believe George Bush would be willing to do that.

So there it is. We get sucked in no matter what we do. Oh, if you think gas prices are high now, if you think the economy is in dire straits, just wait. Sometimes there are no easy answers to complex problems. Welcome between a rock and a hard space!

What? Me Worry? Says Obama!

Newsmax has an interesting post on terrorists "actively" (here) seeking nuclear weapons.

It seems to me that it was only a few weeks ago that Barack Obama was telling us we didn't have to fear "little nations" like Iran and North Korea. How dumb can you be? If a nuclear bomb goes off in New York City of Washington DC, does it matter at all that it was sold to a terrorist group like Al Qaeda by someone like Iran? No, you are just as dead. That is why we must stay on the offensive and stop these killers before they strike again. This is "War" not a legal criminal habeas court action.

Obama's logic reminds me of cartoon character Alfred E. Neuman from the 1950's Mad Magazine saying, "What? Me Worry?" Ya, that is "Change" alright!

It's Just A Tiny Country............

It's just a tiny country.......... No threat to a super power!

It's just a tiny country.......... It's people are strange and different!

It's just a tiny country.......... We misunderstand their religion!

It's just a tiny country.......... It's little leader doesn't mean what he says!

It's just a tiny country.......... They really don't want to kill the Jews!

It's just a tiny country.......... They'll listen to reason if we just talk with them!

It's just a tiny country.......... Let them build their weapons and military!

It's just a tiny country.......... Their 70 million people don't threaten us!

It's just a tiny country.......... There is no proof that they will attack us!

It's just a tiny country.......... We are too busy in other areas to care!

It's just a tiny country.......... They want peace, just like us!

It's just a tiny country! Yes, you are right Mr. Obama, it is just a tiny country after all. But I wasn't writing about Iran, I was referencing 1939 Germany. People said all those things about Hitler back then. By not stopping him in 1939, he unleashed World War II on the world. Yes, a tiny 70 million population country, the size of Ohio, the population of Iran, started a bloody war that took the lives of over 60 million before it was over.

There are many occasions where history has repeated itself. We are quickly moving in that direction once again. Great nations and great leaders understand that appeasement will not work with those who's hate and lust for power exceeds the realm of reason.

Iran's quest for nuclear weapons, long range missiles and thirst for regional domination sends a clear signal to who ever wins the Presidency this year. Iran is a problem that grows each day and like a festering boil it will swell until it is lanced. Yes, it's just a tiny country indeed!

The Case is Building Against Iran

Over the last three weeks the Bush Administration has began providing the public with more and more evidence of Iran's intervention in Iraq. Iran has long been the world leader in state sponsored terrorism. With the use of proxy militia's like Hezbollah or with direct involvement by their Islamic Revolutionary Guards Command Quds Forces, Iran seems emboldened to flex their terrorist message. Especially now that the price of oil has climbed beyond the $100 a barrel level and fears of possible interruption of the transport from the Persian Gulf are increasingly real.

Additional concerns are growing with Western political powers since last Sunday's declaration by Iran's supreme religious leaders, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, renouncing any compromise over Iran's nuclear program. More economic sanctions may be on the way, not that they have worked in the past. Many Western intelligence agencies are now openly stating that Iran may have a nuclear bomb capability within one years time. This is causing great concern since Iran's long range missile program has developed missiles that can range Israel and most major European cities. A war weary America has become very skeptical of intelligence, both foreign or domestic, and it has weakened our resolve to act in a preemptive manner.

Recent capture and interrogation of Iraq Shiite militants and Iranian Quds members returning from Iranian terrorist training camps near Tehran has proved the increased involvement of Lebanese Hezbollah groups and Quds forces to train and produce "master" trainers. These master trainers are instructed in sniper training and employment. How to fire mortar and rockets at US compounds. And finally how to assemble and emplace as road side bombs, IED's (Improvised Explosive Devises) and the more deadly EFP's (Explosively Formed Penetrators). At the end of their training they return to Iraq and train addition militants using these techniques and weapons to attack American and Coalition forces.

It appears that while Tehran has "guaranteed" the Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki that they are not arming, training or aiding Shiite militias in Iraq, the opposite is the case. Last month after al-Maliki sent forces into Basra to clean out militia and criminal gangs, they discovered large quantities of recently manufactured Iranian weapons and munitions. Some of the Iranian weapons caches had 2008 production makings.

Efforts by the United Nations and Western allies have failed to deter the Iranian government. Moderate political change is all but non existent in Iran at this stage. Our options for diplomacy are beginning to run out while the rhetoric from Iran against the United States and Israel have become more threatening. Even Hillary Clinton has warned that any nuclear attack on Israel would be met with nuclear retaliation.

It appears that the day of reckoning with Iran may come before a new administration is installed in Washington DC proving the longer you allow a problem to go unresolved the worse the problem can become.

UPDATE #1, May 8, 2008 Here is the latest threat from Iraq to Israel. (here) Please remember, many tried to dismiss Hitler's comments as not being serious.