The Democrats Officially Own Iran Getting the Bomb

Iran will get a nuclear bomb. Its just a matter of time. Some say in as little as 3 years, and others believing up to 10. At that time, President Obama and the Democrats will be forced to own that fact.

Last week, Harry Reid gained just enough votes to procedurally avoid the embarrassment of the President having to veto a Senate "no vote" on the Iran deal.  Following that, all the House Republicans and only 25 Democrats won a symbolic vote that disapproved of the Obama led deal.  Whether or not he ever saw a dissenting vote from both Houses of Congress, the President will still be politically responsible for Iran getting the bomb.

This will definitely be a problem for the Democrats in 2016.  A recent CNN/ORC poll showed that 59% of those polled disapprove of the President's negotiations with Iran.  Thus, by proxy, those Democrats who voted to "not" go against the President share in the nation's dissatisfaction with the so-called "deal".

Once again, politics trumps what is good for the nation and what is good for our only real ally in the Middle East: Israel.

References:

Senate Democrats protect Obama on Iran vote: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/10/politics/iran-nuclear-deal-vote-congress/

House goes on record against Iran nuclear deal, in symbolic vote: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/11/house-defeats-measure-approving-iran-deal-in-symbolic-vote/

Poll: Americans skeptical Iran will stick to nuclear deal: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/13/politics/iran-nuclear-deal-poll/

The Arms Race Begins In The Middle East

Following the Iran nuke deal, President Obama said "This deal demonstrates that American diplomacy can bring about real and meaningful change, change that makes our country and the world safer and more secure...no deal means the chance of more war in the Middle East".

Well, if that was true, why is Obama now providing $3 billion in military aid to Israel and preparing to provide a missile defense system to Saudi Arabia; and perhaps others in the region?  At the same time Russia has inked a deal with Iran to provide them with a missile defense system.

These two actions by the U.S. and Russia show that war is being assumed as a potential reality.  This isn't peace.  I would suspect its only a matter of time before Saudis move to get their own nukes and their own ballistic missiles in order to have retaliatory capability against Iran. Others in the Middle East are sure to follow.  Also, it has long been known that Israel already has nukes.  Will they now build or buy their own ballistic missiles?  Expect everyone in the neighborhood to beef up their armies and conventional weapons capabilities.

The world is now...safer? More secure?

References:

Iran Nuclear Deal: President Obama Says Deal Makes World 'Safer and More Secure': http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/iran-nuclear-talks/iran-nuclear-deal-president-obama-deliver-statement-historic-accord-n391646

U.S. to help Arab states to develop ballistic missile defense capability: http://missilethreat.com/u-s-to-help-arab-states-to-develop-ballistic-missile-defense-capability/

Russia Confirms Sale of S-300 Missile Systems To Iran: http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/europe/2015/05/26/russia-confirms-sale-missile-systems-iran/27970269/

Saudi Arabia considers its own nuclear options after Iran deal: http://news.yahoo.com/saudi-arabia-considers-own-nuclear-options-iran-deal-131228648.html

Nuclear weapons and Israel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapons_and_Israel

Iran Nuclear Pact Could Spark Buildup Of Conventional Weapons: http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/07/15/423101307/iran-nuclear-pact-could-spark-buildup-of-conventional-weapons 

"SnapBack" Sanctions: The Fatal Flaw In The Iran Nuke Deal

Once the deal is officially sanctioned by the U.N., U.S, European, and U.N. sanctions -- other than those imposed on the importation of conventional weapons and ballistic missile parts - will be lifted, in stages over 6 months, in return for good behavior.  As a result, Iran will have access to $100 billion in frozen assets in Europe and the United States and can start exporting an estimated $40-50 billion in oil per year.  In addition, there are numerous, less-sexy, sanctions that will also be lifted.  Of course, the deal also insures that there is the possibility of the re-institution of sanctions (referred to as snapbacks); should Iran violate any of its agreed upon restrictions over the next 15 years.  Sanctions that have been severely hurting Iran's economy.

Now, here's the flaw.

According to an excellent article written by Robert Satloff for the "The Washington Institute for Near East Policy" (link below), the snapback of sanctions is not applicable to any existing state-to-state or private international trading contracts that are in effect at the time when snapback's are to be applied.  Thus Iran will be able to repatriate those $100 billion in assets and protect them.  Or, it could set up very long term contracts with entities outside of its borders for the management of those assets and they would, under the deal, also be protected.  The same with oil.  They could set up 30-year deals with countries to buy their oil.  Thus, again, sidestepping snapback sanctions.  So, in effect, the snapback clause of this agreement gives Iran a means of avoiding future sanctions by merely setting up contracts that are long enough in their terms to allow it to resume its nuke program and bring it to fruition.

Any remaining snapbacks will also fail because the deal requires a unanimous vote in the United Nations Security Council to reinstate sanctions.  This is another problem.  Two permanent members of the Security Council, Russia and China, are very friendly with Iran -- they have already created a military pact with each other to fight Western sanctions -- and they are not necessarily friends with either the U.S. or Europe.  It only takes one of those two countries to use their veto power and sanctions won't be reimposed.  A fact that Iran has probably been counting on throughout the negotiation process.

If I'm right, my guess is that Iran will have protected itself against the snapback of most, if not all, sanctions in as little as two years.  At least the major ones.  At that point, they will be free to violate the deal and resume their nuke program with more money than they had before.  Money that will only accelerate their bomb making capabilities and, per the deal, there is nothing  Europe and the U.S. can legally do about it.

References:

Robert Satloff: What's Really Wrong with the Iran Nuclear Deal: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/whats-really-wrong-with-the-iran-nuclear-deal

Before the economic sanctions are lifted, the IAEA will have to confirm that Iran has fulfilled certain technical steps and reported them to the UN Security Council: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.665945

Iran deal announced, gets over $100 billion in sanctioned assets: http://hotair.com/archives/2015/07/14/iran-deal-announced-gets-over-100-billion-in-sanctioned-assets/

Iran nuclear deal: world powers reach historic agreement to lift sanctions: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/14/iran-nuclear-programme-world-powers-historic-deal-lift-sanctions

Members of United Nations Security Council: http://www.un.org/en/sc/members/

Iran-Russia-China Axis to Fight Western Sanctions: http://www.globalresearch.ca/iran-russia-china-axis-to-fight-western-sanctions/5400429

Why I know the Iran Deal is a Bad Deal

Because Obama says it's a good deal.

How can anyone trust someone who lies incessantly to the American people: http://www.politifact.com/personalities/barack-obama/statements/byruling/false/

The Complete Failure of the Obama Doctrine

On the Sunday following President Obama's announced nuke deal with Iran, Thomas Friedman -- liberal op-ed columnist  and pseudo intellectual for the New York Times -- sat down with the President to discuss the deal.  As part of the interview, Friedman gave props to  Obama for "knocking down walls" that have existed for years in the countries of Burma, Cuba, and now, Iran.  Friedman called the President's actions towards these countries the "Obama Doctrine" which is to engage rather than isolate adversaries with sanctions.  The only problem with this so-called Doctrine is that it is inconsistently applied.

For, example, the President claimed sanctions haven't worked for 60 years in dealing with Cuba.  They also haven't deterred Iran from becoming a nuclear weapon state.  Yet, we still apply sanctions against North Korea, and most recently, Obama applied sanctions against Russia over Crimea and the Ukraine.  If sanctions don't work, why apply them to Russia, and why keep them against more than two dozen other countries?

Then, there's the inconsistencies against Libya, Syria, the Ukraine, and Crimea.  In Libya, we led from behind by forming a coalition to overthrow Gaddafi.  And, Gaddafi was overthrown.  But, in the case of Syria, we did nothing to help the free-Syria rebels oust the tyrant Bashar al-Assad.  Similarly, in the case of Crimea and the Ukraine, we did nothing to assist those who were fighting the Russian-backed rebels.

Also, where there has been engagement, how has that worked?

Engagement with Russia obviously didn't work.   In 2009, Obama (vis-a-vis Hillary Clinton) "reset" relations with Russia.  We even sweetened the relationship by scraping our European missile defense system that had been seen as a threat to Russia's ability to launch an attack on Europe.  So, what did all this "honey" buy us.  Nothing.  Russia has used our less-aggressive green light to retake Crimea and, eventually, all of the Ukraine. Then, too, Russia has been busy hacking our White House and State Department computers. Things between our two countries haven't been this cold since the war.  And, now, Russia is out to protect Iran from any attack over it's nuke program, by installing a sophisticated ground-to-air missile defense system.

In Libya, we and our coalition overthrew Gaddafi, but, since then we've had to high-tail-it out of the country because the people we freed weren't really our friends.  Then, in Egypt, Obama backed the Muslim Brotherhood.  Unfortunately, the entire country didn't and the Muslim Brotherhood officials that won elections were ousted by a military coup to protect the nation.  It seems like the Obama Doctrine is all about betting on the wrong horse.

Given the past spoiled fruits of the Obama Doctrine, it is hard to believe that our relationship with Cuba and Iran will turn out any better. Already, Cuba is demanding (not asking) for the return of Guantanamo Bay and financial reparations for the last 60 years of sanctions. The "or else" on that demand is anyone's guess.  Then, too, besides just recently calling for "Death to America", the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran is demanding immediate removal of all U.N. sanctions or their is no deal.  So, now, the Obama Doctrine might be faced with "no engagement" on that one. At the same time, while we are feeding the hand of Iran over a nuke deal, they are busily overthrowing any remnants of the government of Yemen which the President claimed was our best ally against radical Islam.

Essentially, in the wake of the Obama Doctrine, there has been nothing but failure after failure.  The fact that the Middle East is on the precipice of an all-out Shia versus Sunni war is an example of how a carrot-only-without-a-stick philosophy is not only wrong but just plain stupid.  However, media types on the left like Friedman just can't see it.  Simply, the world will not be a better place until Obama and the Obama Doctrine leave the world stage in 2016.

References:

Friedman:  Iran and the Obama Doctrine: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/06/opinion/thomas-friedman-the-obama-doctrine-and-iran-interview.html

Obama Doctrine: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know: http://heavy.com/news/2015/04/obama-foreign-policy-doctrine-iran-nuclear-agreement-deal-change-interview-thomas-friedman-new-york-times-video/

U.S. Sanctions Programs: http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/Programs.aspx

How the Russian 'Reset' Explains Obama's Foreign Policy: http://foreignpolicy.com/2012/10/16/how-the-russian-reset-explains-obamas-foreign-policy/

Obama scraps Bush missile-defense plan - ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/obama-scraps-bush-missile-defense-plan/story?id=8604357

White House hacking reports highlight digital cold war between US, Russia: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/2015/0410/White-House-hacking-reports-highlight-digital-cold-war-between-US-Russia

Russia to supply Iran with missile defence system: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/russia-supply-iran-sophisticated-air-defence-system-150413180038692.html

US shuts down Tripoli embassy and evacuates staff in Libya: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/us-closes-down-embassy-and-evacuates-staff-in-libyas-capital-tripoli-9630561.html

New York Times:  Working With the Muslim Brotherhood: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/23/opinion/roger-cohen-working-with-the-muslim-brotherhood.html

Army Ousts Egypt's President; Morsi Is Taken Into Military Custody: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/04/world/middleeast/egypt.html

Obama Tonight: Yemen and Somalia Are Models of Success: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-tonight-yemen-and-somalia-are-models-success_804728.html

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Why the Saudis Fear ISIS and Iran

To most people, Saudi Arabia represents a wealthy country based on decades of being the world's leader in the extraction of oil.  But, within the religion of Islam, they have something of much greater value than oil. Saudi Arabia is home to the most holy cities of Mecca and Medina.   Mecca is where the Prophet Mohammed was born and began writing the Qur'an. It is the responsibility of every Muslim to make a pilgrimage to this holiest of places within their lifetime.  Medina is where the Prophet is buried and was, when he was alive, the capital of the Muslim empire.

So, if you are ISIS and want to create a true Islamic State or Caliphate, it must include Mecca and Medina.  Also, Iran believes in the coming of the 12th and final Imam and, as such, Shia and Sunni Muslims must be unified under Shia rule.  This is why Iran is actively supporting a Shia takeover in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Libya.   And, for sure, and at some point, Iran will set their sights on Sunni Saudi Arabia and Jordan; a goal that is only solidified if Iran has nuclear weapons because having the bomb insulates them from attacks by stronger Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia.  Also, understand that Iran having control of Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Libya is, in a way, attempting to surround both Sunni countries of Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

The Saudis clearly understand this threat.  Currently, they are building an extremely fortified  600-mile wall along the Iraq border to protect themselves from an ISIS invasion.  A similar wall is being built  along the Yemeni border to shield themselves from a possible Houthis Shia invasion from Yemen.   It is also the reason that Saudi Arabia has created a coalition of 10 countries to restore Sunni control of Yemen and beat back the Shia Houthis.

At issue, now, is whether or not that same coalition will eventually turn on Iran in an attempt to keep them from ever getting the bomb.  In fact, Obama's nuke deal may have just solidified that very possibility.  But, even if the Saudis don't lead a war against Iran, there is a very real possibility that the  President's deal will create a rush of Sunni countries, lead by Saudi Arabia, to have their own nuclear weapons as a matter of self defense.

Simply, there has never been a worse time for peace in the Middle East because the United States has created a vacuum for ISIS and Iran to walk all over Sunni countries in the region.  It is possible that in less than two years, an all out Middle East war could ensue, or as rumored, the Saudis may allow Israel access to their airspace to launch a defensive attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.   A fact that previously would have never been possible had Iran not been given a pathway to the bomb under the current nuke deal.

References:

Medina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medina

Mecca: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca

Caliphate: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliphate

Criticism of Twelver Shia Islam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Twelver_Shia_Islam

Iran Now Controls Four Middle Eastern Capitals: https://www.thetrumpet.com/article/12414.18.0.0/united-states/iran-now-controls-four-middle-eastern-capitals

Saudi Arabia Builds Iraq Border Wall To Protect Against ISIS:  http://www.npr.org/2015/01/20/378660034/saudi-arabia-builds-iraq-border-wall-to-protect-against-isis

Saudi Arabia builds giant Yemen border fence - BBC News: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-22086231

Saudi Arabia to allow Israel use of its airspace to strike Iran: http://rt.com/news/235923-saudis-airspace-israel-iran/

Sudanese army says ground troops to join Saudi-led coalition in Yemen: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article54415

Turkey-Pakistan reaffirm support for Saudi Arabia: http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/157367/turkeys-domestic-security-law-enters-into-force

Obama: “Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch”

How did we go from Iran never getting a bomb, to Iran not getting one during the last 18 months of Obama's Presidency?  That's basically what the President told the New York Times when he said this is a "once-in-lifetime opportunity" and that “Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch”.  Who's lifetime is he talking about?  The shortened Israeli's lives that might end after Iran nukes Israel in the days or months after Obama leaves office?  In 2012, he made it crystal clear that he would stop Iran from ever getting a nuclear weapon.  Of course, 2012 was an election year and now he's never going to run for office again.

These words clearly show that Obama lied in 2012, and they clearly prove that he doesn't have Israel's back or, for that matter, the world's back with this pending Iran nuke deal.

References:

2012: Obama's Crystal-Clear Promise to Stop Iran From Getting a Nuclear Weapon:  http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/10/obamas-crystal-clear-promise-to-stop-iran-from-getting-a-nuclear-weapon/262951/

 Obama: Iran Deal ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Chance:  http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-iran-nuclear-agreement-a-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity/2708079.html

Like It or Not, Obama's Nuke Deal Will Give Iran the Bomb and Worse..

In order to have an effective nuclear weapons program there needs to be three elements.

First, the program must be capable of producing 90% uranium isotope U-235 in large enough quantities to build a bomb by using gas centrifuges.  Or, be capable of producing the platinum isotope PU-239 by operating a heavy water nuclear reactor.

Second, the program must include the development of a detonation device that is compact enough and limited in its weight to be put atop a ballistic missile. 

Third, the program must create a viable delivery system such as a ballistic missile.

In the case of Iran's nuke program, we know they can enrich uranium to 20% U-235 because they have already done so.  Many experts believe that given the current number of centrifuges, they could breakout to weapons grade U-235 in just two to three months if left to continue producing large quantities of 20% U-235.  Also, they are building a heavy water reactor in Arak that is quite capable of producing weapons grade PU-239.  Additionally, Iran has an active ballistic missile program.  Whether or not any of those currently developed missiles are capable of carrying a nuclear warhead is anyone's guess since that program is highly secretive.  Some, who have looked at satellite images of the launch site, believe the missiles are too lightweight to actually carry a bomb.  But, what is known, is that their latest missile has a long enough range to hit Europe.

That brings us to the detonation device.  It has long been suspected that Iran has already built and tested a nuclear detonation device at its Parchin military complex.  This is probably true since, to date, they refuse to allow UN weapons inspectors any access to the Parchin site.

Throughout the negotiation process, the sole focus has been on Iran's enrichment program; leaving them  free to keep developing improved missile delivery systems and detonation devices.  In terms of enrichment, the currently known "deal" would allow them to continue to enrich uranium to the 5% level. Existing 20% material would have to be either chemically neutralized or exported to an existing nuclear country.  Of course, if that is Russia, there's no guarantee that Russia, sometime in the future, couldn't just ship that material right back to Iran without the world knowing.  Especially, if trading sanctions are lifted.  Also, the neutralization of the 20% U-235 is reversible.  There may also be down-scaling of the Arak reactor site to slow the production of PU-239.

The bottom line is that the final agreement will only slow Iran's bomb making program; and, only that part of it that is related to enrichment.  No way will it dismantle it.  The Obama Administration has already admitted that the intent of the agreement is to extend the 2 to 3 month breakout time for enrichment to weapons grade material to a one year time frame. So, essentially, the President is saying that Iran can have its bomb in the future.  It just might take a little longer. A fact that won't sit well with either Israel or their neighbors in the region that see Iran as a threat, such as Saudi Arabia.  This, then, may leave them and others with no other choice but to build themselves a bomb as a deterrent to Iran's possible threats.

If a nuclear arms race develops in the Middle East, it will definitely sour Obama's legacy of having achieved a deal with Iran.  Think about it.  A nuclear arms race in the most unstable and war-prone part of the world.  That will be President Obama's real legacy.

References:

Fact Sheet: Iran's Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Programs: http://armscontrolcenter.org/publications/factsheets/fact_sheet_irans_nuclear_and_ballistic_missile_programs/

AP Exclusive: Draft agreement cuts Iran's nuclear hardware [extends breakout time to one year]: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4c7ad2158ed944579dc1e7ed6c550899/ap-exclusive-iran-limited-6k-centrifuges-draft-accord

Iran signs agreement with IAEA to allow broader inspections of nuclear sites [but not Parchin and other sensitive military sites]: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/irans-signs-agreement-with-iaea-to-allow-broader-inspections-of-nuclear-sites/2013/11/11/fef81002-4ad5-11e3-ac54-aa84301ced81_story.html

Prince Hints Saudi Arabia May Join Nuclear Arms Race: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-may-seek-nuclear-weapons-prince-says.html

Bolton: Middle East Nuclear Arms Race Is Already Underway: http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/03/17/bolton-middle-east-nuclear-arms-race-already-underway

Taqiyya (Lying) and Why Iran Can't Be Trusted on Anything

President Obama mistakenly seems to think that we can "honestly" come to an agreement with Iran in order to minimize their nuclear bomb ambitions.  What he fails to understand is that the Prophet Muhammad preached that taqiyya (lying) is moral and good when dealing with an enemy such as the United States.  Here are the Prophet's own words in support of lying:

"Lying is wrong, except in three things: the lie of a man to his wife to make her content with him; a lie to an enemy, for war is deception; or a lie to settle trouble between people (Ahmad, 6.459. H)"

This is why, for decades now, Iran has done nothing but lie to us about their nuclear program.  Consistently, they have told us that it is for the peaceful use of producing electricity and in aiding medical treatment. They have signed several agreements while denying their nuclear weapons program.  And, there is no reason to believe they aren't lying to us now in our current round of negotiations.

References:

Taqiyya: http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Taqiyya

Iran Nuclear Program: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_program_of_Iran

Iranian Embassy Webpage: About Iran's Peaceful Nuclear Activities: http://iranembassy.no/en/6.htm

Do You Really Think Iran Didn't Know Of Objections To Nuke Deal Until The Cotton Letter?

OK.  Republican Tom Cotton and 46 other Republican Senators addressed an open letter to Iran advising them that -- without two-thirds Senate approval (ratification) -- any agreement or treaty between Iran and the U.S. on a nuke deal would be worthless. For that, Cotton has been vilified in the press and by Democrats for trying to undermine supposed sensitive negotiations with Iran's Ayatollah.  Some are even arguing that Cotton has committed treason under the Logan Act which bans "private" negotiations with foreign governments.  I hardly think an "open letter" to Iran is somehow private.

All this hysteria over Cotton's letter is ridiculous.  Iran probably knows everything that is being said about their nuke deal because of the Internet.  I'm quite sure that they -- like most every country -- has a cadre of tech-savvy personnel whose only duty is to scour the Internet for anything pertaining to their country and, for sure, those nuclear negotiations.  They most likely even watch Fox News all day in order to get the latest anti-Iran tidbits.  Also, may even tune into MSNBC to get some feel-good moments from the political left.

The Democrats and the Obama Administration are fools if they think that a "schooling" of our Constitution is going to sink the negotiations with Iran.  The one thing that Iran knows is that America is an open book with few secrets; especially when it comes to politics.  Just the opposite of their society where truth hardly exists.  Lying is a fact of everyday life in Iran (see reference below).

References:

Obama White House steps up pressure on Republicans over Iran: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2015-03-15-US--United%20States-Iran/id-d8f90c903e034c3c9f12264ec793f1b3

Tom Cotton's unpatriotic forefathers: Treasonous Iran letter not the first time GOP has crossed the line: http://www.salon.com/2015/03/15/tom_cottons_unpatriotic_forefathers_treasonous_iran_letter_not_the_first_time_gop_has_crossed_the_line/

Republicans Are Worried That Treasonous Tom Cotton's Letter: http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/10/republicans-worried-treasonous-tom-cottons-iran-letter-backfiring.html

Why Tom Cotton’s Letter Did Not Violate the Logan Act: http://dailysignal.com/2015/03/12/why-tom-cottons-letter-did-not-violate-the-logan-act/

How Does the United States Ratify Treaties?: http://www.childrightscampaign.org/why-ratify/how-does-the-united-states-ratify-treaties

"To Live in Tehran You Have to Lie": Revealing Hidden Lives in Iran: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/09/140907-ramita-navai-tehran-iran-ayatollah-khomeini-booktalk/

The Cuba Deal: Another One of Obama's One-Sided Negotiations

In March 2009, shortly after taking office, President Obama told Iran:

"if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us"

Despite the fact that Iran has never unclenched its fist by continuing its nuclear weapons program; and, by continuing the development of long range missiles; and by continuing to undermine infant democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan by arming anti-government rebels; we stupidly, and one-sidedly, extended our hand by removing sanctions against them.  Even though the removal of such sanctions has produced  zero slowdown in their nuclear weapon ambitions. 

Then there was our "reset" with Russia in 2009 and our one-sided gifts to Putin such as agreeing not to put missile defense systems in Europe.  Where did that get us?  Relations with Russia are now almost as cold as they were throughout the Cold War.

Also, Obama announced a climate change deal with China in 2014.  This, too, was another one-sided effort where we specifically set targets, while China, somewhat, agreed to goals.  Goals with holes wide enough to drive a train through.  In fact, the Chinese have declared that their carbon emission reduction programs under this agreement will not be subject to any measurable scrutiny.  In other words, just believe us when we say we are meeting goals.

So, now, we learn about another one-sided deal.  This time with Cuba.

In exchange for one American held in Cuba for 5 years, we gave up 3 highly-valued, convicted Cuban spies.  We agreed to open an Embassy in Cuba.  We will review dropping the U.S. label of Cuba as a  state sponsor of terrorism, and there will be an easing of economic sanctions and a removal of a 54-year embargo on Cuban products such as cigars.

So, what did we get in exchange?

Nothing. No promises of better treatment of the Cuban people. No promise for democracy. No freedom of press or expression. No lifting of travel restrictions on Cubans wanting to visit the U.S. and, no agreement to stop international sponsorship of terrorism. Nothing!

Once again, Present Obama has proven to be a failed negotiator.  He can't negotiate with Congress and certainly can't negotiate with our international enemies.  Instead, he's more like a game show host who won't just give you what's behind door number three, he'll throw in 1 and 2 as well.

What's really interesting about Cuba is that they have maintained a cozy relationship with both Russia and Iran.  The two other countries that Obama showered with gifts and got nothing in return.

One last thing. Obama claims that we need to normalize relations with Cuba because 54 years of isolation hasn't worked.  Really?  What about nearly 70 years of isolation with North Korea?  Are we now expected to normalize relations with them just because the clock ran out? By the way. Cuba is also a close trading partner with North Korea.  It is surprising that a President who uses sanctions against Russia now admits sanctions haven't worked against Cuba.  They obviously haven't worked against North Korea either.  Then, why ever use them?

References:

Obama offers Iran 'new beginning': http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7954211.stm

United States Has Been Secretly Lifting Iranian Sanctions: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/11/08/very-bad-deal-israeli-pm-netanyahu-lashes-out-over-wests-possible-nuke-deal-with-iran/

Obama Lifts Sanctions, Iranians Win, Regime Loses: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamal-abdi/obama-iran-sanctions_b_3358930.html

Iran nuclear talks extended to 2015 after failure at Vienna: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/24/iran-nuclear-talks-likely-extended-vienna

Obama Administration Caves to Putin on Missile Shield:   http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/obama-missile-shield-russia/2013/03/17/id/495084/

Obama's One-Sided "Reset" With Russia | RealClearPolitics: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/05/14/obamas_one-sided_reset_with_russia_118387.html

Obama's Epic Climate Change Deal With China Falls Apart: http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/120814-729590-obama-taken-by-chinas-president-xi-jinping-in-signing-phony-climate-deal.htm

Obama hails 'new chapter' in US-Cuba ties: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30516740

Obama: Isolating Cuba hasn't worked: http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/17/politics/obama-cuba-castro-relations/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Cuba–Iran relations - Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba%E2%80%93Iran_relations

Cuba-Russia relations - Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba%E2%80%93Russia_relations

Cuban relations with North Korea - The Economist: http://www.economist.com/blogs/americasview/2013/12/cuban-relations-north-korea 

China–Cuba relations: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Cuba_relations

Obama's Weak-Handedness In Foreign Policy Has Gotten Us Nowhere

When Obama took office he extended his hand to Iran under the assumption that they were only negatively responding to the heavy-handedness of the Bush Administration.  Now, more than 3 years later, Iran is still as much an antagonist as they were during the Bush presidency.  As result, our pussy-cat role towards them has been abandoned and Obama has had to, once again, resort to those same heavy-handed measures of the prior Administration.

Then, there's Russia.  We supposedly "reset" our relationship with that former Cold War foe.  In essence, we said we'd play nice and, in return, Obama expected Russia to be our "BFF".  But, friendship was nowhere to be found.  They haven't played nice on missile defense; even threatening to launch air strikes against any  system we would deploy in Europe.  Then, too, they've attempted to block us on every move against Iran and its nuclear program.  They fought us, too, on our move to support Libyan rebels and dethrone Gaddafi.  And, now, we find out that Russia is providing helicopters to Syria and Assad to trample the rebel, democracy uprising.

When Egypt successfully forced Hosni Mubarak to step down, Obama called it "a beginning" for democracy.  Well, in the year that has passed since then, Egyptians have voted for the anti-Israel Muslim Brotherhood and, then, just recently, the military conducted a coup, of sorts, by dissolving the current parliament and by putting themselves back in charge.  So much for that "beginning".

Israel has suffered greatly under Obama.  That tiny state is now as close to serious war as it has ever been.  If Iran successfully develops a nuke, Israel realizes it could be in serious trouble.  As a result, they may be forced to take a preemptive strike against Iran.  The once-friendly Egypt is looking more like a hostile Islamic neighbor.  The U.N. and President Obama's support of the Palestinians and a Palestinian state, is creating an extremely awkward relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

And, let's not forget North Korea.  Upon taking office, the President had all but declared six-party talks with North Korea a failure.  Instead, he decided to reinstate the previously failed bilateral talks between North Korea and the U.S.  Obama, once again, felt this up-close and personal negotiations would work with his guiding hand. Now, three years later, North Korea is still a nuclear power and, over time, has now developed nuclear delivery systems that could threaten the United States.

Lastly, there's that elephant in the room -- China, and a near trillion dollars in debt that we owe to that country.  The president-elect Obama promised change with China.  Change that would include better trade relations; China's support in negotiating with North Korea; freer human rights for all Chinese people; support of global warming initiatives; and, most importantly, convincing them to allow its currency to "float" in international trading so that U.S. products would be less expensive in China.  Of course, in typical fashion, China balked on these issues.  The once confident Obama seems as helpless as Bush when it comes to that country. 

When I see polling that gives the President high marks for foreign policy, I just have to laugh.  Things are no better today than they were under Bush.  If anything, foreign relations have only suffered. They've suffered because by Obama looks weak; and, no one ever wins in negotiations by looking weak.

My Take On Iran's Threat To Close The Strait Of Hormuz

Simple, Legal Ways The Rich (or Anyone Else) Pay Lower Taxes

Amid all the current "tax the rich" debates, most Americans don't seem to understand how the rich are able to pay lower tax rates. They are able to do so because our tax laws are written to "encourage" them to do so. Here's some of the simple ways they lower their tax burden and how many middle class Americans can save money on their own tax bills:

1. Tax Free Municipal Bonds and Bond Funds. When a community or state wants to build new roads, schools, or perform other expensive building activities, it often spreads the cost of those projects over a period of 30 years by selling debt instruments known as Municipal bonds (aka: Muni's). In order to encourage investors to buy these bonds and, at the same time, keep the payable interest rates low for the states and communities issuing them, the Federal tax laws allow interest income from these bonds to be free of any Federal taxation. Depending on a person's tax status and level of risk aversion, this can be a very effective means to avoid Federal taxes.

2. Charitable Contributions. Generally, speaking, a person can deduct charitable contributions to up to 50% of their adjusted gross income as long as other 20% and 30% deduction rules are adhered to. In other words, if properly done, charitable contributions can lower someone's tax rate by as much as 50%. Actually, more if the the charitable contribution pushes someone into a lower tax bracket. Again, these allowable deductions are intentional to spur charitable giving to help fellow citizens who are less fortunate.

3. Capital Gains and Losses. For the purpose of tax laws, certain buy/sell activities are defined as capital gains or capital losses. Typically, we know these activities to be the buying and selling of stocks and bonds; but other buy/sell activities are also defined as "capital" transactions. In any event, if a capital trading activity results in a net gain; the IRS will tax the entire gain at the current capital gains tax rate which is substantially lower than the normal high-income tax rates. On the other hand, if there is a loss, the taxpayer can only claim $3,000 of that loss in the current tax year and the balance must be carried forward to be applied in the next and, sometimes, succeeding tax years. Therefore, if a taxpayer has a loss or a carried over loss, his/her marginal tax rate will be lowered. The bottom line is that we have advantageous tax laws associated with capital buy/sell activities because we want Americans to invest in America's corporations.

4. Tax Deferred Income. Under the current tax laws, certain types of income are shielded from taxation. For most of us, this is contributions and income generated by Individual Retirement Accounts and other qualified tax deferred retirement accounts such as 401k's. Rich or poor, the maximum contribution that can be made to a traditional IRA is $5,000. However, coupled with some or all of the above tax saving activities, retirement funding and other tax deferred activities can help lower the overall tax rate; especially for the rich.

None of these tax saving techniques are loopholes. They were all intentionally made part of our tax laws to help America grow; build new roads and schools; aid our neediest citizens; and help most of us save for our retirement. While it is true that the rich greatly benefit from these tax deductions, it is also true that these deductions strongly help our country as a whole. Yet, our President continues to demonize the rich for having taken advantage of the very tax breaks that Congress, in the past, has always found to benefit society.

Please Note: No one should get involved with any of the above tax lowering methods without advice from a tax or investment consultant.

Idiot Diplomacy

From this:

Note: This video is only available in Spanish and just the first 17 seconds are pertinent to this blog entry. No "English version" of this video was available to show the interactions between Obama and this left-wing South American leader before the start of the actual press appearance. For some reason, that interaction was specifically not shown by our mainstream American press. I wonder why?

To this:



Apparently, Obama doesn't seem to understand who this country's real friends are. While he was yucking it up with Brazil's President Lula (top video), that same leader of Brazil, along with Turkey, were busily working closely with Iran on a nuclear exchange program that, spiced-up with some key trade agreements (Click to See Full Story: Iran seeks to boost Brazil trade as sanctions loom), would absolutely weaken any chances to impose effective sanctions on Iran to stop their pursuit of "the bomb" (the bottom video). We've just been screwed, blued, and Lula-lued over Iran. And, too, Turkey easily made us look like the world's diplomatic "turkey" over Iran.

A year and a half of holding his dumb hand out to Iran and kissing up to the left-wing, socialist behind of Lula and now this. Good going Barack! You've really got a handle on things. For sure, Iran will get their bomb now! But, maybe that's what he wanted all along. It's obvious. He had a lovely little press conference with Lula in the top video and then had no such conference with the Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, when he visited (Click to See Full Story: Binyamin Netanyahu humiliated after Barack Obama 'dumped him for dinner'). Why Obama received so much of the Jewish vote just amazes me.

A Foreign Policy In Tatters

Amid all the talk about health care over the last year, nobody seems to be worried that Obama has been allowing the Middle East situation to get totally out of hand. Iran has gained another year in its drive to get nuclear weapons. Korea is still on its path to nukes and a long range deliver via missiles. The Israel/Palestine situation is deteriorating quickly as Obama sides with Hamas and continues to publicly admonish Israel over settlements. Chavez is threatening his neighbors; especially Columbia. The Mexican border situation has exploded into bloody violence with Americans dying at the hands of the drug cartel. Russia is in bed with Iran and that relationship has only gotten stronger since the President took office.

So, where is all this respect and peace that Obama promised before taking office? I guess they went to that same black hole that jobs, the economy, and improving the deficit went.

A Non-Nuclear Iran: Obama's Fantasy

By anyone's count, Iran has zero nuclear power plants. The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant -- Iran's first -- will supposedly go online next year. It has only been under construction since 1975. (No kidding. Since 1975!)

We already know that Iran has 3 nuclear enrichment facilities at Ardakan, Natanz, and the latest one at Qom. These facilities are more than adequate to keep their new Bushehr plant in fuel for ages; along with their next power plant at Darkovin that has been under construction since 2007. By reprocessing fuel from their two existing power plants, they could easily provide fuel for any other new plants that may come on line in the next two decades. However, at the end of November, Iran announced that it will be building 10 new nuclear enrichment facilities (Click to See Full Story: "Iranian government announces building of 10 uranium enrichment plants").

So, I guess the obvious question becomes: Why would a country like Iran need to produce so much nuclear material if they already have enough enrichment facilities to support their current program?

Add to this the fact that they continue to pursue the development of medium and long range nuclear delivery missiles and any logical person could easily see what they're up to. Except, of course, Obama!

When is the President going to wake up to the fact that Iran is completely ignoring him? When is he going to understand that Iran has only one plan in mind? And, believe me, that plan isn't to make nice with Israel and the rest of the Middle East! Obama once told Iran that if they would unclench their fist he would extend his hand in friendship.

Well, Mr. Obama, I think you've got your "fist" answer and it is time to forget your idiotic fantasy of friendship with them. It's time to act!

Iran: Palming The Real Nuke Facility

It appears that Iran will open its doors of its supposed super-secret Qom nuclear processing facility to the U.N. atomic energy inspectors in just three weeks (Click to See Full Story: "Iran OKs inspection, moves toward cooperation with U.N.").

Since I am always the consummate pessimist, this agreement from Iran just screams of deception. My guess is that when, in 2007, an Iranian opposition group announced that Iran was building the super secret Qom facility, Iran decided to use this disclosure to it's own benefit. At that point, I am sure that Iran decided to leave Qom open, using it for some innocuous nuclear work, and, then, continue the really secret work somewhere else. Like the street hustler who palms the target card in a game of 3-card Monte, Iran is also palming its real nuke facility and making you think that Qom is the target. The fact that they are so quickly willing to open the doors on this supposedly secret facility strongly hints at this kind of intentional deceit and not a willingness to work with the West.

I think this was Iran's plan from the beginning. All, they needed was someone like Obama to call them out on that Qom facility. All along they were probably willing to open the doors and allow the inspectors to walk around; knowing full well that those inspectors will only find benign activities. Once again, this deception will make Iran look totally guiltless. Meanwhile, the real dirty work is still going strong without any scrutiny. Then, Iran can again proclaim to the world that they are just an innocent country who is trying to provide needed nuclear energy to its people; even though Iran is actually awash in oil as an energy source.

Secret Iranian Facility: Another Kabuki Dance

Like I said Friday, I, among others who carefully scour the Internet for news, have known about this not-hardly-secret secret Iranian underground nuclear facility when an Iranian opposition group notified the world of that fact in a 2007 press conference. Click to see story: Iranian Opposition Group Claims Iran Building Secret Underground Nuclear Facility.

However, in the last two days, Barack Obama has been acting like an overly talkative detective who just cracked the crime of the century. But, knowing that this facility had already existed and, now, acting like it was a completely new revelation is truly what Tom Brokaw once called the kabuki dance of politics. At the time, Brokaw was talking about the falseness of the Republican and Democratic National Convention process in nominating a presidential candidate when, in fact, the outcome was already known by virtue of the preceding state primaries. But, in the same vein, that falseness is shared in what Obama is now saying about Iran's underground nuke facility.

Personally, I think Obama is using this "kabuki" to run up his personal poll numbers. Its intention is to make him look like he's finally doing something tough on the Iranian issue after looking so weak in canceling the Eastern European missile shield.

I'm quite sure that this current tough talk on Iran is a very calculated tactic by Team Obama. However, don't be fooled by all the tough talk now. The proof will be in what happens after this. We will have to see if all this talk results in sanctions or other efforts to thwart Iran's race to nuclear success.

Either unwittingly or intentionally, Obama's revelation of this underground site may actually have legitimized Israel's need to attack and take out this and the other Iranian facility. Now, from the mouth of our President, the world has been given the evidence needed for it to accept an Israeli attack. Is this what Obama wanted? Anyway you shake it, this now-public certification of that facility just puts more pressure on Israel to act "immediately" and take matters into their own hands. In a way, it gives the U.S. the cred to act on Israel's behalf and take out that facility. However, don't bank on this President taking any such action.

I think that Friday's declaration has made things a lot more complicated and more pressure packed. I really don't know where this is all going to go. I would hope we are not now on the precipice of a Middle East war; should Israel attack Iran.

When Did He Know It and Why Didn't He Say It Then!

The fact that Iran had a secret underground nuclear enrichment facility was formally known to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as of Monday. Iran actually acknowledged it in a letter to the IAEA and, I am quite sure, that all the members of the Security Council were notified immediately. Yet, Obama went through two days, Wednesday and Thursday, at the United Nations and never once mentioned this fact. Instead, he gave his feel good speeches about nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament; as if this new data never existed.

Then, today, he uncorks that very important news at the G20 meeting; an economics forum (Click to See Full Story: "Iran Reveals Existence of Second Uranium Enrichment Plant").

What's the game being played here? You have to wonder if Obama actually hid that information during his U.N. presentations because, to reveal it then, would have ruined his pretty little speeches about deterring nuclear weapons. I personally wouldn't put that past him. He's all about the "show" and, for that information to be released a day or two ago, it would have spoiled his big U.N. appearances and subsequent praise from the member nations. Again, we see another example of the non-transparency of this supposed transparent President.

It should also point out that this "secret" nuke facility in Iran has been known about since 2007; as noted by this story: Iranian Opposition Group Claims Iran Building Secret Underground Nuclear Facility.

This just shows how naive or intentionally naive the world community has been with regard to the threat that Iran poses for both Israel and the rest of the Middle East. This Obama revelation of today was no surprise to many. Apparently, if you read the Internet, you're more informed than our own government. This whole thing with Iran and their nukes is a very dangerous game that could ultimately lead to an outright war in the Middle East.